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
Soft equipment sales signal cautious farm spending as producers prioritize cash flow over expansion.
Wind repowering offers a rare opportunity to renegotiate outdated leases and improve long-term land income for landowners who act early.
Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana discusses how the Affordable Homes Act will benefit rural communities, and her broader efforts to improve access to affordable housing.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
NEFB President Mark McHargue recaps the Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention, producer sentiment in Nebraska, and discusses key issues facing agriculture.
Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
From “right to repair” to investigations into the “Big Four” meatpackers, antitrust issues were a major legal topic in 2025 and promise to have a long-term impact on the agriculture industry in the future.
A disciplined, breakeven-based marketing plan helps protect margins and reduce risk, even when markets remain unpredictable.
StockShowAuctions.com takes us to the Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas, where young producers are showcasing their dedication, skill, and champion livestock.

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:

AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares a closer look at the dairy market and the forces impacting producers today.
Eliza Petry joins the RFD News team with a strong connection to agriculture and a commitment to covering the people and issues that matter most to rural America.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer helps producers navigate farm program payments and understand the key details farmers need to know.
Todd Janzen with Janzen Schroeder Ag Law explains the updated ag data use agreement model and what it means for farmers and companies alike.
Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.
STRAUSS CEO Henning Strauss joined us with a preview of “Meet Strauss: The Tool You Wear,” premiering live tonight at 7:30 ET — only on RFD Network and RFD+