Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Laketa Henderson, Michigan District Director, US SBA – Small Business Administration.
Hear Laketa and Jeffrey discuss the supplier matchmaking expo coming Friday, Made in America growth, Michigan manufacturing, and SBA Patriot Pitch in the SoundCloud Podcast shared below:
Recently, Brad Zaun and Jeffrey discussed the SBA Supplier Matchmaking Expo, connecting Michigan suppliers with buyers and new growth opportunities in the SoundCloud Podcast shared below:
There were several things Jeffrey wanted to find out from Laketa in this conversation:
- The SBA’s second Supplier Matchmaking Expo of the year is fast approaching – this Friday in Detroit, in fact. Remind us why the SBA is doing this and why matchmaking events are so important to the health of the American small business dream?
- The event emphasizes strengthening U.S. supply chains and “Made in America” partnerships. What opportunities does that create specifically for Michigan manufacturers and suppliers?
- Speaking of “Made in America,” our nation is celebrating Freedom 250 this year. Is the SBA doing anything special? A Patriot Pitch Competition? What is it, what can businesses win, and how can they apply?
- There are several stages of judging, but competitors have to get by the first round. What are judges looking for from the first-round contestants that will move them on to the “Road to 68”?
- The criteria judging panels are looking at are:A) Strengthening American competitivenessB) Small Business “punching above its weight.”C) Economic impact and quality jobsD) Business fundamentals and execution readinessWhy these four things in particular?
- The prize pool is $1 Million. How is that broken down between the final five winners?
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The Supplier Matchmaking Expo is your chance to meet domestic corporate partners from companies of all sizes that are looking for suppliers.
This unique opportunity, hosted by the Small Business Administration (SBA) will bring together buyers and suppliers looking to strengthen the U.S. supply chain. The U.S. Small Business Administration, in collaboration with the New American Industrial Alliance, Michigan Economic Development Center, Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators, Michigan SBDC, and DTMB – Central Procurement Services, is excited to announce the 2026 Supplier Matchmaking Expo.
What’s Included: One-on-one matchmaking services provided by Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators, Michigan Economic Development Council, and Michigan Small Business Development Center Exhibit hall with U.S. buyers and local, state, and federal organizations that support small manufacturers. Gain access to key industry players and discover fresh opportunities.
Registration link:https://suppliermatchmakingexpo.eventbrite.com
The SBA Patriot Pitch Competition. It’s literally a high-level small business pitch competition where winning businesses will take home a total of $1 million in funds (1st place get $400,00, then lesser amounts for…not first place). Deadline for small businesses to get their application is June 10, so that’s coming up really fast. I don’t have a piece put together on it yet, but here’s the link to more info and how to apply: Freedom 250 – Small Business Administration. It’s part of the SBA and White House’s Freedom 250 push.
- Operations: At least 3 years in business operation and producing at least \(\$100,000\) in gross annual revenue.
- Capital History: Benefited from one of the following SBA capital products: 7(a) (including PPP), 504, Microloan Intermediary loans, SBIR/STTR, or SBIC.
- Standing: Currently in good standing on all Federal obligations and no history of defaulting on any Federal loan.
- Ownership: 100% owned by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
- Location: Headquartered and operated in the United States or its territories.
- Submission Deadline: June 10, 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Finalist Notifications: July 2026
- Finals Pitch Event: One day between September 8–18, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
- Review the full rules and guidelines on the SBA Freedom 250 Page.
- Prepare your single-file PDF pitch (which should include a 60-second YouTube mini-pitch link and 3-year revenue forecast).
- Submit your entry through the official SBA portal by June 10.
- Reach out to your local SBA District Office if you require direct support or have specific questions about your submission.
