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
Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.
SharkFarmer host Rob Sharkey takes us on a tour of the John Deere showcase on the trade show floor of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville.
More flexible export financing could strengthen demand in emerging markets and support higher U.S. agricultural exports.
Student volunteers at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo are teaching visitors about agriculture through the FFA Children’s Barnyard ahead of the Junior Sale of Champions.
The phone call injected optimism into the soybean market, but actual Chinese buying and its timing will ultimately determine the extent of U.S. agricultural export benefits.
Regulatory uncertainty could slow the growth of fiber and grain hemp unless implementation is delayed.

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:

Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening joined us with the latest update on storm conditions and impacts across the state.