Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Brad Zaun, Acting Regional Administrator, US SBA – Small Business Administration.
Hear Brad and Jeffrey discuss the third SBA Supplier Matchmaking Expo, and how SBA is boosting manufacturing, workforce development, supply chains, disaster recovery, and small business growth in the SoundCloud Podcast shared below:
There were several things Jeffrey wanted to find out from Brad in this conversation:
- Good morning and welcome back to the show, Brad! I hear you just landed in Phoenix for the third SBA Manufacturing Supply Chain Matchmaker, similar to the one the agency held in Detroit last month. Tell, me how is it going and what’s the impact these matchmakers have had strengthening American small businesses and Made In America growth?
- Speaking of growth, the SBA signed an MOU with the Department of Labor (20250716-DOL-SBA-MOU.pdf)aimed at, as Administrator Loeffler says, “ cultivating a pipeline of skilled workers and capital to support their growth in a powerful new era of Made in America.” Tell us more, and how the two agencies are working together building a more skilled workforce that small business owners can tap into?
- Late last week, the SBA announced SCALE – $9 M in grant funding for the Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement Program for public or private entities, nonprofit orgs, and institutions capable of delivering accelerated programs, tech assistance, and services helping small businesses grow priority supply chains in advanced tech and manufacturing. What does this look like, how can parties apply, and what’s the deadline?
- In honor of the U.S.’ 250 years of independence, the SBA has created the 250 pledge. Tell us more and how small businesses can sign up?
- The Midwest – including Michigan, have been hit by a lot of storms, winds, flooding, tornadoes, and drought over the past year. Tell me more about SBA’s Disaster Recovery programs and where people can find out more, find if they are in a covered impacted area, and how to apply for assistance? Disaster assistance | U.S. Small Business Administration MySBA Loan Portal Disaster Declaration Search?
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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.
SBA Announces $9 Million in Grant Funding for the Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program
“Thanks to President Trump’s tireless commitment to building in America, this Administration is driving the most aggressive reindustrialization effort our nation has ever seen,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “The Trump SBA is dedicated to strengthening our manufacturing base by supporting the capital and resources required to return to Made in America. The SBA’s SCALE Program offers targeted support to rebuild critical supply chains across our industrial base by empowering high‑potential domestic suppliers to meet new demand, reshore production, and put American workers and producers back in charge of the industries that keep our nation strong – from agriculture and energy to defense.”
Eligible applicants include public or private entities, nonprofit organizations, and institutions capable of delivering accelerator programming, technical assistance, industry engagement, or related services that support small businesses in the identified priority supply chains. Applicants must focus on one of the following SCALE industry supply chain priorities:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Supply Chains
- Defense Industrial Base Technologies and Components
- Energy, Critical Materials, and Industrial Inputs
- Food Supply and Agricultural Systems
- Transportation, Logistics, and Industrial Infrastructure
Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the SBA has emphasized investment in manufacturing and critical supply chains as part of the broader America First agenda to restore U.S. industrial dominance. By pairing new grant programs like SCALE with expanded access to working capital, reforms to long‑term investment vehicles, and technical assistance for onshoring, the agency is building a comprehensive toolkit to help small businesses reshore the production, logistics, and industrial infrastructure that underpin America’s economic and national security.
The SBA has committed to rebuilding American supply chains and domestic manufacturing through a series of targeted initiatives. This year, the agency waived loan fees for manufacturing NAICS codes, established the first-ever loan program dedicated to American manufacturers, and modernized the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program so more private capital flows into critical, supply‑chain‑sensitive industries. The agency also announced a new 90% Made in America Loan Guarantee for small manufacturers and continues to promote existing programs such as the asset-based 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP) Program.
Applicants must submit proposals electronically through Grants.gov. The deadline for proposal submissions is Aug. 7 by 4:00 p.m. ET. General questions about these grant opportunities should be directed to accelerators@sba.gov.
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About SBA Office of Investment and Innovation
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Investment and Innovation (OII) leads programs to support U.S. growth-oriented small businesses and startups. These programs provide access to capital, assistance, and networks to support the success of innovation-driven small businesses. OII’s work is bolstered by public-private partnerships that drive small business growth from idea to impact. To learn more, visit https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices/office-investment-innovation.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
