Small Business Day 2026: A View from the Small Business Administration

As more Americans pursue entrepreneurship and launch new ventures, many small business owners are looking for practical guidance on everything from validating a business idea to securing funding and navigating federal regulations. That’s why the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers countless resources to help business owners build stronger, more resilient companies.

During CO—’s 2026 Small Business Day, Bill Briggs, SBA Deputy Administrator, and Tom Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Small Business Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, discussed the opportunities and challenges facing small businesses today and how the SBA is working to support entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.

How the SBA’s resource partners (and modern technology) help entrepreneurs get started

Thoughtful planning matters when you’re launching a business. To help entrepreneurs develop business plans, marketing strategies, and operational roadmaps, the SBA works through a nationwide network of resource partners, including Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and Veteran Business Outreach Centers. These organizations provide low- or no-cost guidance to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business.

“You might be starting or going into business for yourself, but you are not going into business by yourself,” Briggs said.

Briggs also encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace artificial intelligence early in the planning process. He noted that many small businesses are already using AI tools to improve operations, streamline decision-making, and position themselves for future growth.

“[Think] about how you can integrate AI into your business immediately as you start to grow it,” Briggs advised. “An AI-first business today will have a tremendous advantage in five years.”

Access to capital is a core SBA mission

Because funding is one of the biggest challenges many new and growing businesses face, SBA-backed loans are one of the agency’s primary tools for helping entrepreneurs grow responsibly. In addition to the SBA’s flagship 7(a) loan program, Briggs highlighted microloans of up to $50,000 for newer businesses and 504 loans that help companies invest in equipment and facilities.

“The stage is set right now … for growth,” said Briggs, citing recent tax provisions that allow businesses to fully expense research, development, and equipment purchases. 

“[There is] a variety of options and resources out there, and SBA is proud to be a partner in that process,” he added.

[Read more: Guide to SBA Loans] 

SBA’s deregulatory push aims to reduce burdens on small businesses

Briggs also discussed the SBA’s new Deregulation Strike Force, an initiative designed to identify federal rules that unnecessarily burden small businesses. Briggs encouraged entrepreneurs to share concerns directly with the agency through the SBA’s redtape@sba.gov portal.

“We work for you, and we want to make your lives and your businesses that much better with less regulation,” Briggs said.

Briggs shared several examples of regulations that the administration believes no longer reflect modern business realities, including agricultural rules that created costly compliance burdens with limited practical benefit. 

“We are really … focusing on common sense solutions and deregulatory efforts to help small businesses grow and expand,” he said.

[Read more: 7 SBA Programs Every Small Business Should Know About] 

Strengthening U.S. manufacturing and supply chains

Another major focus for the SBA is rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity and strengthening U.S.-based supply chains. Briggs noted that 98% of manufacturers in the United States are small businesses, making the issue central to the SBA’s mission.

To support these businesses, the agency has introduced new loan initiatives, including a Manufacturing Access Revolving Credit program and enhanced loan guarantees for specific sectors.

“[We] are focused on getting capital to small manufacturers, those who are in critical technology sectors, and … those in food production … so that our farmers and ranchers and producers can ultimately have access to capital and then expand and lower the cost of goods and services,” Briggs explained.

Briggs also highlighted the SBA’s free onshoring portal, which helps businesses identify domestic producers from its database of over 1 million U.S.-based suppliers.

“Go look on the portal and see if there's a U.S.-based supplier or producer who makes [the product or material] in America,” he said. “Nine times out of 10, there's somebody there who does.”

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.