CONTACT: Jenna Wines
jwines@vamanufacturers.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2026

Path to Prime Program Launched with U.S. SBA

-Strengthening Manufacturing Competitiveness Across Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania-

Richmond, VA—The U.S. SBA, Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA), Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI), Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, and West Virginia Manufacturers Association officially launched the Path to Prime program on October 1, 2026, at the VMA Event Center in Richmond, VA.

Path to Prime helps manufacturers compete for federal procurement and defense industrial supply base opportunities. Backed by a $4.8M U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Empower to Grow grant, Path to Prime will provide manufacturers in Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania with access to workforce training, digital engineering resources, cybersecurity readiness certification support, supplier qualification assistance, and customized federal contracting guidance.

Paul Fitzpatrick, Associate Administrator for the SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development; Jim Spencer, SBA Regional Administrator for the Mid-Atlantic; SBA Virginia District Office leaders; VMA and MSI leadership; manufacturing leaders; economic development allies; and Path to Prime partners attended the press event.

During the program, Paul Fitzpatrick presented the VMA with a $4.8 million grant award and highlighted the importance of strengthening America’s manufacturing base and expanding opportunities for small manufacturers. In his remarks, he stated:

“The SBA’s Empower to Grow Grant is designed to help small manufacturers meet the moment by empowering them with local technical training and support. These funds will help small businesses improve their automation, train their employees, access federal contracts, and expand their operations across key industries from advanced manufacturing, defense, aerospace, energy, and more. We look forward to seeing how you significantly help these small manufacturers grow in these three states and this whole region and really help lead the re-industrialization of America.”

Fitzpatrick also noted that the Virginia Manufacturers Association-led Path to Prime application was selected as one of only 11 grant recipients nationwide from 200 applicants.

Jim Spencer commented, “We know this is going to be very successful in helping manufacturers across Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.”

Brett Vassey, President & CEO of the Virginia Manufacturers Association, said, “Improving manufacturing competitiveness, enhancing national defense readiness, increasing opportunities for manufacturers, and being of service, which is at the core of our organization, this is the foundation of the Path to Prime program.”

Wes Smith, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions for the VMA and Executive Director of MSI, discussed how the program is designed to help manufacturers become more competitive for federal supply chain opportunities while leveraging a unique regional partnership and said, “This is a three-state grant with our partners from Pennsylvania and West Virginia trade associations, as well as our education and SBA partners throughout those states.”

A key component of the initiative is creating a new Digital Twin Engineering Lab at VMA headquarters in Richmond, with satellite labs in PA and WV. The labs will feature Siemens digital engineering technologies, additive manufacturing equipment, robotics, programmable logic controllers, and simulation capabilities designed to support advanced manufacturing training, process improvement, and innovation.

Manufacturers in VA, WV, and PA can now begin enrolling in Path to Prime. Participating companies can access services based on their needs, including workforce credentials, digital engineering training, cybersecurity readiness support, supplier qualification assistance, matchmaking opportunities with prime contractors, and federal contracting guidance. Click Path to Prime to learn more and begin enrollment.