FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hilda Kennedy, Janine Warren, and Board Member Wanda Jones Join National CDC Leaders to Support SBA 504 Lending Expansion at NADCO’s Spring Summit
ONTARIO, CA – May 2025 – Last week, AmPac Business Capital joined fellow Certified Development Companies at the 2025 NADCO Spring Summit in Washington, D.C. Founder and President Hilda Kennedy, Executive Vice President Janine Warren, and Board Member Wanda Jones, represented AmPac at the national conference, which gathered SBA leaders, policymakers, and mission-driven lenders to focus on one shared goal: expanding access to capital for small businesses through the SBA 504 Loan Program, with a special emphasis on strengthening U.S. manufacturing.
The summit opened with remarks from SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, who reaffirmed the agency’s strong support for the SBA 504 program. Administrator Loeffler praised the program’s track record of sound lending, low default rates, and its ability to operate without relying on taxpayer funds. She also emphasized the administration’s renewed focus on key sectors including manufacturing, rural business, and veteran-owned enterprises, all of which are vital to job creation and national economic growth.
Why Manufacturers Matter Now
Manufacturers remain a cornerstone of the American economy. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the sector accounts for 10 percent of the country’s GDP and supports more than 12.8 million jobs. Despite this, many small and mid-sized manufacturers face major challenges when trying to expand their operations due to the high costs of equipment, facilities, and land.
The SBA 504 Loan Program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for the purchase of real estate, equipment, and other major fixed assets. However, the current $5.5 million cap on the SBA-backed second mortgage limits the size of projects the program can effectively support. For larger expansions, this cap requires participating lenders to take on more of the financing burden, which can reduce their willingness to lend and ultimately restrict access to growth capital for manufacturers.
A Legislative Push to Increase Support
A bipartisan proposal in Congress seeks to raise the SBA 504 second mortgage cap to $10 million for qualified manufacturing projects. This would apply to U.S.-owned manufacturers with NAICS codes beginning in 31, 32, or 33 and whose production takes place entirely in the United States. Increasing the cap would allow more manufacturers to:
- Expand or modernize their facilities
- Invest in energy-efficient equipment
- Reshore supply chains and reduce foreign dependence
- Create jobs and stimulate long-term economic resilience
Why It Matters for California and Beyond
AmPac Business Capital has a long-standing commitment to supporting manufacturers across California. In high-cost markets like Southern California, where land and facility prices are substantial, increasing the loan cap could be the difference between growth and stagnation for many businesses.
“This proposed increase to $10 million per project would be transformational,” said AmPac President Hilda Kennedy. “We are proud to advocate for manufacturers that are ready to grow and invest in their communities.”
What You Can Do to Help
- Contact Your Elected Officials
Reach out to your U.S. Senators and Representatives to express your support for increasing the SBA 504 loan cap for manufacturers. Sharing your experience or community impact can strengthen your message.
Find your elected officials here:
- Educate Your Network
Many manufacturers are unaware of the SBA 504 program or the proposed changes. Share this information through local chambers of commerce, business associations, and economic development groups.
Learn more about SBA 504 loans on AmPac’s SBA 504 page. - Support Domestic Industry Initiatives
Support policies that strengthen American manufacturing through job training, infrastructure, and access to capital. For ongoing updates, visit the National Association of Manufacturers.
AmPac Business Capital will continue to advocate for entrepreneurs and manufacturers who are creating jobs, investing in their communities, and building a resilient American economy. To stay informed, subscribe to our newsletter and follow our updates. You can read more about the manufacturers AmPac has helped across California here!
Contact:
AmPac Business Capital
[email protected]
(909) 915-1706
www.ampac.com