The SBA just made it easier for lenders to finance small businesses across the energy production supply chain.
What’s new:
As of August 14, 2026, small businesses in energy production, distribution, grid modernization, and equipment manufacturing are eligible for a new 90% guarantee through the SBA’s International Trade Loan (ITL) Program — up from the standard 75% guarantee most SBA 7(a) loans carry. The higher guarantee gives lenders more incentive to deploy capital into this sector, with the goal of expanding domestic energy capacity and supply chain strength.
This covers a wide range of energy-related industries — oil and gas extraction, coal and mineral mining, drilling support services, and more. If your business falls within one of the qualifying NAICS codes, this is worth a closer look.
Where this fits with your growth plans:
The ITL Program is designed for working capital and trade-related financing — it’s a different tool than what we offer directly. But if your energy-sector business is also planning to purchase real estate, construct a facility, or invest in major equipment, that’s exactly where an SBA 504 loan comes in. Many growing businesses use both: 7(a)/ITL financing for working capital, and 504 financing for the big, fixed investments that support long-term growth.
What to do next:
If you’re in the energy sector and thinking about expansion, let’s talk about the full picture — what financing tools might fit your specific project, and how a 504 loan could work alongside programs like this one.
