Trump’s new SBA chief unleashes ‘Day One’ priorities to transform agency
Newly-confirmed Small Business Administration (SBA) administrator Kelly Loeffler is wasting no time in setting out her agenda for the agency over the next four years. Building on President Trump’s vision of creating a “golden era of prosperity and growth,” Loeffler has outlined a series of top priorities aimed at empowering small businesses and promoting American manufacturing.
In a “Day One” memo released this week, Loeffler highlighted the SBA’s commitment to supporting the America First agenda by prioritizing a “Made in America” approach to boost U.S. manufacturing. The agency plans to transform its Office of International Trade into the ‘Office of Manufacturing and Trade’ to focus on rebuilding American supply chains, investing in manufacturing, and strengthening the economy and national security.
Additionally, the SBA will work closely with other agencies to scale innovative manufacturing and technology startups, with the goal of bringing more production back to the United States. This move aligns with President Trump’s efforts to bring manufacturing jobs back to American soil.
In line with Trump’s push to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government, Loeffler’s memo states that the SBA will enforce executive orders aimed at ending wasteful government spending and promoting American energy independence. The agency will work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to eliminate fraud and waste, appointing a “Fraud Czar” to identify and recover criminally obtained funds.
Furthermore, the SBA plans to conduct a comprehensive financial audit to address mismanagement and ensure the solvency of programs like the 7(a) lending program and the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program. This audit is crucial for restoring the credibility of financial statements and protecting taxpayer-funded programs.
In a bold move, Loeffler has also mandated that all non-exempt SBA employees return to work in person five days a week, following Trump’s directive for federal employees to return to the office. Additionally, the agency will ban illegal immigrants from receiving SBA assistance and restrict hostile foreign nationals from accessing SBA programs.
The memo outlines various initiatives aimed at empowering small businesses, including cutting regulations, improving customer service and cybersecurity, promoting fair competition, and relocating offices outside of sanctuary cities. Loeffler has pledged to end taxpayer-funded voter registration activities and focus the agency’s efforts on empowering job creators and driving economic growth.
Loeffler, who served as a senator in Georgia, has promised to restore the small business economy and lead the SBA into a new era of prosperity. With a strong focus on supporting American manufacturing, eliminating waste and fraud, and empowering small businesses, Loeffler is poised to make a significant impact during her tenure as SBA administrator.
