Made in America: The SBA’s New 90% Guarantee & 0% Fees for Small Manufacturers
American manufacturing is experiencing a significant transformation this year.
As of May 2026, the federal government has doubled down on domestic production with some of the most aggressive lending incentives we have seen in decades.
If you operate a business in the manufacturing sector: specifically those categorized under NAICS codes 31, 32, or 33: your ability to access capital just became significantly easier and more affordable.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched the "Made in America Loan Guarantee" program to directly support the reshoring of industrial capabilities.
This initiative is not just about patriotic sentiment; it is about providing the tangible financial leverage needed to compete globally while producing locally.
In this post, we will break down the three major shifts in SBA lending that are currently active: the new 90% guarantee, the elimination of loan fees, and the digital tools designed to help you rebuild your domestic supply chain.
The Power of the 90% Guarantee
The headline news for 2026 is the increase in the federal guarantee for manufacturers.
Typically, a standard SBA 7(a) loan offers a 75% guarantee to the lender.
Under the new "Made in America" program, that guarantee has been bumped up to 90% for loans up to $5 million.
This is a massive shift for business owners.
A higher guarantee reduces the risk for the bank, which translates into more approvals for businesses that might have previously been considered "on the bubble" during underwriting.
If your business falls under NAICS sectors 31 (Food, Textiles, Apparel), 32 (Wood, Paper, Chemicals), or 33 (Metals, Machinery, Electronics), you are eligible for this enhanced support.
The goal is to lower the barrier for startup business loans and expansions in the industrial space.
By taking a larger share of the risk, the SBA is encouraging lenders to be more aggressive in their deployment of capital to domestic shops.
Eliminating the Cost of Capital: 0% Fees
Beyond the guarantee, the SBA has effectively slashed the cost of admission for manufacturing loans through September 2026.
For many entrepreneurs, the upfront guaranty fees can be a significant hurdle.
In a standard year, these fees can range from 2% to 3.75% of the guaranteed portion of the loan.
7(a) Loans under $950,000
For 7(a) loans up to $950,000, the upfront guaranty fee has been reduced to 0% for qualifying manufacturers.
This means that if you are looking for business acquisition financing to buy a small machine shop or a local food production facility, you could save tens of thousands of dollars on day one.
These savings can be immediately reinvested into working capital or equipment upgrades.
Why Reshoring is the Focus in 2026
The shift toward "reshoring" is a response to the supply chain vulnerabilities exposed over the last few years.
By moving production back to American soil, companies gain more control over their lead times, quality, and intellectual property.
The SBA’s role in this is to provide the "grease" for the wheels of industrial growth.
Domestic production strengthens local economies and creates high-skilled jobs.
Whether you are expanding an existing line or starting a new facility, the current environment is designed to favor your growth.
This policy shift is meant to ensure that the "Made in America" label is backed by a robust and modernized industrial base.
Navigating the "Make Onshoring Great Again" Portal
To complement these financial incentives, the SBA has introduced a new digital resource: the "Make Onshoring Great Again" portal.
This platform serves as a central hub for manufacturers to connect with a database of over one million domestic suppliers.
The portal is designed to solve one of the biggest challenges of reshoring: finding reliable local partners.
It includes features for:
Supplier Discovery: Find vetted American manufacturers by capability and location.
Logistics Planning: Access tools to calculate the cost-benefit of moving production from overseas to domestic facilities.
SBA Connection: A direct line to sba lender specialists who understand the unique needs of manufacturers.
Using this portal can help you identify domestic alternatives for components that are currently imported, further strengthening your eligibility for "Made in America" loan programs.
Actionable Steps for Manufacturers
If you are ready to take advantage of these 2026 incentives, you should follow a structured path to ensure your application is competitive.
1. Verify Your NAICS Code
Ensure your primary business activity is correctly classified under codes 31, 32, or 33. This is the gatekeeper for the 90% guarantee and fee waivers.
2. Audit Your Real Estate
If you are currently renting your production facility, now is the time to explore a SBA 7a. The 0% fee structure makes purchasing a property significantly more attractive than renewing a lease.
3. Budget for Expansion
With the 90% guarantee, lenders are looking for "cash-flowing" businesses ready to scale. Prepare your three-year projections and demonstrate how the capital will increase your domestic output.
4. Register on the Portal
Sign up for the "Make Onshoring Great Again" portal. Showing a commitment to domestic sourcing can be a strong narrative point in your loan application package.
5. Consult an Expert
SBA regulations can be complex, and the 2026 updates have added new layers of opportunity. Working with a specialist who knows how to structure these deals is critical.
