U.S. manufacturing remains a major source of economic activity, innovation and job creation, and small businesses make up the overwhelming majority of manufacturers. On the latest episode of Business Trends Today, Tyler Teresa, Southeast Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Lisa Winton, Co-Founder of Winton Machine Company, discussed the resources available to manufacturers and the opportunities emerging for small businesses willing to invest in the sector.
Winton Machine Company, a Metro Atlanta-based manufacturer, has spent nearly three decades designing and building factory automation equipment for customers across industries ranging from aerospace and HVAC to medical, construction and defense. The company employs between 35 and 40 people and ships its equipment to customers in roughly 15 countries.
According to Winton, the company grew from a willingness to take on opportunities before it had all the answers. She and her husband launched the business after a customer asked whether they could build specialized fixtures. Later, another customer approached them about developing machinery for bicycle manufacturing. The couple built their early equipment in their garage before using an SBA 7(a) loan to purchase equipment and move into a larger operation.
For Teresa, Winton Machine represents the type of entrepreneurial story the SBA’s 250 Patriot Pitch competition was designed to recognize. Thousands of businesses applied, with regional winners advancing to a national competition for a chance to share up to $1 million in prize money.
“Administrator Loeffler actually came up with this idea for the Patriot Pitch. It's America's 250-year anniversary. We want to honor those entrepreneurs that are really innovative and they take the chance in America.” – Tyler Teresa
Teresa also highlighted SBA programs designed to address the capital-intensive nature of manufacturing. He said the agency is offering a 90% guarantee for manufacturers using SBA loans and has decoupled its 7(a) and 504 programs, allowing qualifying businesses to access up to $10 million across the two programs.
Additionally, Winton said improved access to capital could help manufacturers invest in equipment, expand operations and compete with international companies. She encouraged entrepreneurs considering manufacturing to take advantage of industry organizations and free SBA-supported resources, including Small Business Development Centers (SBDC).
“I think we have a great community out there. And I think as someone new into the manufacturing field, just tap into those communities.” – Lisa Winton
The duo also discussed automation and AI, with Winton arguing that automation does not necessarily mean fewer employees. Instead, she said manufacturers can use technology to improve efficiency and move employees into higher-value roles.
Teresa said the broader environment also presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs considering starting a business. He pointed to recent tax changes, equipment incentives and SBA lending programs as tools small businesses can use to pursue growth.
For Winton, she believes that entrepreneurs interested in manufacturing should not overlook the resources available to them. Her own experience with the SBA and SBDC network helped demonstrate how those resources can provide guidance, financing and connections throughout the growth process.
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