SBA Launches $50 Million Grant Opportunity to Support American Manufacturing and Workforce Training

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced a new funding opportunity that will invest up to $50 million in organizations supporting America’s small manufacturers through workforce training and technical assistance.

The new Manufacturing in America Empower to Grow (E2G) Grant Initiative will provide grants to as many as 10 eligible organizations that can deliver regional support and hands-on assistance to manufacturers operating in critical industries across the country.

The initiative is part of the SBA’s broader effort to strengthen domestic supply chains, expand U.S. manufacturing capacity, and support American job growth.

Supporting Small Manufacturers

The SBA’s Empower to Grow Program helps eligible small businesses access:

• Free business courses
• In-person training
• One-on-one consulting
• Operational and growth support
• Hiring assistance
• Regulatory compliance guidance
• Government contracting readiness

The program focuses on manufacturers in industries including:

• Aerospace
• Shipbuilding
• Rail equipment
• Mining
• Industrial machinery
• Construction equipment
• Metal fabrication
• Electrical equipment
• Food processing
• Medical and precision manufacturing
• Advanced manufacturing
• Robotics

According to the SBA, small businesses represent 98% of all U.S. manufacturers, making targeted support programs like this critical to strengthening the nation’s industrial base.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include for-profit and nonprofit organizations, trade and professional associations, educational institutions, and other entities that:

• Have existed continuously for at least three years
• Have experience delivering manufacturing-related technical assistance or training on a regional or national level
• Demonstrate the capacity to provide hands-on training and support to small manufacturers
   

Important Dates

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by:

June 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT

The SBA will also host informational webinars for prospective applicants:

Wednesday, May 27 | 2–3 p.m. EDT
Wednesday, June 3 | 2–3 p.m. EDT

Registration is required.

Additional Manufacturing Support from SBA

The Manufacturing in America E2G Grant Initiative builds on several recent SBA manufacturing-focused initiatives, including:

• A new 90% Made in America loan guarantee for manufacturers
• Waived loan fees for manufacturing NAICS codes in Fiscal Year 2026
• The first SBA loan program dedicated specifically to manufacturers
• The Make Onshoring Great Again Portal, connecting businesses with domestic suppliers and producers

Learn More

For grant details, webinar registration, and application information, visit the SBA Manufacturing Grants page or contact:

e2g@sba.g