Built America Magazine
Key Takeaways from the LBM Expo Breakfast • Washington is listening . SBA leadership emphasized that the most important policy insights come from businesses in the field — not from D.C. • Onshoring is a priority . SBA introduced tools to help manufacturers and suppliers find U.S.-based sources and close gaps in domestic supply chains. • Red tape is being targeted . Through its Office of Advocacy and Red Tape Hotline, SBA is actively working to reduce or fix regulations that drive up costs. • Real cost data matters . Businesses were urged to report not just fees, but the time and labor regulations consume so SBA can prove their true impact. • Capital is expanding . SBA highlighted traditional 7(a) and 504 loans, plus its new MARC working-capital product designed to help companies scale. • Local SBA offices matter . District and regional offices can escalate issues, connect businesses to lenders, and bring problems directly into federal decision-making. • Housing, workforce, and manufacturing are linked. SBA leadership stressed these must be addressed together to strengthen America’s building economy.
Before leading the SBA’s nationwide network of 68 district offices and 10 regional offices, Shimkat led the Iowa Small Business Development Center network, managed a multimillion-dollar revolving loan fund to support rural entrepreneurs and manufacturers, and even served as a plant manager for an agricultural rebuilder. “I’ve been there,” she told the room. “I know what it’s like when equipment breaks down. I know what it means when cash flow gets tight.” That’s why, when she talks about manufacturing and small business, it isn’t theoretical.
Burdened by an outdated or costly federal rule? Send the regulation , cost , and hours it consumes — SBA uses this data to drive regulatory relief for small businesses. redtape@sba.gov 113
It’s personal.
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker