SBA and DOL Unite to Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing Sector

Jul 17, 2025
By Farms.com

Agencies Unite to Grow Jobs and Back Small Manufacturers

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the revival of American manufacturing. This agreement will enhance cooperation between the two agencies, promote data-sharing, and expand support for small domestic manufacturers.

The partnership connects SBA’s loan and contracting programs with DOL’s workforce development efforts. Together, the agencies aim to build a skilled workforce, support small businesses, and help shift supply chains back to the U.S.

The agencies will expand collaboration on initiatives like the Registered Apprenticeship Program and Veteran Employment Training Services. SBA will also provide training to support small manufacturers through its 7a and 504 loan programs, making it easier for producers to access capital and government contracts.

The new agreement aligns with President Trump’s goal of restoring industrial strength and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. It also supports the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, launched by SBA Administrator Loeffler, which focuses on cutting unnecessary regulations, improving access to funding, and promoting workforce development.

SBA has also introduced an Onshoring Portal. This tool connects small businesses with over 1 million U.S. suppliers, helping entrepreneurs grow their operations and source materials locally instead of depending on foreign producers.

With nearly 98% of U.S. manufacturers classified as small businesses, this effort is designed to ensure they have the tools, workforce, and capital to succeed in a global market.

This joint approach marks a new chapter in U.S. industrial recovery, helping to grow the economy and create more jobs for American workers.

Video: Why Invest in Canada’s Seed Future? | On The Brink: Episode 3

Darcy Unger just invested millions to build a brand-new seed plant on his farm in Stonewall, Manitoba so when it’s time for his sons to take over, they have the tools they need to succeed.

Right now, 95% of the genetics they’ll be growing come from Canadian plant breeders.

That number matters.

When fusarium hit Western Canada in the late 90s, it was Canadian breeders who responded, because they understood Canadian conditions. That ability to react quickly to what’s happening on Canadian farms is exactly what’s at risk when breeding programs lose funding.

For farmers like Darcy, who have made generational investments based on the assumption that better genetics will keep coming, the stakes are direct and personal.

We’re on the brink of decisions that will shape our agricultural future for not only our generation, but also the ones to come.

What direction will we choose?

On The Brink is a year-long video series traveling across Canada to meet the researchers, breeders, farmers, seed companies, and policymakers shaping the future of Canadian plant breeding. Each week, a new story. Each story, a piece of the bigger picture.

Episode 3 is above. Follow Seed World Canada to catch every episode, and tell us: Do you think the next generation will have the tools they need to success when they takeover? How is the future going to look?