Two New SBA Programs Just Changed the Funding Game for Food and Manufacturing Businesses

Most small business owners haven't heard about these yet.

That's a problem — because the window to take advantage is open right now.

The SBA launched two programs in early 2026 that dramatically improve the terms on financing for businesses in the food supply chain and domestic manufacturing. We're not talking about minor tweaks. We're talking about a stronger guarantee, lower fees, and access to capital that simply wasn't available six months ago.

Here's what you need to know.

The SBA Grocery Guarantee: Up to $5 Million for Food Supply Chain Businesses

The SBA's Grocery Guarantee went live May 1, 2026.

It's built on the existing SBA International Trade Loan (ITL) program — but now includes domestic food businesses that have never been eligible before.

The enhanced program offers:

• Loans up to $5 million

• 90% federal guarantee — compared to the standard ~75% on a typical 7(a) loan

• More than two dozen eligible NAICS categories across the entire food supply chain

That 90% guarantee isn't just a number. It means lenders take on significantly less risk — which translates to better rates, more approvals, and bigger loan amounts for borrowers.

Who qualifies?

The program covers the full food supply chain from field to shelf:

• Agricultural producers (cattle ranching, poultry and egg production, aquaculture, fruit and tree nut farming)

• Food manufacturers and processors

• Distributors and logistics providers

• Grocery retailers

• Packaged frozen food wholesalers

• Farm supply merchants

• Cold storage and farm warehousing operators

A common scenario: a food business operator sitting on a growth opportunity — a second location, new equipment, expanded cold storage — and they walk away from it because they assume the financing either isn't available or won't work for them.

This program changes that calculation.

What can the funds be used for?

Eligible uses include:

• Expanding or modernizing facilities

• Purchasing equipment

• Strengthening domestic supply chains

• Working capital to support growth

If your business touches the food supply chain and you've been putting off a capital investment, this is worth a serious look.

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The SBA Made in America Loan Guarantee: 90% Guarantee for Small Manufacturers

The Made in America Loan Guarantee launched March 31, 2026 — and it's one of the most significant expansions of SBA manufacturing support in years.

Like the Grocery Guarantee, it runs through the ITL program and carries a 90% federal guarantee on loans up to $5 million.

Eligible businesses: any manufacturer operating under NAICS sectors 31, 32, or 33 — that's everything from food processing to electronics to furniture to metals fabrication.

The program was designed specifically to help manufacturers:

• Upgrade or replace equipment

• Modernize facilities and production lines

• Diversify supply chains away from foreign sources

• Hire workers and scale domestic production

The fee waiver — don't overlook this

Through September 30, 2026, the SBA has waived guarantee fees for small manufacturers on 7(a) loans.

That's not a small thing. SBA guarantee fees typically run 2% to 3.5% of the guaranteed loan amount. On a $1 million loan, that's $20,000–$35,000 that just came off the table.

Specifically:

• 7(a) manufacturing loans up to $950,000: 0% upfront fee

• 504 manufacturing loans: 0% upfront and 0% annual service fee

If you're a manufacturer and you've been on the fence about a capital project, the fee waiver alone is a reason to move now — not later.

The MARC Loan Program

Manufacturers also have access to the 7(a) Manufacturer's Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program — a revolving line of credit built specifically for working capital needs in manufacturing businesses.

Less red tape. More flexibility. Designed for the way manufacturers actually operate.

What These Two Programs Have in Common

Both programs signal a clear shift: the SBA is prioritizing domestic production and supply chain strength.

And both programs share the same core advantage — the 90% guarantee structure that makes lenders more willing to say yes.

Standard 7(a) loans carry about a 75% guarantee. That 15-point difference matters more than most borrowers realize. It's the difference between a loan that gets approved and one that gets declined. It's the difference between a rate that works and one that doesn't.

What to Do Right Now

After 20+ years in commercial banking, I've seen programs like these come and go. The borrowers who benefit are the ones who move when the terms are favorable — not after the window closes.

If you're in the food supply chain or manufacturing and you've been considering:

• New equipment

• Facility expansion or renovation

• Increased working capital

• Supply chain investment

...this is the time to run the numbers.

These programs are lender-driven. That means you don't apply directly to the SBA. You work with a lender who originates and underwrites the loan, and the SBA provides the guarantee on the back end. The experience matters. Not every lender knows these programs inside and out.

If you want to understand whether your business qualifies — and what a deal could look like — I'm always happy to take a look.

Visit www.endeavance.com or reach out directly to start the conversation.

Endeavance Capital provides commercial lending and funding solutions for business owners and real estate investors. Programs include SBA loans, equipment financing, business lines of credit, accounts receivable factoring, and commercial real estate financing.

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