A connection at SBA’s Supplier Matchmaking Expo in Detroit led to a procurement award for RJ’s Printing, a family-owned small business in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The company will provide new event signage, visual displays, and supply chain materials for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s external engagement efforts.
In 2026, SBA hosted four Supplier Matchmaking Expos in Charlotte, North Carolina; Detroit, Michigan; Phoenix, Arizona; and Washington, D.C., drawing more than 2,600 attendees and facilitating over 1,400 individual matchmaking meetings. The Expos strengthen domestic supply chains, support small manufacturers, and increase U.S. economic resilience. Each event combines an exhibit floor with targeted matchmaking meetings that connect suppliers’ capabilities with buyers’ procurement needs.
Anthony Briggs, Chief Sourcing Officer for Small Business and Supply Chain Optimization at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), first met RJ’s Printing when they approached the agency’s booth in Detroit with pride and passion. The father and son team explained how their design and printing capabilities contribute to domestic reindustrialization efforts in Michigan.
Briggs also learned the story behind the business. The father had worked for the company as an employee before deciding to purchase it and make it his own. They also shared beautifully crafted materials that, as Briggs described them, spoke for themselves.
“It’s a living example of the American dream and entrepreneurship, where hard work opens doors, perseverance creates opportunity, and dedication turns aspiration into ownership.” – Anthony Briggs
The company’s quality, competitive pricing, and fast delivery stood out; however, the moment that stayed with him most was their honesty. They had never considered the NRC as a potential customer because they did not know the agency existed.
“To me, it was a powerful reminder of why industry engagement matters because there are so many exceptional American companies that are ready to serve Federal customers, if only they knew about the opportunities available.” – Anthony Briggs
The NRC needed to replace its engagement materials following the launch of a new agency logo. Increased outreach participation also required duplicate materials for simultaneous events in different locations, where agency representatives participate in both exhibiting and matchmaking.
The purchase includes table throws, table runners, large and small displays highlighting procurement opportunities, regulatory assistance, and the NRC’s manufacturing initiative; stickers for business card holders with QR codes; and design services. As new initiatives are designed and developed, the award could lead to future orders with RJ’s Printing.
For NRC, the Expo changed how quickly the agency could find and evaluate suppliers. It also expanded their reach far beyond the Washington, D.C., area, opening doors to businesses it might never have discovered otherwise
“The SBA event was efficiency and value in action. Without it, I would have spent many hours identifying vendors, vetting company capabilities, and scheduling one‑on‑one sessions, which would have slowed our needed rebranding efforts and stretched our resources. Instead, this single event condensed work spanning over days into just a few focused hours by connecting us directly with the marketplace.” – Anthony Briggs
NRC participated as a buyer at the Detroit, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C., Expos, connecting with suppliers for immediate procurement needs and broader efforts to strengthen the nuclear supply chain. The events serve as a critical tool when demand for qualified manufacturers is expected to significantly outpace supply. Briggs emphasized the value of connecting with small businesses working to bridge the gap between existing certifications, such as ISO 9001 or AS9100, and nuclear requirements under NQA-1.
Through SBA’s Supplier Matchmaking Expo, the NRC found a small business ready to deliver, and a family-owned company turned an introduction into an award with the potential for future orders. Their experience reflects the values in bringing federal agencies directly to small businesses in the communities they call home.
More Supplier Matchmaking Expos are planned for 2027. Stay connected at sba.gov for upcoming events and opportunities.