SBA and DOL Agreement Unlocks Manufacturing Growth in Charlotte County


July 18th, 2025

SBA and DOL Agreement

The SBA and DOL Agreement: A Local Boost with National Power

The U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Labor have signed a new agreement to strengthen American manufacturing. This is more than a federal handshake. For small manufacturers in Charlotte County, Florida, it’s a major shift in opportunity.

Known as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the agreement connects SBA’s capital and contracting programs with the Department of Labor’s workforce training systems. This means more funding, better job training, and faster access to support for manufacturers that are ready to grow. The move is part of a larger push to restore U.S. manufacturing leadership—and it directly benefits places like Charlotte County where industrial growth is already gaining momentum.

SBA and DOL Agreement

Image Courtesy of US SBA

Why Charlotte County Is Poised to Win

Charlotte County is no stranger to industrial innovation. From Punta Gorda’s Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park to Port Charlotte’s growing commercial zones, small manufacturing firms are building the backbone of the local economy. These companies are the precise target of the SBA and DOL’s new partnership.

With 98% of American manufacturers qualifying as small businesses, Charlotte County represents the kind of local economy that stands to benefit most. The new agreement doesn’t just unlock access to capital. It also helps streamline workforce development efforts that are already in motion across the region.

This is where local momentum meets national policy. Charlotte Technical College, CareerSource Southwest Florida, and Charlotte County Economic Development have all been building strong pipelines between training and employment. Now, federal support will strengthen those connections and bring more visibility, resources, and coordination to local programs.

Manufacturing, Reimagined for Today’s Workforce

Across the country, there’s a growing demand for skilled trades. In Charlotte County, that demand has taken the shape of job-ready programs in advanced manufacturing, aviation, and automotive technology. The DOL’s Registered Apprenticeship system will now work hand-in-hand with SBA support, making it easier for businesses to train new talent while growing their operations.

This is especially good news for companies that rely on precision fabrication, mechanical installation, or advanced equipment repair. Those industries are already thriving in Charlotte County. Now, they’ll be backed by coordinated training, recruiting, and capital expansion tools from two of the most powerful small business agencies in the country.

From Veterans to Visionaries: A Workforce Ready to Build

Veterans play a key role in Charlotte County’s economy. With MacDill Air Force Base to the north and a large population of military families in the region, Charlotte County has long prioritized programs that connect veterans to careers. The SBA and DOL agreement places even greater emphasis on veteran employment training. That focus aligns perfectly with Charlotte County’s values.

Programs like the Veterans Employment Training Service (VETS) can now be better integrated with local small businesses looking to hire disciplined, skilled workers. This matters not just for social good—but for competitive advantage. Veterans bring real-world experience, technical skills, and leadership qualities that directly benefit the manufacturing sector.

Access to Capital: Fueling Expansion in Charlotte County

For many small businesses, access to funding is the biggest barrier to growth. The SBA’s loan programs—especially the 7(a) and 504—offer structured financing designed to support facility expansion, equipment purchases, and workforce development. But often, these programs are underused due to lack of awareness.

This new agreement ensures better education and outreach to small manufacturers, helping them tap into capital that can scale production or invest in cutting-edge machinery. In Charlotte County, where industrial buildings are available, land costs are competitive, and the labor pool is expanding, that funding could make the difference between plateauing and thriving.

Reshoring, Supply Chains, and the Onshoring Portal

One of the most significant tools coming out of the SBA in 2025 is the new Onshoring Portal—a searchable database of over one million domestic suppliers. This tool connects small businesses with vetted U.S.-based sources for parts, materials, and components.

In a world where global supply chains have proven unreliable, this is an enormous benefit. Charlotte County businesses that once relied on overseas parts can now quickly identify domestic partners. It’s not only a win for logistics and timelines—it’s also a smart step toward resilience and national security.

The SBA and DOL agreement ensures that manufacturers can combine this reshoring tool with real capital and workforce training to bring operations fully back onshore. For Charlotte County companies who want to label their products “Made in America,” the timing has never been better.

The Economic Ripple Effect

This isn’t just about manufacturing. When small industrial businesses expand, the entire local economy benefits. More skilled jobs mean more housing demand, more spending in local stores, and more community stability.

Charlotte County’s leadership in business attraction and site development has laid a strong foundation. Now, the SBA and DOL partnership adds a new layer of federal support to everything that’s already in place.

What does this look like in practice? It means a metalworking shop can apply for an SBA loan, hire two veterans using a DOL-backed apprenticeship, and source its raw materials from Florida instead of China—all within a few months. That’s not just theory. That’s the kind of growth story this partnership is meant to create.

Getting Started: What Local Businesses Should Do Now

Business owners in Charlotte County should begin by contacting the SBA’s South Florida District Office, which offers direct guidance on loan programs, technical support, and how to apply for manufacturing-specific funding. At the same time, reaching out to CareerSource Southwest Florida can open doors to job placement, on-the-job training incentives, and apprenticeship connections.

Local leaders should also visit the SBA Onshoring Portal to assess their current supply chain needs. By finding domestic partners, they can improve reliability, cut shipping times, and potentially lower long-term costs. These tools are free, accessible, and designed to help small manufacturers compete at the national level.

Finally, partnering with the Charlotte County Economic Development Office can help identify available properties, plan facility expansions, and connect with other manufacturers building momentum in the region.

FAQs

What is the SBA and DOL Agreement?
It’s a formal agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Department of Labor that links financial resources with workforce development programs to boost U.S. manufacturing.

How does this impact Charlotte County businesses?
It brings capital, training programs, veteran hiring tools, and supply chain support directly into the hands of small manufacturers across the region.

Can my small business qualify for these programs?
Yes. Most manufacturing businesses in Charlotte County qualify for SBA loans and workforce incentives under this agreement.

What if I don’t have a workforce pipeline in place?
The DOL’s apprenticeship system and CareerSource Southwest Florida can help you build one, now with additional support from this federal partnership.

Is this only for large-scale manufacturers?
No. The entire initiative is designed for small businesses—the ones that make up 98% of the manufacturing base in the U.S.

Where can I go for help?
Start with the SBA South Florida District Office and Charlotte County Economic Development. They can guide you through your next steps and connect you with training and funding opportunities.

Conclusion: The Time to Grow is Now

With the SBA and DOL agreement now in place, Charlotte County businesses are standing at the edge of a rare opportunity. The support systems have aligned. The capital is available. The workforce is ready.

More importantly, the national policy environment has finally caught up with what Charlotte County has been doing for years—building something real, something strong, and something sustainable.

This is your moment. Whether you’re a seasoned manufacturer or just exploring your first facility, the tools to grow are now within reach. Don’t wait for another invitation. The door is open.

Walk through it.