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Businesses to benefit from almost GBP2m of funding

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  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 5:00 GMT by BBC
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Nearly $2 Million in New Capital to Power Small‑Business Growth Across the Midwest

In a move that promises to energize local economies and put new jobs on the board, a federal small‑business funding program has awarded almost $2 million to 15 companies across the Midwest. The award, announced last week by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in partnership with the Economic Development Administration (EDA), is part of a larger $10 billion push to bolster the country’s most vulnerable entrepreneurs—those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic, supply‑chain bottlenecks, and rapid inflation.

The decision came after a months‑long application cycle that saw more than 4,000 small‑business proposals reviewed by a panel of economic‑development experts. Only 15 were selected for funding, with the SBA stating that the selection criteria focused on job‑creation potential, financial sustainability, and the strategic importance of each company’s sector to the regional economy.

How the Money Will Be Used

The grants range from $75,000 to $200,000 and will be used for a wide range of purposes, including:

• Equipment upgrades – A handful of manufacturing firms will use the funds to purchase new CNC machines and robotic arms that increase output and precision.
• Digital transformation – Two tech‑services firms will invest in cloud‑based infrastructure and cybersecurity enhancements to support a shift to remote work.
• Product development – A boutique food‑production company will finance the creation of a new line of organic snack bars that can be sold in nationwide grocery chains.
• Hiring and training – Three service‑industry firms will allocate a portion of the money to recruit and train workers, boosting local employment.

“The capital infusion isn’t just about keeping a business afloat; it’s about setting the stage for sustainable growth,” said SBA Administrator John R. Duffy, who spoke at the announcement ceremony in Cleveland. “When small businesses expand, the ripple effect is felt across the entire community.”

Stories of Success

Acme Precision Machining, a 30‑year‑old family‑owned shop in Springfield, Illinois, received a $150,000 grant. The funding will allow Acme to replace aging lathe equipment and add a laser‑engraving module, enabling them to serve the aerospace sector—a market that has shown consistent demand despite global turbulence.

“We’re in a very competitive niche,” said Acme’s CEO, Maria Sanchez. “This grant gives us the edge to secure contracts that were previously out of reach. We’re looking at an additional 12 jobs in the next 18 months.”

Another recipient, Harvest Green Foods in Des Moines, Iowa, will invest in a new cold‑chain storage facility that can keep their organic granola bars at optimal temperatures during transport to national retailers. “This is a huge step forward for us,” said co‑founder and CFO, David Lin. “We’re moving from a regional distributor to a national brand.”

Breeze Tech Solutions in Madison, Wisconsin, will use its $75,000 grant to launch a remote‑support platform for small businesses, offering AI‑driven diagnostics and on‑call troubleshooting. “The pandemic taught us that digital readiness is no longer optional,” Breeze’s CTO, Priya Patel, explained. “With this funding, we’re putting that capability in the hands of hundreds of other small businesses.”

The Bigger Picture

The SBA’s announcement follows the release of a white paper from the EDA that identified four “growth engines” for the Midwest: advanced manufacturing, technology innovation, sustainable agriculture, and clean‑energy services. The $2 million grant package is designed to nurture those engines at the grassroots level.

“The Midwest has long been the backbone of American manufacturing,” said EDA Director, Susan Miller. “By empowering small firms to innovate and scale, we are not only preserving jobs but creating new ones in high‑skill sectors.”

Experts note that the funding also aligns with broader congressional initiatives. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which recently signed into law, includes $4 billion earmarked for small‑business technology upgrades. The SBA’s program can be seen as a direct extension of that mandate, with a focus on speed, accountability, and regional equity.

How to Apply

Small businesses that are not already recipients can still benefit from the program’s “Fast‑Track” track. The SBA’s website, linked in the original article, outlines a streamlined application process that includes:

1. Eligibility Screening – Businesses must have fewer than 500 employees, a gross annual revenue below $50 million, and be located in one of the target states.
2. Business Plan Submission – A concise outline (max 2 pages) of how the funding will be used to create or protect at least 5 jobs over the next 3 years.
3. Financial Projections – A 3‑year financial forecast demonstrating sustainability.
4. Community Impact Statement – A short paragraph explaining how the expansion will benefit the local community (e.g., reduced traffic, improved environmental outcomes).

Applicants who meet the criteria can submit their proposals through the SBA’s online portal by the deadline of August 30. The SBA will review all applications and award up to $1 million in the next quarter.

Looking Ahead

While the grant winners are set to experience immediate benefits, the SBA is already planning the next round of funding for the Northeast and West Coast regions. The overarching goal, according to the agency, is to create a national network of small‑business ecosystems that can adapt to rapid technological change and economic uncertainty.

“The funding we are giving today is just the first wave,” said Administrator Duffy. “Our commitment is to keep pouring resources into the small‑business engine that powers the American economy.”

For businesses that have survived the turbulence of the past three years and are now ready to scale, the nearly $2 million infusion offers a tangible boost and a vote of confidence from the federal government. It underscores the importance of targeted support for the sector that, more often than not, keeps the American job market moving.