Prescott, Arizona — The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it awarded $8.9 million in grants across 18 organizations—including Yavapai College’s Small Business Development Center—through its Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program. 

“In light of large-scale economic investments made in Arizona in recent years, the grant funds awarded to Yavapai College's SBDC to support advanced manufacturing in our state is a testament to the potential trajectory that Arizona may expect in that industry, but also to the depth and breadth that Yavapai College and its multiple resources, such as the SBDC, bring to the local community, state, and region,” said Yavapai College Acting President Dr. Doug Berry. 

Grantees will receive up to $500,000 each during a two-year period beginning Sep. 30 to counsel small manufacturers on solving for supply chain constraints, growing production, and expanding participation in strategically important supply chains to strengthen America’s industrial base. 

“Thanks to the Administration’s commitment to Made in America, the Trump SBA is dedicated to strengthening our industrial capacity by delivering capital and resources to the small manufacturers that make up 98% of our manufacturing base,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. 

“Through our focused SCALE awards, we are empowering innovative organizations to advise small manufacturers as they meet growing demand, expand and reshore production, and strengthen the critical supply chains that underpin American economic and national security.” 

Grantees will provide technical assistance, accelerator programming, supplier matchmaking, and industry engagement to help small businesses address operational, technical, workforce, and market-access barriers. The program prioritizes advanced manufacturing; biotechnology and biomanufacturing; defense technologies and components; energy and critical materials; food and agriculture; and transportation, logistics, and industrial infrastructure.    

"Being selected as the only Arizona recipient of this SBA SCALE award is both an honor and an opportunity,” said Yavapai College Interim Provost and Vice President of Workforce Development, Health Sciences & Public Services Dr. Marylou Mercado. 

“I am especially proud of our Small Business Development Center team whose expertise, dedication, and passion made this achievement possible. This investment will help local manufacturers strengthen their competitiveness, connect to emerging supply chain opportunities, and create workforce pathways that support economic growth throughout Yavapai County and Arizona. It is a powerful example of how Yavapai College serves as a catalyst for workforce development and community prosperity." 

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. 

Launched this year as a successor to the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, SCALE will support organizations in 17 states. Its priority industries were informed by public input received through SBA’s May 2026 Request for Information on supply chain gaps and entrepreneurial assistance. 

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, go online to www.sba.gov.

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu