Have You Met MARC?

The SBA’s newest tool is here to help you support small manufacturers and grow your lending portfolio. 

Big banks are turning away small businesses.

According to a recent Financial Brand article, big banks are approving just 13% of small business loan applications, leaving many entrepreneurs searching for alternatives to fund their dreams.

That’s where you, as a community-based financial institution, come in as the hero, championing local small and mid-sized businesses (SMB) while expanding your loan portfolio along the way.

And now, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has introduced a new friend to help you do just that.

Meet MARC – the SBA 7(a) Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit Loan Program.

Launched on Oct. 1, 2025, MARC is a lending product offering working capital — up to $5 million — for small businesses in the manufacturing sector.

Funds can be used in tandem with other SBA and conventional commercial loans to support operational needs, such as working capital, inventory purchases, or new projects. There is no down payment requirement (NOTE: This can vary by lender).

What’s the Significance of MARC? 

According to the SBA, MARC is the first-ever loan program specifically designated to support America’s small manufacturing operations (fewer than 500 employees), which make up 98% of all U.S. manufacturers.

The SBA notes, in addition to offering working capital for small manufacturers, MARC is “specifically designed to provide maximum flexibility and minimal red tape.”

 

Get to Know MARC

• Can be structured as a revolving line of credit or term loan.
• Positioned to help growing manufacturers access flexible working capital as they scale their operations and take on new customers.
• Funds can be used for any short-term working capital needs of the manufacturer.
• MARC lines of credit can help manufacturers expand their working capital by leveraging the available equity of their existing facility or equipment.

What’s the Opportunity in Small and Medium-sized business for Community-Based Financial Institutions?

While approval rates for small business loans have dropped at the largest banks, new businesses continue to grow, with “400,000 to 450,000” new applications coming in each month since 2020, according to the Financial Brand.

With MARC added to the SBA’s roster, your FI may be well-positioned to fill in the SMB lending gap.

Want to provide awareness and promote MARC at your institution? Let’s talk!