Editorials / Opinions

As the newly appointed Regional Administrator for the US Small Business Administration's Mid-Atlantic Region, I am excited about the future of American Manufacturing. The US has been outsourcing manufacturing and jobs to foreign countries for decades. Those nations have since surpassed us in critical sectors like infrastructure, energy, semiconductors and more. Thanks to President Trump's Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, we will see historic levels of public and private sector investments in American manufacturing, resulting in new, good-paying jobs for American workers from all walks of life.

Each year, the SBA's expansive programing helps more than 50,000 small manufacturers start and grow their businesses: from government contracting opportunities, to certifications, to business development programs. SBA lending and investment products provide billions of dollars in vital capital and financial assistance to small manufacturing firms each year. Our counselors, mentors, and online training resources support small manufacturers through a national network of partner organizations to develop and implement plans to acquire financing, expand capacity, and meet workforce needs.

Now, the SBA is establishing a Manufacturing Office to expand current assistance to small manufacturing businesses and to advance policies to help small manufacturers succeed by creating opportunities and removing barriers to success. This new initiative will bolster programs so that small manufacturers can overcome challenges through capital, counseling, federal contracting, and workforce training. The SBA will also continue to connect manufacturers with appropriate resources to grow and flourish.

The country gained 10,000 manufacturing jobs in President Trump's first full month in office. The March jobs report showed strong hiring, with the economy adding 228,000 new jobs. In total, President Trump has secured about $6 trillion in new US investments. This is transforming our country for the better – reaching communities in every corner of the United States, including our rural communities that have too often been left behind.

Visit the SBA's Made in America Hub to see how small businesses in your community can benefit: http://sba.gov/manufacturing.

Sincerely,

Jim Spencer, SBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator