The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced that it will waive most upfront fees for small manufacturers in fiscal year 2026. This, it says, is in support of the Trump Administration’s "broader effort to rebuild American industrial dominance."

The administration says that, with the fee burden reduced, it can empower more small manufacturers with the capital needed to increase hiring, growth, and production, as well as to reshore jobs, supply chains, and national security.

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said, “98% of U.S. manufacturers are small businesses – and by reducing loan fees, the SBA is eliminating barriers to capital so they can invest those dollars back into the mission of rebuilding America’s industrial base. We are proud to advance President Trump’s agenda to restore Made in America manufacturing by delivering the capital to help job creators expand production and train and hire more U.S. workers. With lower fees and new loan programs that support access to working capital, we are helping small businesses lead America’s industrial comeback – reducing our reliance on foreign suppliers, strengthening our supply chains, and investing in a future that is proudly American Made.”

SBA Administrator Hon. Kathy Loeffler

The upfront fee will be 0 percent for 7(a) manufacturing loans of up to $950,000. Both the upfront fee and the annual service fee will be 0 percent for all 504 manufacturing loans. The new fee structures are in effect as of October 1st, and will continue through September 30, 2026.

The SBA encourages small manufacturers to visit its SBA Lender Match portal in order to be paired with participating SBA lenders who can provide 7(a) and 504 funding at competitive rates.

Manufacturers can also take advantage of the SBA’s new Manufacturers’ Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan program, which is specifically dedicated to America’s small manufacturers. The MARC loan program was launched in September. MARC lines may be structured as either a revolving line of credit or a term loan. The program is designed to help grow manufacturers’ access to flexible working capital as they scale their operations and take on new customers. Funds can be used for any short-term working capital need the manufacturer may have from inventory purchases to new projects. The lines let manufacturers expand working capital, leveraging available equity of their existing facility or equipment.

“With 98% of American manufacturers classified as small businesses, the new MARC Loans represent a powerful source of targeted capital for those who are growing our nation’s production,” said Loeffler. “The SBA is working alongside President Trump to rebuild our industrial dominance by empowering small businesses to bring back Made in America. For decades, our manufacturers and workers were crushed by bad trade deals that outsourced American jobs, supply chains, and strength. Thanks to the America First Agenda, we’re building again – and this working capital program will empower manufacturers to create jobs, supercharge growth, and reshore American industrial might.”

The Made in American Manufacturing Initiative was announced earlier this year. As part of that initiative, the SBA said it committed to cutting $100 billion in red tape, promoting workforce development and doubling the 7(a) and 504 loan limits for manufacturing.