OHIO · NAICS 31-33
Ohio manufacturing projects pencil on the strongest program economics in fiscal 2026: 7(a) fees waived on loans up to $950,000, 504 fees waived entirely, and a $5.5 million debenture. Studies translate equipment, facility, and energy capital plans into projections that lenders can stress-test against ramp, contract concentration, and refinance.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Fiscal 2026 gives manufacturers the strongest program economics, with 7(a) fees waived on loans up to $950,000, 504 fees waived entirely, and a $5.5 million debenture; lenders still expect a credible study where projections drive the deal.
Between FY2010 and FY2026, SBA lenders approved and disbursed 3,541 7(a) and 504 loans for manufacturing projects in Ohio, totaling $1.74 billion in approved financing at an average of $491,000 per loan. Ohio ranks #3 of 38 states tracked for manufacturing SBA lending volume and accounts for 4.4% of national manufacturing SBA dollar volume. 89.4% of these loans were made under the 7(a) program, the remainder under 504. 425 loans have been approved since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 3,541 |
| Approved volume | $1.74 billion |
| Average loan size | $491,000 |
| 7(a) share | 89.4% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 425 |
| State rank by loan count | #3 of 38 |
Among the 2,692 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 6.4% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for manufacturing is 6.6%, against 7.3% across all industries. That is broadly in line with the national benchmark for this asset class.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
An adverse-resolution rate of 6.4%, close to the national manufacturing benchmark of 6.6%, puts Ohio deals in this class on ordinary SBA credit footing. Across 3,541 loans averaging $491,000, the underwriting question is deal-specific: a rigorous third-party feasibility study is where documented demand and stressed coverage decide the credit outcome.
Every Ohio manufacturing project we underwrite follows the same lender ready process: independent market analysis, site and technical review, and financial projections tested against SBA SOP 50 10 8 standards. Our SBA feasibility study consultants guide explains scope, timing, deliverables, and what lenders and CDCs expect in the report.
Ohio projects most often pencil under SBA 504 because the 50/40/10 structure delivers up to 90 percent financing on owner-occupied real estate at a fixed debenture rate. SBA 7(a) covers acquisitions, working capital, and equipment, and from July 4, 2026 eligible borrowers can combine 7(a) and 504 for up to $10 million in total program credit.
The Columbus-area Intel buildout is pulling supplier demand into central Ohio while the legacy base modernizes through exactly the financings below.
For a national view of this asset class, see our manufacturing SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the manufacturing lending research on our blog.
Compare neighboring markets: North Carolina, Oregon, Texas.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
SBA 504 through Ohio Statewide Development Corporation with Park National Bank
Acquisition of Forrest Machine Products, 2026
Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio
SBA 504 through Ohio Statewide Development Corporation with Heartland Bank
Manufacturing facility supporting 44 jobs
Marysville, Union County, Ohio
SBA 504 Green Energy through Ohio Statewide Development Corporation with Wright-Patt Credit Union
Veteran-owned, the first Green Energy 504 closed in Ohio, 2024
Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio
Fifteen-minute scoping call, written proposal inside one business day, firm fixed fee before you sign.
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