SBA Launches Onshoring Portal for Small Manufacturers
The Small Business Administration has launched a new onshoring portal designed to help small manufacturers find U.S.-based suppliers. The tool aims to facilitate compliance with “Made in America” requirements for government contracts. The portal provides matchmaking services to strengthen domestic supply chains.
- The portal is part of the broader "Made in America Manufacturing Initiative," an SBA effort focused on strengthening national security by ensuring essential goods are produced domestically. - For defense contractors, this tool helps address the Department of Defense's increasing domestic content requirements under the Buy American Act, which rose to 65% in 2024 and will increase to 75% in 2029. - The portal provides access to a database of more than 1 million U.S.-based suppliers and is a free resource for small businesses looking to onshore their operations or strengthen domestic supply chains. - This initiative is led by SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler and includes measures beyond the portal, such as cutting $100 billion in regulations and expanding access to capital through the 504 and 7(a) loan programs for manufacturers. - The SBA is collaborating with private-sector platforms such as Thomasnet, IndustryNet, and CONNEX Marketplace to provide small businesses with access to these supplier networks. - The initiative also established a new Office of Manufacturing and Trade within the SBA to offer dedicated training and resources for small manufacturers. - Early interest in the portal has come from several key sectors, including defense, automotive, clean energy, and medical supplies. - There are over 603,000 small manufacturing businesses in the U.S., which collectively employ 4.8 million people and represent over 98% of all manufacturing firms.
