A Boom in Manufacturing Loans under Trump Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced a significant increase in support for American small manufacturers, with a 74 percent jump in approved 7(a) loans during the first 90 days of the Trump Administration compared to the same period under President Biden in 2021. This surge in financing highlights a strong rebound in the manufacturing sector, and it might be a signal of new opportunities for small business owners looking to expand. Today we’ll talk through the recent data and explore what this means for small business owners like you.
What’s Behind the Surge?
The 7(a) loan program, which provides financial assistance to SMBs, is the SBA’s most widely used loan product. It provides government-backed financing for working capital, equipment, real estate, and business expansion. Since President Trump took office in January 2025, the SBA has approved over 1,120 of these loans for small manufacturers, totaling $677 million. In contrast, just under 650 loans were approved for the same group in early 2021, with a combined value of $497 million.
This uptick aligns with the administration’s renewed focus on bolstering American manufacturing through policies that favor domestic production. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler emphasized that this is part of a broader “industrial comeback,” driven by pro-growth initiatives that include tax relief, deregulation, energy independence, and new tariffsdesigned to boost U.S. competitiveness.
Why This Matters to Small Business Owners
Nearly 99 percent of American manufacturers are small businesses. This uptick in SBA loan activity suggests not only increased confidence in the sector, but access to capital at levels not seen in recent years. If you’re a small business owner in manufacturing—or thinking about entering the space—this may be a good time to explore your options for financing growth or upgrading equipment.
The SBA’s efforts aren’t stopping with loan approvals. Last month, the agency launched the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, a comprehensive campaign focused on reducing regulatory barriers, improving access to capital, and investing in workforce development. The initiative aims to eliminate $100 billion in red tape while also helping businesses find skilled labor and financing solutions.
As part of this initiative, SBA leaders have visited over 150 small manufacturers across the country, hosting roundtables and site tours through the “Made in America Roadshow.” These direct conversations with business owners are intended to shape future policies and resources that better meet the needs of the manufacturing community.
Other Financing Options Available
While the 7(a) program is receiving much of the attention, small manufacturers can also explore 504 loans through the SBA. These loans provide long-term, fixed-rate financing for major assets such as buildings or large equipment—up to $5 million. This makes them a strong option for manufacturers planning significant capital investments.
With this renewed focus on domestic manufacturing and small business support, now may be the ideal time for entrepreneurs to invest in growth. Whether you’re considering a loan to modernize your production line or expand into new markets, SBA resources are becoming more accessible. Check out the full press release on the SBA website! And keep ARF Financial in mind if you need funding to innovate, grow and thrive. Visit us to learn about our revolving lines of credit with interest-only options. Ready to get started? On our website you can also quickly calculate your loan amount and request a custom quote— right from your computer.
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