WASHINGTON — In a major push to restore America’s industrial dominance, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of new Regional Innovation Cluster (RIC) funding of up to $7.5 million to support domestic manufacturers. 98% of American manufacturers are small businesses, and the new funding will empower them with the resources and technical assistance to start building again – bringing jobs back home, strengthening our supply chains, and restoring American strength and security.
“President Trump’s fair trade policy sets the foundation for the return of American industrial dominance – and at the SBA, we’re working to support this agenda with targeted resources for domestic manufacturers,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “Our new RIC funding and ongoing outreach serves small businesses with practical tools to reshore jobs and critical industries – reducing our reliance on foreign suppliers and protecting American strength and security. Not only will small businesses rebuild our industrial base – they will solidify America as the global leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation for the long term.”
The new funding will support the formation of up to 20 new RICs to assist small businesses with rebuilding America’s manufacturing dominance. The agency is currently seeking competitive proposals from organizations who seek to start new RICs, especially those with strong partnerships and proven experience supporting the following critical industries:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Critical Minerals
- Nuclear Microreactors
- Quantum Tech & Emerging Systems Artificial Intelligence
- Information Technology (cybersecurity, cyber operations, data storage, etc.)
- Semiconductors
The RIC solicitation closes August 8, 2025 at 4 p.m. ET. Learn more about the RIC Program by visiting Regional Innovation Clusters | U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov).
