SBA Announces Manufacturing Initiative

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced a new initiative this month aimed at empowering small manufacturers in the country. 

Agency officials said the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative is expected to cut billions of dollars in regulations and expand access to capital for manufacturers. 

“The great American comeback starts with restoring American industry,” SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said in a March 10 statement. 

“By prioritizing American-made products, we’re not just securing our economic dominance—we’re protecting our national security by ensuring the essential goods we rely on are produced right here at home.”

The SBA notes that more than 3,370 Connecticut manufacturers are small businesses, employing 44% of the sector’s workforce with an aggregate payroll of more than $4.5 billion.

Many of those small businesses play essential roles in the supply chains that support larger original equipment manufacturers.

Action Plan 

Agency officials outlined seven steps the SBA will take:

• Cut $100 billion in regulation through the Office of Advocacy, which works across federal agencies to identify and eliminate rules, policies, and procedures that disproportionately burden small businesses and manufacturers.
• Launch a Red Tape Hotline for small business owners and manufacturers to share feedback and submit onerous regulations for review.
• Deploy the newly announced Office of Manufacturing and Trade to offer small manufacturers dedicated resources and training in partnership with SBA field offices across the country.
• Reduce barriers to access for the 504 loan program, a zero-subsidy program that provides capital for real estate, construction, and equipment purchases. 
• Expand the use of the 7(a) Working Capital Pilot program, which provides financing for inventory purchases and export-related expenses for international markets.
• Promote a skilled manufacturing workforce by partnering with agencies, trade schools, and private sector stakeholders to create a pipeline of skilled workers to support manufacturing.
• Support President Trump’s manufacturing agenda, including tariffs to restore fair and reciprocal trade, tax cuts on domestic production, and 100% expensing retroactive to Jan. 20, 2025, for manufacturers.

“Manufacturers are ready to lead, to invest and to grow—building a stronger, more prosperous nation.”

NAM’s Jay Timmons

Officials have begun holding roundtable sessions with small manufacturers around the country to solicit feedback as part of a Made in America Roadshow. 

During a stop in Michigan, NAM president and CEO Jay Timmons joined Loeffler and Vice President JD Vance to talk about the initiative. 

“Manufacturers are ready to lead, to invest and to grow—building a stronger, more prosperous nation,” said Timmons.  

“But we can only reach our full potential with the type of leadership that will make the 2017 tax reforms that were rocket fuel for the manufacturing industry permanent, rebalance the regulatory framework, expedite permitting reform to unleash American energy, grow the manufacturing workforce and implement sensible trade policies.”