When people think about manufacturing and advanced technologies, they often picture large corporations and global enterprises. But small businesses play a vital role in strengthening America’s supply chains, supporting domestic production, and driving job creation across communities nationwide. As renewed focus is placed on Made in America manufacturing and reindustrialization, new opportunities are emerging for small manufacturers ready to grow and compete.
Joining us on the latest episode of the SBA Update are Lisa Shimkat, Associate Administrator for Field Operations at the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Savannah Wilburn, SBA Operations Liaison for the Office of Field Operations. Both discussed how small manufacturers can access resources, certifications, and expos to expand their businesses and participate in national supply chains.
Small manufacturers filling the gaps
According to the duo, small manufacturers are often the unsung heroes of U.S. supply chains. Shimkat notes that there are roughly 600,000 small manufacturing businesses across the country, contributing to sectors ranging from defense to food processing. “Small business is big business,” she said, echoing the remarks by SBA Administrator Kelly Loefler and emphasizing that these companies are essential to plugging holes in supply chains and creating economic growth, particularly in rural areas.
The 2026 Supplier Matchmaking Expo provides small manufacturers with direct access to federal agencies, prime contractors, and industry organizations such as the National Association of Manufacturers. Wilburn highlights that the expo focuses on real relationships and tangible deals rather than just networking. Manufacturers can meet new buyers, explore market demand, and access resources like Small Business Development Centers to strengthen their operations.
Government support and policy impacts
Wilburn and Shimkat point to recent legislative initiatives that are boosting small manufacturers’ bottom lines. They exclaim that tax incentives, full equipment depreciation, and programs supporting robotics and artificial intelligence encourage businesses to reinvest and modernize. Shimkat said these measures allow small, mid-size, and larger manufacturers to expand their operations and improve competitiveness. Deregulation has also played a role, with over $100 billion in regulatory burdens removed for small businesses in the first year alone.
Certifications for federal contracts
Wilburn mentions that SBA certifications provide small businesses with a pathway into federal contracting and prime contractor networks. Options include:
- Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
- Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)
- Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
- Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Certification
- 8(a) Business Development Program Certification (for economically disadvantaged individuals)
Moreover, the duo stresses the importance of leveraging consumer confidence and local sourcing. The SBA’s onshoring platform, which connects small manufacturers with suppliers and buyers nationwide, has facilitated more than 59,000 connections among over one million businesses. The platform emphasizes local opportunities before businesses consider overseas alternatives, helping manufacturers expand in the U.S. market.
For small business owners, Shimkat and Wilburn advise taking full advantage of SBA resources, whether starting a new business, expanding an existing one, or considering succession opportunities. Access to training, federal certifications, and private sector connections can help businesses diversify, modernize, and grow. “Now is the time to start that conversation,” Shimkat said, highlighting the opportunity presented by current market conditions and the retirement of existing owners.
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