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New statewide initiative will help small manufacturers prepare for and pursue defense supply chain opportunities
DAYTON, OH, September 22, 2026 — The Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) has been selected as Ohio’s only award recipient under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s SCALE program. The award will support a new initiative to help the state’s small manufacturers prepare for and pursue opportunities in the defense supply chain.
Led by Entrepreneurs’ Center in partnership with Ohio-based defense market intelligence and business development firm Treble One, the program will help small manufacturers understand defense market opportunities, assess their readiness, navigate technical and compliance requirements, and connect with Air Force, Space Force, and prime contractor decision-makers.
“Ohio has extraordinary manufacturing capabilities, but many companies still face significant barriers to entering the defense market,” said Scott Koorndyk, President of Entrepreneurs’ Center. “This program will help companies better understand where they fit, what they need to become defense-ready, and how to connect with the right customers and opportunities.”
“We see a real opportunity to connect Ohio’s manufacturing community across the defense supply chain, building a stronger supplier base and better outcomes for the warfighter,” said Brian Bullerman, managing member at Treble One. “Treble One will help these companies see where they fit in the Air Force and Space Force market and connect them directly with the program offices and prime contractors that need their capabilities.
The Program Will Support Companies Through Three Phases
- Network Building and Market Education: Introducing manufacturers to defense opportunities and assessing market fit.
- Market Analysis and Supplier Readiness: Helping companies strengthen value propositions, understand federal acquisition, prepare for certifications, and develop buyer-facing capabilities.
- Market Capture: Providing company-specific market intelligence, opportunity prioritization, and direct connections to Air Force, Space Force, and prime contractor stakeholders.
The initiative builds on Entrepreneurs’ Center’s extensive experience supporting defense-focused entrepreneurs and small businesses, including its work with the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX, and other federal programs, as well as Treble One’s deep network across the Air Force, Space Force, and major defense contractors.
About Entrepreneurs’ Center
Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) is a modern venture development organization that powers progress and prosperity through entrepreneurship. Annually, EC works with over 1,000 entrepreneurs to start and grow companies, create jobs, generate revenue, and attract investment. EC empowers main street and technology businesses through complementary professional services, including business planning, mentoring, training, networking, commercialization, and capital investment. EC’s talented and experienced team of advisors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, and staff design and facilitate diverse, world-class business acceleration programs on behalf of corporations, higher education institutions, and government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, from their headquarters at The Hub Powered by PNC Bank in the historic Dayton Arcade. Learn more at EC Innovates.
About Treble One
Treble One is a professional aerospace consulting firm that helps companies grow their business with the Department of the Air Force (DAF). For 25 years, Treble One has helped hundreds of companies develop tailored funding programs, win new business, and transition their technologies into fielded U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force systems. Treble One strengthens clients’ DAF business through complementary professional services, including business development strategy, stakeholder engagement, technology transition planning, and market intelligence, powered by its proprietary T1 INSIGHTS™ platform. Treble One’s experienced team, averaging more than 25 years of DAF leadership experience, brings deep knowledge of DAF budgets, programs, and technology roadmaps, along with established relationships with the decision-makers who shape requirements and funding. Headquartered in Dayton, OH near Wright-Patterson AFB, Treble One maintains offices at Eglin AFB, Hill AFB, Washington, D.C., and other sites nationwide. Learn more at Treble One.
For More Information, Contact:
Leslie Klenke, Director of Marketing
Entrepreneurs’ Center
[email protected]
