Manufacturers are the backbone of the U.S. economy and many turn to Commercial Real Estate (CRE) brokers and lenders to help them acquire, expand, or modernize their facilities. In a historic move, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced two groundbreaking initiatives to strengthen this sector:
- The launch of the Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) program, the SBA’s first-ever loan program designed exclusively for manufacturers.
- Significant fee and cost savings on SBA 504 loans for manufacturers, effective October 1, 2025 (FY 2026).
These developments open powerful new opportunities for lenders and CRE brokers to deliver even greater value to manufacturing clients.
SBA 504 Loan Savings for Manufacturers
Starting October 1, 2025, through September 2026, manufacturers (NAICS 31–33) using the SBA 504 Loan Program will benefit from waived fees and reduced borrowing costs.
What Does this Mean in Real Dollars?
On a $2,500,000 SBA 504 loan, the benefit will result to:
- One-time SBA fee waiver of 0.50% or $12,500
- Interest rate savings of 0.209% for purchase deals and 0.2115% for refinance deals
- Interest rate saving over 25 years: ≈ $60,000 to 63,000
- Total estimated savings: nearly $76,000
For CRE brokers, these savings make SBA 504 financing even more compelling when helping manufacturers secure facilities.
Manufacturers make up nearly all U.S. production under NAICS codes 31 through 33. This includes businesses involved in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products, such as:
- Durable goods manufacturers: metal, wood, electronic, etc.
- Nondurable goods manufacturers: food, textiles, chemicals, etc.
To be eligible for these programs, a business must:
- Operate under NAICS codes 31 through 33 (manufacturing industries). You can find your NAICS code on your business tax returns.
Introducing the MARC Program: Working Capital for Manufacturers
Alongside the expanded SBA 504 program, the SBA has launched MARC (Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit) under its 7(a) authority. This program is designed specifically to address the working capital needs of small manufacturers (NAICS 31–33).
Program Highlights:
- Exclusively for manufacturers
- Offers revolving lines of credit or term loans tailored to operational needs
- Covers expenses like inventory, project costs, and cash flow management
- Complements SBA 504 financing, enabling clients to fund both facilities and operations
How MARC and SBA 504 Work Together:
For brokers and lenders, the real power comes from strategically combining SBA programs to meet multiple client needs.
| Use Case | Primary Need | Best Financing Tool(s) |
| Manufacturer expanding operations physically (new facility or upgrade) | Real estate acquisition/construction/improvement | SBA 504 |
| Same manufacturer also needs to purchase inventory or cover short-term costs | Working capital | MARC loan (7a authority) |
| Existing manufacturing tenant-owner needs property renovations + cash for operations | Real estate + working capital | SBA 504 (real estate) + MARC (working capital) |
This dual-tool approach helps brokers and lenders position themselves as comprehensive advisors, not just transaction facilitators.
The Bigger Picture: Made in America Manufacturing Initiative
The SBA has signaled this is just the beginning. The MARC program and 504 savings are part of the broader Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, which includes:
- Increased loan limits under SBA 7(a) and 504 for manufacturers
- Reduced regulatory red tape
- Additional support programs coming soon
For CRE brokers and lenders, this means a more favorable financing environment for manufacturing clients over the next several years.
Why Partner with Statewide CDC
As one of CA, NV, and AZ top-performing Certified Development Companies (CDCs), Statewide CDC is uniquely positioned to help you and your clients maximize these opportunities:
- Layer MARC and 504 financing for complete borrower solutions
- Deliver 24-hour prequalification and seamless SBA approvals
- Provide expert guidance that strengthens your client relationships with measurable cost savings and long-term value
Whether your client is acquiring a new facility, refinancing, or balancing real estate improvements with operational cash flow, Statewide CDC can help you deliver winning solutions. Contact us today to explore how these new SBA programs can help you deliver more value to your manufacturing clients.
