Published July 24, 2026 | TIKC NewsWire
Five days from now, the Small Business Administration and Intel Corporation are co-hosting a Supplier Matchmaking Expo at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona — and small businesses in the aerospace and semiconductor supply chains have a direct seat at the table. If you have been looking for a path into aerospace or semiconductor contracting, July 29 is the date.
What the Expo Actually Is
SBA’s Supplier Matchmaking Expos are structured business development events that connect small businesses directly with supply chain decision-makers through pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings. Intel’s involvement is significant — the company is actively building out its domestic manufacturing supply chain with federal backing, and small businesses that can support semiconductor fabrication operations are exactly who Intel’s procurement team is looking for.
Why Aerospace and Semiconductors Right Now
Both sectors are receiving extraordinary federal investment in 2026. The $1.15 trillion NDAA includes massive aerospace and defense manufacturing provisions. The CHIPS Act continues flowing implementation dollars to domestic semiconductor production. And the Arsenal of Freedom initiative is pushing DoD to identify and qualify domestic suppliers — including suppliers who have never worked directly with the federal government before.
How to Prepare in the Next Five Days
Register immediately. Visit SBA.gov and search for the July 29 Scottsdale Supplier Matchmaking Expo to access registration. If slots are still available, register today — not tomorrow.
Update your SAM.gov profile and capability statement before you arrive. Your capability statement should be printed, polished, and formatted for the aerospace and semiconductor audience specifically. Generic capability statements underperform at matchmaking events.
Research the buyers in advance. Review their procurement history on USASpending.gov and prepare a 90-second pitch that connects your capabilities directly to their specific needs. Buyers meet dozens of vendors; the ones who get follow-up are the ones who did their homework.
Bring your certifications front and center. WOSB, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, MBE — large primes at matchmaking expos have small business subcontracting plan commitments and are actively looking for certified small businesses who can deliver.
The Bottom Line
The SBA-Intel Supplier Matchmaking Expo on July 29 is a rare opportunity to get in front of aerospace and semiconductor procurement decision-makers. The federal government is actively expanding its domestic supplier base in both sectors. Register today. Update your capability statement today. Show up prepared. Brick by brick — these are the rooms where supply chain relationships start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SBA Supplier Matchmaking Expo?
SBA Supplier Matchmaking Expos are structured business development events where small businesses get pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with supply chain decision-makers from large primes, federal agencies, and major corporations. The July 29 expo in Scottsdale focuses on aerospace and semiconductor supply chains, co-hosted with Intel Corporation.
Who should attend this expo?
Small businesses in manufacturing, engineering, specialty services, logistics, facilities support, and technology whose capabilities align with aerospace or semiconductor production. Both existing government contractors and commercial companies exploring federal supply chain opportunities are encouraged to attend.
References
U.S. Small Business Administration. (2026, July 10). SBA News Release 26-72: SBA, Intel to Host Arizona Supplier Matchmaking Expo for Aerospace and Semiconductor Industries. https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/jul/10/sba-intel-host-arizona-supplier-matchmaking-expo-aerospace-semiconductor-industries
About the Author
Melanie Patterson
Founder & CEO of Team Integrity Knowledge Center and creator of GovCon iSource. Former nurse turned entrepreneur with over 10 years guiding small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses to over $10 million in government awards. Build, grow, scale — brick by brick. Contact
