For veterans transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship, access to capital can be a critical step toward building a successful business. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of loan programs designed to support veteran-owned businesses, and one of the most impactful options is the SBA Express Loan/Line of Credit. What many may not realize is that spouses of veterans can also benefit from specific fee waivers under this program—making it an even more inclusive and supportive resource.

SBA Express Loans: A Fast Track for Veteran Entrepreneurs and their spouses

SBA Express Loans are part of the broader SBA 7(a) loan program but are distinguished by their streamlined application process and faster turnaround times. These loans are ideal for small businesses needing quick access to funding—up to $500,000—for working capital, equipment purchases, or expansion.

Fee Waivers for Veterans and Their Spouses

One of the most compelling features of the SBA Express Loan program is the guarantee fee waiver for eligible veterans. This waiver applies to:

• Veterans honorably discharged from active duty
• Service-disabled veterans
• Active-duty military service members eligible for the Transition Assistance Program
• Reservists and National Guard members
• Spouses of any of the above

This means that spouses of veterans—even if they are the primary applicant—can benefit from reduced upfront costs when applying for an SBA Express Loan or Line of Credit. It’s important to note that this waiver does not apply to regular SBA 7(a) loans, only to the Express variant.

Honoring Service with Additional Support

In addition to federal fee waivers, some financial institutions go a step further in supporting veterans. Gesa Credit Union, for example, offers a packaging fee waiver as well as an interest rate discount for eligible veterans for SBA Express Loans or Lines of Credit. This packaging fee typically covers the administrative costs of preparing and submitting the loan application.

Why This Matters

Veterans and their spouses bring unique skills, discipline, and leadership to the business world. By leveraging SBA Express Loans and taking advantage of available fee waivers, they grow their businesses with greater financial flexibility. These benefits not only honor their service but also empower them to continue making meaningful contributions to their communities.

If you’re a manufacturing business owner—or considering buying one—there’s a powerful new financing tool you need to know about: the Manufacturers’ Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) program, launched by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This groundbreaking initiative is designed to provide flexible, working capital to small manufacturers, helping them scale operations, create jobs, and bring production back to American soil.

 What Is the MARC Program?

The MARC program is a new loan product under the SBA’s flagship 7(a) loan program, specifically tailored for manufacturers classified under NAICS codes 31-33. It offers revolving lines of credit or term loans of up to $5 million, with SBA guarantees up to $3.75 million

Unlike traditional SBA loans, MARC loans are restricted to working capital use only—meaning funds can be used for inventory, payroll, raw materials, and short-term operational needs, but not for fixed asset purchases. The line cannot be used for debt refinance, changes or ownership or to pay delinquent taxes.

Why It Matters for Business Owners and Buyers of Manufacturing Businesses

Whether you’re already running a manufacturing business or looking to acquire one, MARC offers several strategic advantages:

Flexible Capital for Growth

MARC loans are designed to meet the dynamic cash flow needs of manufacturers. You can structure the loan as a revolving line of credit, allowing you to draw funds as needed and repay them as cash comes in. This can be done through a traditional borrowing base or for strong credit requests and open and active line that is renewed annually.

 Support for Onshoring and Expansion

The program aligns with the SBA’s Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, which aims to reshore production and rebuild domestic supply chains. MARC loans can help fund expansion projects, new customer contracts, and increased production capacity.

 Enhanced Loan Structuring Options

MARC loans can be combined with other SBA, business acquisition loans or conventional loans, giving buyers and current owners more flexibility in financing working capital needs or growth. Also, it is important to note that through September 30, 2026, SBA fees on regular SBA 7(a) loans for Manufacturers of amounts $950,000 or less, the upfront guaranty fee is reduced to 0% saving up to $25,000 in SBA fees.

Key Features of MARC Loans

• Loan Size: Up to $5 million
• Use of Proceeds: Working capital only
• Structure: Revolving line of credit or term loan
  • The Line of Credit can have a term up to 10 years revolving with an additional 10-year automatic term out period.
• Interest Rates: For line amounts greater than $350,000, interest rate cannot exceed Prime + 3.00%
• Fees: The lender can charge up to an annual fee of .50% up to 2% on the outstanding balance (not the line amount). SBA fee is the same as other SBA guaranteed loans.
• Collateral: Mandatory liens on accounts receivable, inventory and other business assets including a blanket UCC filing.
• Servicing: Annual reviews, Debit Service Coverage Ratio testing, and collateral monitoring
• Eligibility: Small manufacturers under NAICS 31-33

What Buyers of a Manufacturing Business Should Know

If you’re acquiring a manufacturing business, MARC loans can be a strategic tool to finance post-acquisition working capital needs. You’ll need to ensure the target company meets SBA eligibility requirements and has the operational discipline to comply with MARC’s servicing standards.

Next Steps for Business Owners

1. Review your working capital needs and determine if a revolving credit facility is right for your business.
2. Prepare for compliance: Ensure your financials, collateral, and operational practices align with MARC’s requirements.
3. Talk to an SBA-approved lender about MARC eligibility and structuring options.

The MARC program represents a major step forward in empowering small manufacturers to thrive in a competitive global market. Whether you’re scaling your current operation or entering the manufacturing space, this new SBA initiative could be the key to unlocking your next phase of growth.

Buying a business is a significant undertaking that requires careful consideration and being strategic when making decisions. One of the key factors that can impact success is the buyer’s level of business experience.

Individuals with prior business experience should be familiar with managing day-to-day operations, finances, and any regulatory issues that come up.  These Buyers with experience are better equipped to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a business, enabling them to identify opportunities for growth and areas that may require improvement.

Industry dynamics is a benefit of having experience. Different industries have different trends and regulations. Individuals with prior exposure within that industry are better positioned to grasp these intricacies, reducing the learning curve associated with the business.  This not only streamlines the due diligence process but also enables buyers to make more informed decisions regarding the compatibility of their skills and expertise with the target business.

Understanding the financials is a critical aspect of business ownership, and individuals with prior business experience, including management, typically possess a better understanding of financial principles. Understanding financial statements, the feasibility of investment decisions, and implementing sound fiscal strategies lead to the business’s success.

Risk management is also a part of business experience in which entrepreneurs with a history of business ownership have encountered challenges and uncertainties like what was experienced in 2008 and 2010. This exposure gives them the ability to mitigate risks effectively. During the business buying process, experienced buyers can identify potential pitfalls, develop contingency plans, and navigate uncertainties with a strategic mindset.

Having business experience is paramount when buying a business. It provides a practical understanding of business operations, confidence in tackling issues, strengthens financial understanding, and improves risk management capabilities.

SBA Lender’s like Gesa Credit Union ask for a resume when applying for a loan. The credit union wants to make sure that a doctor doesn’t want to open a restaurant or a construction company owner doesn’t want to own an Adult Family Home.

If you find you have some management experience, but as much as you would like, I encourage you to look at franchise options as those provide additional business structures who help you along the way.