Support for Small Business Manufacturing
The UC Merced SBDC provides guidance to help manufacturers grow, innovate, and compete globally.
Small manufacturers are vital to California’s economy.
In 2025, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced its new Made in America Manufacturing Initiative. The UC Merced SBDC is committed to supporting local manufacturers, providing them easy access to our statewide programs, local resources, vital community partners, and free and confidential one-on-one advising to help manufacturing entrepreneurs and existing businesses successfully start up, grow, and thrive throughout California.
Small business manufacturers create local jobs, foster innovation, and build supply chain resilience. The UC Merced SBDC can support small business owners in developing and optimizing their small manufacturing business.
Get started today. If you are an entrepreneur or existing manufacturing business owner interested in receiving free, confidential one-on-one advising, please contact the UC Merced SBDC at (209) 228-3506 or ucmsbdc@ucmerced.edu.
Key Areas of Support for Small Manufacturers:
Access to Capital
Find funding options to invest in equipment, property, or working capital.
- BA 504 Loans: For purchasing equipment or real estate.
- California IBank Small Business Loan Guarantee: Helps manufacturers secure working capital.
- Local Grants & Tax Credits: Tax credits and sales tax exclusions on manufacturing equipment:
Workforce Development
Build a skilled and competitive team.
- California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC): Training programs and workforce solutions.
- Universities, Community Colleges & Trade Schools: Apprenticeship and upskilling programs can be found at many of California’s colleges and trade schools, such as the host of the Central CA SBDC Network, UC Merced.
Supply Chain Assistance
Strengthen your sourcing, reshoring, and vendor connections.
- Assistance available through CMTC and local SBDC advisors.
- Supplier Scouting (e.g., NIST MEP Supplier Matching): Programs available through the federal MEP network via CMTC or SBDC collaboration.
Technology and Innovation
Adopt modern tools and smart technologies.
- Made in California Program: Helps market your California-made products.
- Industry 4.0 Adoption Support: Guidance on automation, robotics, and digital transformation.
- Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP): Federal resources for innovation & competitiveness, including CMTC as California’s MEP center.
Export & Global Sales
Expand into international markets.
- California STEP Grant: Financial assistance for trade shows and export marketing.
- U.S. Commercial Service: Support with overseas business contacts and regulatory guidance.
- Export Readiness Training (SBDC): Offered through the Central CA SBDC network. Select the Service Center nearest you.
Federal Resources
Discover federal resources designed to empower manufacturing businesses by visiting the Manufacturing & Onshoring Hub on the America’s Small Business Development Center (ASBDC) website.
Business Support
If you are an entrepreneur or existing manufacturing business owner
interested in receiving free, confidential one-on-one advising, please contact the UC Merced SBDC at (209) 228-3506 or ucmsbdc@ucmerced.edu.