VIRGINIA · NAICS 31-33
Virginia manufacturing deals carry the strongest program economics in fiscal 2026, with 7(a) fees waived on loans up to $950,000, 504 fees waived entirely, and a $5.5 million debenture. Newport News shipbuilding and the federal industrial base anchor the heavy end while food processing and the Shenandoah's production belt carry the small-business tier.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Fiscal 2026 gives manufacturers the strongest program economics: 7(a) fees waived on loans up to $950,000, 504 fees waived entirely, and a $5.5 million debenture.
From FY2010 through FY2026, Virginia recorded 706 SBA-disbursed manufacturing loans across the 7(a) and 504 programs, representing $409.2 million in approved financing at an average loan size of $580,000. The state sits at rank #22 of 38 for manufacturing SBA lending volume and holds 1.0% of the national manufacturing dollar pool. 7(a) accounts for 84.8% of the count, 504 for the rest, with 102 fresh approvals dated FY2024 or later.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 706 |
| Approved volume | $409.2 million |
| Average loan size | $580,000 |
| 7(a) share | 84.8% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 102 |
| State rank by loan count | #22 of 38 |
Among the 523 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 6.9% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for manufacturing is 6.6%, against 7.3% across all industries. That performance runs above the national benchmark for this asset class, which is a factor lenders weigh in their credit decision.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
A 6.9% adverse-resolution rate against the national manufacturing benchmark of 6.6% tells credit committees to scrutinize revenue projections and coverage assumptions closely on Virginia deals in this class. A rigorous third-party feasibility study — built on documented demand, defensible pricing, and stressed coverage — carries meaningful weight in that underwriting conversation, particularly at an average loan size of $580,000 across 706 loans.
Every Virginia 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.
Virginia projects 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, decisive in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads land markets. 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.
Newport News shipbuilding and the federal industrial base anchor the heavy end while food processing and the Shenandoah's production belt carry the small-business tier.
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: Texas, Washington.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
SBA 504 through Business Finance Group
Peanut processing and manufacturing operation, program evidence
Southampton County, Virginia
Fifteen-minute scoping call, written proposal inside one business day, firm fixed fee before you sign.
Book a Meeting