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The SBA Manufacturing in America Empower to Grow (E2G) Grant Initiative is a new $50 million program announced in May 2026 to support small manufacturers across the United States.
The program funds organizations that provide training, technical assistance, and workforce development to small manufacturing businesses in critical industries including advanced manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, shipbuilding, rail equipment, mining, industrial machinery, construction equipment, metal fabrication, electrical equipment, food processing, and medical/precision manufacturing.
As many as 10 awards will be made to organizations with demonstrated experience providing hands-on manufacturing training and technical assistance to small manufacturers. The program addresses the need for small manufacturers — who represent 98% of all U.S. manufacturers — to adopt modern technologies including AI, automation, and advanced manufacturing processes to remain globally competitive.
Three informational webinars are scheduled for May 11, May 27, and June 3, 2026. Applications must be submitted via grants. gov by June 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT.
Contact: e2g@sba. gov.
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Or search similar grants →According to the current listing, eligibility includes: For-profit or not-for-profit entities, including small businesses, trade associations, and educational institutions. Must have operated continuously for at least three years, have experience providing technical assistance, tools, or training to small manufacturing businesses regionally or nationally, and demonstrate capacity to deliver hands-on manufacturing training and technical assistance. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows $50 million total program funding distributed among as many as 10 eligible applicant organizations. Individual awards up to approximately $5 million. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
The published deadline was June 15, 2026, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.
SBA Manufacturing in America Empower to Grow Grant Initiative for Small Manufacturer Training and AI Adoption is funded by U.S. Small Business Administration. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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The Small Business Administration's Manufacturing in America Empower to Grow initiative funds up to ten technical-assistance organizations with $5M each to deliver hands-on training to small manufacturers in aerospace, shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, and seven other priority sectors. Applications close June 15, 2026 — and the three-year continuous-operation requirement is the rule that ends most LOIs before they start.
Read articleThe SBA's E2G grant funds up to 10 organizations at an average of $5M each to deliver training and technical assistance to small manufacturers in 13 critical industries. The three-year continuous operating requirement is the eligibility cliff that will eliminate most newer trade groups and university centers.
Read articleThe Small Business Administration's Manufacturing in America Empower to Grow (E2G) Grant Initiative commits up to $50 million across as few as 10 awards to intermediaries that serve small manufacturers. Applications close June 15, 2026. The program structure rewards organizations with three-plus years of operating history and documented regional or national reach.
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