The U.S. Small Business Administration will waive most upfront fees for small manufacturers beginning Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2026, to support the Trump administration’s broader effort to rebuild American industrial dominance, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The Fiscal Year 2026 temporary fee waivers were announced by the SBA on Thursday, Sept. 18. With the fee burden reduction, the SBA said in a news release it will “empower more small manufacturers (NAICS 31-33) with the capital to increase hiring, growth, and production – and to reshore jobs, supply chains, and national security.”
“Ninety-eight percent 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,” SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said in the release.
“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.”
For 7(a) manufacturing loans of up to $950,000, the upfront fee will be 0%. For all 504 manufacturing loans, the upfront fee and annual service fee will each be 0%.
“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,” Ms. Loeffler added.
Brad Zaun, SBA Great Plains regional administrator emphasized the direct impact of the fee waiver on local businesses.
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“Waiving these loan fees is a practical step that puts real money back into the pockets of our manufacturers,” Mr. zaun said in the release. “That’s capital they can immediately use to hire another worker, buy a new piece of equipment, or expand their production line.”
He added “This initiative strengthens our partnership with local lenders and directs funding where it’s needed most — into the hands of the job creators who are the engine of our economy here in the Great Plains.”
Small manufacturers are urged to visit the SBA Lender Match portal to be paired with participating SBA Lenders who can provide 7(a) and 504 funding at competitive rates. Manufacturers are also encouraged to use the SBA’s new Manufacturers’ Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program, which is the agency’s first-ever loan program dedicated to America’s small manufacturers.
The U.S. SBA is the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government. It empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
The 7(a) loan program is a public-private partnership which offers government-guaranteed loans to help small businesses finance equipment purchases, real estate acquisition, working capital (including revolving credit lines), and business expansion.
The 504 loan program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets that promote business growth and job creation. 504 loans are available through Certified Development Companies (CDCs), SBA’s community-based nonprofit partners who promote economic development within their communities. CDCs are certified and regulated by SBA.
