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. A total of 98% of American manufacturers are small businesses, and the new funding will empower them with the resources and technical assistance to start building again.
“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,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler in a press release.
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:
The RIC solicitation closes Aug. 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).
The SBA launched the RIC Initiative in September 2010 to promote and support the development of clusters, which are geographically concentrated groups of interconnected businesses, suppliers, service providers, and associated institutions in a particular industry or field across the country. Clusters act as a networking hub for small businesses, convening several resources to help navigate the funding, procurement, and supply-chain opportunities in a specific industry. They also assist businesses in matching cutting-edge technology to industry needs and increase the number of innovative small businesses and entrepreneurs in the nation’s supply chain.
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