U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) promotes exports, manufacturing and investment for small businesses in the United States

In a context where strengthening supply chains and expanding into international markets have become key to business competitiveness, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reaffirmed its role as a strategic ally for small manufacturing companies, exporters and investors during the South Central Texas Manufacturing Trade Show & Conference.

Néstor Astorga, a representative of the federal agency in Texas and a specialist in business development and international trade, explained that the SBA works to facilitate access to financing, consulting and support programs for companies seeking to grow within the U.S. market.

“We are dedicated to supporting small businesses, particularly in manufacturing and exports. We have tools for American companies that want to export, as well as programs that help strengthen industry within the United States,” he explained.

Programs for entrepreneurs, manufacturers and investors

Astorga highlighted that the SBA offers support ranging from entrepreneurs who are just developing a business idea to established companies seeking expansion.

“We work under what we call the four Cs: counseling, capital, contracting with the government, and crisis or disaster support. Everything is designed to strengthen small businesses,” he said.

Among the most relevant programs are:

• Business counseling at no cost,
• Access to financing through authorized banks,
• Certifications to sell to the federal government,
• Special support in situations involving economic emergencies or disasters.
• There is also support for foreign investment

Although most programs are aimed at U.S. companies, Astorga explained that there are support pathways for foreign entrepreneurs interested in establishing operations in the United States.

One of these programs is TIBA, Trade and Investment Business Assistance, operated through the University of Texas at San Antonio, which provides guidance to international investors.

“This program helps foreign entrepreneurs understand the process for investing in the United States and building a route into the market,” he said.

Exporters and supply chains can access financing

One of Astorga’s central messages was the strong momentum that currently exists to support exporters in the United States.

“The new administration is providing important support to exporters. We have very attractive financing programs and, importantly, if a company is part of an exporter’s supply chain, it could also qualify as an indirect exporter,” he explained.

This means that manufacturing suppliers and companies integrated into value chains could also gain access to financing resources.

What it means to be a small business for the SBA

Astorga clarified that the concept of “small business” in the United States does not always refer to a company that is small in the traditional sense.

“Depending on the industry, a company can generate up to US$45 million in revenue or have more than 1,000 employees and still be considered small under SBA standards,” he detailed.

To determine eligibility, he recommended using the official tool available at sba.gov.

Supporting small businesses strengthens the economy

Finally, Astorga emphasized that supporting small businesses has a direct impact on the local and national economy.

“If small businesses are doing well, the economy is doing well, our neighborhoods are doing well and our communities are doing well, too,” he concluded.

The presence of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) at the South Central Texas Manufacturing Trade Show & Conference reaffirms the importance of connecting manufacturers and entrepreneurs with tools that promote growth, exports and investment.