Small Business Administration Outlines Priorities to Support Rural Resiliency

Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs joined us with an update on how the SBA is working to support rural communities and small businesses across the country.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — The Small Business Administration is stepping up efforts to support rural America, with a focus on strengthening communities, boosting resiliency, and helping small businesses take advantage of new opportunities.

Bill Briggs, Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration, joined us on Thursday in the RFD-TV Studio in Nashville to share an update on the agency’s current priorities.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Briggs discussed how the SBA is placing an emphasis on rural and underserved areas, including outreach to rural manufacturing companies and efforts tied to the “Made in America” initiative.

Briggs also touched on guidance for tax filing and how small business owners can capitalize on federal tax credits and deductions included in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA). Briggs highlighted new tools available to manufacturers, including the SBA’s introduction of the Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit program.

In addition, Briggs addressed the agency’s work around natural disaster resilience and the availability of the SBA’s Red Tape Hotline, which helps small businesses navigate regulatory challenges. He also noted the EPA’s rescission of the 2009 endangerment finding, a move that is expected to reduce agricultural input costs and improve equipment reliability.

Related Stories
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law dives into a “potpourri” of ag tax and law-related issues in his latest Firm to Farm blog post.
Texas A&M 4-H Director Montza Williams joins for an update on the expected timeline for the program’s new facility and all the associated benefits.
From tinkering with machines to building projects from scratch, students in the National FFA Organization develop skills to help shape future careers.
Key signs of the U.S. beef herd’s recovery are improved pasture conditions, lower feed costs, and increased regulatory alignment and support for producers to implement targeted grazing practices.
Dr. Mark Svoboda with the National Drought Mitigation Center discusses a new global drought report and resources to help operations increase drought resilience.
Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Tennessee FarmHER Bridget Bryant’s porch garden evolves into a sprawling community outreach project that provides fresh produce to those in need and teaches urban kids how to grow their own food.
“Dirt Diaries” is where the women of agriculture get real. From fields to boardrooms, this podcast uncovers stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
Wholesale egg prices decreased by 64% from their peak in late 2024, while retail prices have dropped by 27%, according to a recent USDA update.
This cast-iron Meat Lover’s Pizza is loaded with beef, sausage, ham, pepperoni—and ALL the cheese. It’s deep-dish, crispy-edged, and unapologetically extra.
All your cheeseburger faves—on a pizza! Beef, bacon, pickles, and melty cheese in every bite. It’s bold, beefy, and totally crave-worthy.
Crispy crust, creamy Gorgonzola, salty prosciutto, and peppery arugula make this pizza fancy, fast, and full of flavor!