Next Street launches Arizona and New York supplier accelerator programs

Next Street is rolling out research and training programs in Arizona and New York to help more than 50 small businesses compete for semiconductor supply chain work. The initiatives are backed by $2.4 million from JPMorganChase and are tied to nearly $590 billion in announced semiconductor investment across the two states.

Why it matters: - Small businesses make up about 50% of U.S. industrial production and 75% of the supply chain. - Arizona and New York have nearly $590 billion in announced semiconductor investment, creating new demand for local suppliers. - The programs are designed to help small businesses gain the technical, operational and relationship-building capabilities needed to win contracts in a fast-growing industry.

What happened: - Next Street announced Building America's Industrial Base, a national research series, and two regional Supplier Success Accelerator programs: PropelAZ and PropelNY. - JPMorganChase provided $2.4 million in philanthropic support for the initiatives. - The supplier programs are already underway and are helping small businesses prepare for semiconductor supply chain opportunities in Arizona, New York and the broader U.S. market. - More than 50 businesses across construction, manufacturing, facilities, skilled trades, logistics, engineering and professional services are taking part.

The details: - Each 15-week cohort, launched in late summer, includes about $6,000 in personalized advising per participant. - The programs also include industry-focused training, ongoing support, semiconductor cleanroom training and networking events. - New York events are scheduled for October 26–November 2 and November 17. - Arizona events are scheduled for November 2. - The inaugural cohorts will run through the end of 2026, with final supplier readiness assessments due in early 2027. - The research series, developed through the Industrial Supply Chain Forum within the Next Street Institute, is built around industry briefs, regional case studies and cross-cutting analysis. - Published research includes "Investing in America’s Suppliers," "Inside the Semiconductor Supply Chain," "How Michigan Manufacturing Is Evolving Through Industrial Transition" and "Building Semiconductor Ecosystems in Arizona and Upstate New York." - Two more reports on AI and computing infrastructure and workforce development are expected in the next few months. - More information is available in Next Street's announcement.

Between the lines: - The effort connects national research with local implementation, a sign that supplier development is becoming a more hands-on part of industrial policy. - Semiconductor investment is creating opportunity, but many small and mid-sized firms still need new equipment, upgraded facilities, specialized workers and buyer relationships before they can compete. - JPMorganChase is tying the programs to its American Dream Initiative, which focuses on supporting small businesses.

What's next: - Next Street will continue the current Arizona and New York cohorts through 2026. - The company plans to release additional research on AI, computing infrastructure and workforce development in the coming months. - Final supplier readiness assessments will be completed in early 2027.

The bottom line: - Next Street is trying to turn semiconductor investment into contract-ready local suppliers, not just more construction and factory announcements.