SBA Announces Expansion of American Supplier Initiative with Matchmaking Events to be held throughout 2015

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Small Business Administration will expand the American Supplier Initiative with matchmaking events that will be held throughout 2015.  The matchmaking events will help provide small businesses with the tools and resources needed to become effective suppliers and connect with federal and commercial supply chain opportunities.

"The American Supplier Initiative is part of a comprehensive plan to create jobs through growing small businesses while also ensuring that America has a strong, deep and diverse supply chain," said SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet.  "Becoming a corporate supplier can be a true catalyst for business growth, but accessing those supply chains can be challenging for small businesses.  The American Supplier Initiative exists to help our nation's small businesses find their footing in these supply chains."

The SBA's American Supplier Initiative is designed to help bridge the gap between small, nimble businesses looking for new opportunities and large corporations looking for innovative new ideas and diversity in their supply chains.

The American Supplier Initiative is a call-to-action to the private sector to invest in their supply chains through small businesses.  The initiative aims to address four key areas in which small businesses need help in order to become successful suppliers in the private sector: access to mentorship and counseling services, increased market and revenue opportunities, ready sources of capital to fund their growth, and a highly skilled workforce.

Studies have shown that small businesses that are part of large corporations' supply chains experience increased revenues and hiring.  The SBA is committed to helping small businesses identify new tools and resources to become part of these supply chains.

Beginning in March, the American Supplier Initiative will host matchmaking events in several cities throughout the country.  The matchmaking events will bring together corporate and federal buyers ready to meet with suppliers.  All events are free and open to the public. 

Twelve flagship events have been confirmed in the following cities:

Additional matchmaking events in other cities will be announced throughout the year.  In addition to matchmaking, each event will feature speakers, panels and other programs of interest to small business owners. 

For the latest schedule and to register to attend a matchmaking event, please visit https://asi.mybusinessmatches.com/.

Identifying ways to strengthen small and medium-sized manufacturers is a priority for the SBA and additional announcements under the American Supplier Initiative will be rolled out in the coming months.

Release Number: 15-05  

Contact: Cecelia Taylor (202) 401-3059 
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news
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SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration

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