In 2025, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced its new Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, which aims to restore American economic dominance and national security by empowering small manufacturers.
The Made in America Manufacturing Initiative commits to deeper collaboration and coordination of federal agency resources designed to:
Increase access to capital
Improve opportunities for public and private investments in support of manufacturing in America
Help small businesses export their products on a global scale
The Florida SBDC Network proudly supports the Made in America Initiative by empowering Florida’s manufacturers to compete on a global scale. Whether you're looking to reshore operations, expand production, or reach new domestic and international markets, we’re here to help.
Through no-cost consulting, specialized training & workshops and access to state and federal resources, the Florida SBDC stands ready to help you build a stronger business and invest in American workers.
Resources for Manufacturing and Onshoring
Explore resources to grow your manufacturing business!
As SBA's office for the support of small business international trade development, the Office of Manufacturing and Trade works in cooperation with other federal agencies and public- and private-sector groups to encourage small business exports and to assist small businesses seeking to export. Through U.S. Export Assistance Centers, SBA district offices and a variety of service-provider partners, we direct and coordinate SBA's ongoing export initiatives in an effort to encourage small businesses going global.
The Made in America Manufacturing Initiative commits to a deeper collaboration and coordination of federal agency resources designed to:
Increase access to capital
Improve opportunities for public and private investments in support of manufacturing in America
Help small businesses export their products on a global scale
This free tool from SBA helps connect businesses with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers. It’s built to support companies that want to onshore operations, strengthen their supply chains, and source the components they need—all proudly Made in the USA.
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network is a public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions by helping small and medium-sized manufacturers grow, make operational improvements, and reduce risk.
CONNEX Marketplace is a powerful digital platform that connects U.S. manufacturers, buyers, and industry partners across the entire domestic supply chain. Unlike other platforms, CONNEX provides a smarter, more efficient way to discover qualified suppliers, find reliable sourcing options, and build lasting business relationships. Whether you're looking to grow your network, source domestically, or support American manufacturing, CONNEX helps small manufacturers make the right connections—fast.
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the official export credit agency of the United States. EXIM is an independent Executive Branch agency with a mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating the export of U.S. goods and services.
When private sector lenders are unable or unwilling to provide financing, EXIM fills in the gap for American businesses by equipping them with the financing tools necessary to compete for global sales. In doing so, the agency levels the playing field for U.S. goods and services going up against foreign competition in overseas markets, so that American companies can create more good-paying American jobs.
The Office of Advocacy is an independent federal agency that is uniquely empowered to help small manufacturers with their regulatory concerns. Advocacy is the watchdog for the concerns of small businesses in the regulatory process. We work hard to restrain over-regulation that imposes excessive costs on small businesses.
Specifically, Advocacy supports manufacturers across America by:
Connecting directly with small manufacturers across the nation to ensure your voices are heard in the regulatory process
Advocating to reduce the red tape that has placed an unnecessary burden on your manufacturing business
As the largest network of small business consultants in Florida, the Florida SBDC provides access to no-cost consulting, affordable and high-quality resources, innovative tools, and the knowledge of experienced small business experts.
The Florida APEX Accelerator helps small businesses navigate the complex world of government contracting. As part of a nationwide network formerly known as PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Centers), Florida’s APEX Accelerator provides no-cost, personalized guidance to businesses seeking to sell their products or services to federal, state, and local agencies.
FloridaMakes is the official representative of the MEP National Network and NIST MEP in the state of Florida. FloridaMakes' service is designed to help manufacturing companies in Florida expand market opportunities, develop customized innovative business strategies, adopt best practices, and assess opportunities for state-of-the-art technologies and training. Our solutions are designed to help your company address current challenges, create new opportunities for growth and achieve measurable results. We deliver services using skilled Business Advisors through a network of Regional Manufacturer Associations.
In collaboration with our partners, FloridaCommerce assists the Governor in advancing Florida’s economy by championing the state’s economic development vision and by administering state and federal programs and initiatives to help visitors, citizens, businesses, and communities.
SelectFlorida is the state of Florida’s official international commerce organization, serving as a catalyst for economic development, economic diversification into targeted industries, and high-wage job creation for Floridians.
Connex Florida is an online capabilities database and connection platform created for Florida manufacturers. Connex helps your company adapt to changing market demands, connect to an array of resources and locate new business opportunities by identifying new suppliers and customers.
CareerSource Florida is the statewide workforce policy and investment board. Our partners include the Department of Commerce, local workforce development boards and career centers located throughout Florida. Together, we help connect businesses with the talented workforce and training needed to succeed and grow.
Known as “The Voice of Florida Business” in the Sunshine State, Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) has represented the principles of prosperity and free enterprise before the three branches of state government since 1920. A voluntary association of diversified businesses, AIF was created to foster an economic climate in Florida conducive to the growth, development, and welfare of industry and business and the people of the state.
AIF is a state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers.
The Florida High Tech Corridor is more than an initiative or facilitator; it’s a force multiplier. The 23-county region that spans Central Florida and defines The Corridor is anchored by three of the country’s largest research institutions: the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Florida (UF). Powered by an ethos of collaboration, we align opportunities and resources in academia, industry, and economic development to unleash our region’s exponential potential.
For nearly a century, the Florida Chamber of Commerce has fought for free enterprise and worked to secure Florida’s future. Through research, advocacy and leadership, the Florida Chamber Foundation, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Chamber Political Operations work together to help make our vision of Florida’s future a reality.
The Florida Council of 100—the first organization of its kind in the United States—was established in 1961 at the request of Governor Farris Bryant to provide advice on key policy issues from the business community’s perspective. Over the last six decades, the Council has offered insight and background on important policy matters to Florida’s elected leaders and government officials across the political and ideological spectrum.
Upcoming Training Events & Webinars
Check out our training events and webinars to help take your small manufacturing business to the next level.
View the complete State of Small Business dashboard here:
How We're Moving the Needle
See our 2024 Florida SBDC Network manufacturing impact here:
Client Success Stories
See how the Florida SBDC has helped manufactures just like you.
Grainman
“Their expertise has allowed us to pinpoint opportunities for improvement, explore new programs, and structure our business in a way that ensures continued success. That kind of support is priceless, especially when you are trying to lead a company through change and growth.”
“Having the SBDC as a partner has enhanced our ability to navigate international markets. Their expertise in pre-screening potential partners and providing country-specific insights is invaluable as we expand globally.”
“I've met so many amazing people through the SBDC that have all been instrumental in our growth. They are like a central repository of knowledge of everything the government wants and expects to get a business going.”
This manufacturing hub represents phase one of a planned two-part initiative to strengthen Florida’s manufacturing ecosystem. Phase one is focused on bringing awareness to the diverse manufacturing service providers across the state, consolidating them in one accessible location to better serve businesses. This foundational phase aims to connect manufacturers with resources, support networks, and technical assistance. Additional details about phase two will be shared as planning progresses.
