In honor of Mother’s Day, I want to take this opportunity to recognize the women innovators, risk-takers, and job creators who power our economy. I am proud to serve SBA’s Mid-Atlantic region covering Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. During my travels I see how small businesses are revitalizing communities, strengthening supply chains, and creating opportunities for hardworking families.
At the U.S. Small Business Administration, we are proud to support these entrepreneurs under the leadership of Administrator Kelly Loeffler. Together, we are focused on delivering positive, practical, and measurable outcomes for America’s small businesses. The SBA offers various funding opportunities, including loans and grants, specifically designed to support women-owned small business.
A key priority for the administration is strengthening Made-in-America manufacturing initiatives. There are many hardworking women-owned manufacturers in Eastern Pennsylvania, like Hayley and Stephanie Painter, who manufacture Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt with milk from dairy cows that graze on her family’s 4th-generation farm in Tioga County, and Dorothea “Dee” Spencer, a mechanical engineer and founder of DGI, a leading manufacturer of support equipment for defense agencies. What these two businesses have in common, is they worked with their local SBA district office and SBA Resource Partners to start and grow their small businesses.
At the U.S. Small Business Administration, we are proud to stand alongside these entrepreneurs. Through access to capital, counseling, training, and government contracting opportunities, the SBA works every day to help small businesses start, grow, and thrive. From Main Street retailers to manufacturers and service providers, our goal is to ensure small business owners have the tools they need to succeed.
Sample SBA loan programs:
These loans are designed to support small businesses at various stages—whether you're starting out, expanding operations, or investing in long-term assets.
The SBA 7(a) loan is the most popular and versatile SBA program. It's commonly used for working capital, equipment purchases, inventory, hiring, refinancing existing debt, or even buying a business.
- Loan amounts: Up to $5 million
- Best for: Established businesses looking for flexibility in how they use funds
Microloans are smaller loans often distributed by nonprofit community lenders, many of which focus specifically on underserved or underrepresented groups - including women.
- Loan amounts: Up to $50,000
- Average loan size: ~$13,000
- Best for: Startups, early-stage businesses, or entrepreneurs with limited credit history
The 504 loan is ideal for businesses making large investments in fixed assets—like buying commercial property, renovating a facility, or purchasing major equipment.
- Loan amounts: Up to $5.5 million
- Terms: 10, 20, or 25 years
- Best for: Businesses planning long-term investments in infrastructure or expansion
sba.gov/women | sba.gov/pa