Could Your Next Big Customer Be the U.S. Government?

New customers. New contracts. New opportunities for growth.

If you’re a small or mid-sized manufacturer, you may be overlooking one of the largest potential customers in the country: the U.S. government and the major prime contractors that supply it.

The Department of Defense, nuclear industry, and other government agencies rely on businesses of all sizes to manufacture products, components, and specialized equipment. The question isn’t just what you make — it’s who else might be willing to buy it.

But where do you start? Who are the buyers? What does it take to become an approved supplier? And is your business ready to compete?

Join us for a FREE, 90-minute workshop designed to help Tennessee manufacturers discover new markets, understand the opportunities, and take practical steps toward winning government and prime contractor business.

The Tennessee APEX Accelerator, Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership (TMEP), Chattanooga Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC), and City of Chattanooga are bringing together resources and experts to help local manufacturers explore these opportunities.

What You’ll Learn

• Find New Customers & Revenue Opportunities: Discover what the Department of Defense, nuclear industry, and government contractors are purchasing — and where your products or capabilities might fit.
• Get in Front of the Right Buyers: Learn how to identify government purchasing opportunities, connect with prime contractors, and position your company as a potential supplier.
• Understand What It Takes to Qualify: Get a practical overview of supplier expectations, cybersecurity requirements, and CMMC — without getting buried in technical jargon.
• Strengthen Your Competitive Edge: Explore manufacturing innovation, advanced technology, and resources that can help improve your capabilities and competitiveness.
• Meet the People Who Can Help: Connect directly with organizations offering business counseling, technical assistance, contracting guidance, and manufacturing support.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is especially valuable for small and mid-sized manufacturers looking to:

• Diversify their customer base and reduce dependence on existing accounts.
• Explore new sales opportunities beyond traditional commercial markets.
• Become suppliers to larger government and defense contractors.
• Better understand the requirements for entering government supply chains.
• Position their businesses for long-term growth.

You don’t need government contracting experience to attend. Whether you’re exploring the market for the first time or looking to expand your existing business, this workshop will help you understand the possibilities and identify your next steps.

Your Next Customer Might Be Bigger Than You Think.

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 9:00–10:30 AM EST
Registration and networking from 8:30 to 9:00 am. 

332 E. ML King Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37403

Cost: FREE | Space is limited to 40 participants.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore new markets, meet valuable resources, and discover how your manufacturing business could become part of a much larger supply chain.

Register today and start exploring what’s possible!