2026 Small Business Manufacturing Grants & SBA Loans: A Guide for US Brands

Domestic production has transformed from a strategic advantage into a survival necessity for modern e-commerce brands.

As we move through 2026, the federal government is no longer just encouraging 'Made in USA'—they are actively financing it through historic loan expansions and fee waivers. For the independent founder, the window to secure zero-fee capital to onshore production is currently wide open, but it closes this September.

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Access to capital has historically been the biggest bottleneck for legacy brands and growing startups looking to invest in domestic production. Recent changes at the Small Business Administration (SBA) aim to remove those barriers. Here is a breakdown of the 2026 manufacturing updates and how to secure the capital you need to scale.

Loans and Grants for Factories and Brands 

1. SBA MARC Loans

The Manufacturers’ Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) program provides a flexible revolving line of credit specifically for the manufacturing sector's working capital needs. It is designed to bridge the "cash flow gap" between production costs and retail payouts with significantly reduced paperwork.

Learn more about SBA Working Capital Pilot Programs here.

2. Zero-Fee SBA Financing

To lower the cost of capital, the SBA has waived upfront fees through September 2026 for 7(a) loans up to $950,000 and all 504 manufacturing loans. This initiative can save mid-sized brands tens of thousands of dollars in immediate borrowing costs.

View the official SBA Fee Schedule and Waiver Announcement.

3. $10 Million Manufacturing Loan Cap

Under the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act (MAMFA), the SBA loan limit for manufacturers has doubled to $10 million. This higher ceiling supports businesses looking to acquire factories, purchase heavy machinery, or complete major equipment overhauls.

Check the latest loan limits via the SBA 504 Loan Portal.

4. EXIM Bank’s "Make More in America" Initiative

This initiative offers specialized financing for domestic manufacturing projects that have a "nexus" to exporting, such as building new facilities or expanding production lines. It provides the gap financing needed for US brands to compete effectively in global markets.

Explore the Make More in America Initiative.

5. Empower to Grow (E2G) Grants

The E2G program provides federally funded technical training and "procurement-ready" assistance to help small manufacturers win government contracts. It is an essential resource for brands looking to upskill their staff on automation or navigate the federal marketplace.

Learn about E2G Training and Grants.

6. The Halstead Grant

Specifically for emerging silver jewelry artists in their first five years of business, this grant combines cash awards with professional business critiques. The grand prize includes a $7,500 cash grant and a $1,000 gift card for manufacturing supplies.

Learn more and apply at HalsteadGrant.com.

7. The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge

This program offers micro-businesses with nine or fewer employees the chance to compete for a $35,000 prize pool and national media exposure. Finalists participate in a live pitch competition and receive expert mentorship to help scale their operations.

Learn more and enter the UPS Store Small Biz Challenge here.

8. FedEx® Small Business Grant Contest

The FedEx contest awards a $50,000 top prize plus business service credits to brands that can demonstrate a compelling mission and community impact. It is an ideal fit for e-commerce brands looking to fund major shipping or infrastructure expansions.

View the official FedEx Small Business Grant details here.

9. The Amber Grant for Women

This rolling grant awards $10,000 every month to women-owned businesses across various categories, including a "startup" specific track. Monthly winners are eligible for an additional $50,000 year-end grand prize to further accelerate their growth.

Apply for the Amber Grant for Women here.
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10. Get Nearshored 2026 Grant

Designed for US-based product businesses with under $5M in revenue, this grant awards $1,000 to three companies to help offset production or packaging costs. It specifically supports brands looking to move their manufacturing closer to home in the US, Canada, Latin America, or Europe.

Learn more and apply for the Get Nearshored Grant.

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MEP Funding Uncertainty & State-Level Shifts

While federal loan programs are robust, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)—which helps small factories adopt new technology—saw funding volatility in early 2025.
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How to pivot: Instead of relying solely on federal MEP centers, look toward the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). The Treasury has funneled billions into state-run programs that offer "collateral support" and "participation loans" specifically for local manufacturers.

Apply for the Get Nearshored Grant

Navigating the complexities of factory sourcing and capital acquisition shouldn't feel like a solo mission. As federal incentives and shifting global logistics redefine the manufacturing landscape in 2026, the opportunity to stabilize your supply chain is now. Whether you are ready to move production out of Asia or are searching for a more reliable partner closer to home, the Get Nearshored Grant is designed to bridge the gap for growing brands. Secure the funding and the vetted partners you need to scale with confidence.

Click here to apply for the Get Nearshored Grant and find your next manufacturing partner.

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