The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it will waive most upfront loan fees for small manufacturers during fiscal year 2026, a move aimed at spurring growth and strengthening America’s industrial base.
Under the one-year waiver, 7(a) manufacturing loans of up to $950,000 will carry no upfront fees, while all 504 manufacturing loans will have no upfront or annual service fees. The policy takes effect October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, and applies to small manufacturers classified under NAICS codes 31–33.
“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,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “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.”
The SBA said the initiative is designed to help small manufacturers boost hiring, expand production, and reshore critical supply chains, reducing U.S. reliance on foreign suppliers. Business owners, including Caribbean-American entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector, stand to benefit from easier access to affordable capital to grow their operations.
Small manufacturers seeking financing can connect with participating lenders through the SBA Lender Match portal. The agency is also promoting its new Manufacturers’ Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program, its first loan program specifically dedicated to small manufacturers.
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