Businesses pursuing large-scale manufacturing and infrastructure investments—whether companies in the United States building new domestic facilities or foreign businesses expanding into the United States—can access a diverse array of public financing options beyond traditional commercial lending. These capital sources generally fall under two categories:
- United States-focused government programs that promote domestic production and job creation, such as the Export-Import Bank of the United States’ (EXIM) Make More in America Initiative; and
- International development finance institutions (DFIs), including multilateral agencies like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and government institutions like the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which finance projects for overseas investments in strategic and emerging markets.
Below is an overview of active funding programs as of mid-2025.
United States Government Programs for Domestic Manufacturing
EXIM Bank – Make More in America Initiative
The Make More in America Initiative enables the EXIM Bank to provide medium- and long-term loans, loan guarantees, and insurance for United States-based manufacturing projects. To qualify, projects must produce goods with export potential and demonstrate an export nexus of at least 15 percent for strategic sectors or 25 percent for other industries. Eligible sectors include semiconductors, clean energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. Foreign-owned companies may also participate if their investments create jobs in the United States and generate export revenues. EXIM financing is scaled according to job creation, with approximately $205,336 in financing available per job-year. The maximum support is limited to 80 percent of the total project financing.
Small Business Administration (SBA) – Made in America Manufacturing Initiative (2025)
This newly created initiative by United States SBA enhances access to capital for United States-based small manufacturers (generally under 500 employees), particularly through the SBA’s 504 and 7(a) loan programs. It also funds technical assistance and workforce training. The SBA 504 program supports capital expenditures like construction or equipment purchases, with loan amounts typically up to $5.5 million for manufacturers. The 7(a) Working Capital pilot provides flexible credit lines for inventory and supply chain needs, also up to $5 million. Projects sourcing components from foreign countries including Vietnam remain eligible, though the initiative encourages domestic supply chain development. SBA loans may be used to finance equipment or materials sourced overseas as long as the borrowing entity is United States-based and meets the program’s size standards.
CHIPS for America Program (United States Department of Commerce)
Administered by the Department of Commerce, the CHIPS for America program allocates $39 billion in grants and cooperative agreements to incentivize domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Eligible applicants include United States and foreign companies investing in United States-based fabrication, assembly, testing, and packaging facilities. The CHIPS Act also introduced a 25 percent investment tax credit for qualifying capital expenditures on semiconductor manufacturing.
USDA Rural Development (Business & Industry Loan Guarantee)
The USDA’s B&I Loan Guarantee program supports projects in rural areas with populations under 50,000. It guarantees up to 80 percent of commercial loans used to finance building construction, land acquisition, and equipment purchases. Eligible borrowers include United States subsidiaries of foreign companies, provided the investment results in United States-based rural employment.
Economic Development Administration (EDA) – Revolving Loan Funds
EDA’s Revolving Loan Fund program supports local economic development organizations that offer financing to businesses unable to secure full funding from conventional lenders. These loans typically target small and mid-sized manufacturers and may cover equipment, facility upgrades, or working capital.
Note: Companies seeking federal funding for manufacturing or infrastructure projects should be aware of the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA). This law requires the use of United States-made iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials in federally funded projects, which may limit or delay the use of some foreign-sourced inputs, including components from Vietnam, unless a waiver is granted.
Development Finance Institutions
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
The IFC provides long-term financing to private-sector projects in emerging markets. IFC offers direct loans, syndicated loans, equity investments, and risk-sharing facilities. Its areas of focus include manufacturing, climate finance, logistics, and trade infrastructure. IFC also operates a Global Trade Finance Program to support short-term liquidity for exporters and importers.
United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
The DFC offers loans, guarantees, direct equity investments and investment fund support (such as limited-partner investments), and political risk insurance to private enterprises operating in eligible lower- and middle-income countries. Projects must demonstrate positive, measurable developmental impact and align with United States strategic priorities, including supply chain diversification, clean energy, health infrastructure, critical minerals, infrastructure, food security, and technology. DFC funding is available for new construction, capacity expansion, modernization, acquisition of critical equipment, feasibility studies, technical assistance, and project development support.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
ADB’s Private Sector Operations provides direct loans and guarantees for projects across Southeast Asia. ADB focuses on infrastructure, manufacturing, and regional integration. It also operates a Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program that partners with commercial banks to support import and export transactions.
Export Finance and Working Capital
EXIM – Working Capital and Supply Chain Finance
EXIM offers programs that help United States exporters secure working capital and manage supplier payments.
- Working Capital Loan Guarantee: EXIM guarantees loans from commercial lenders to finance export-related inventory, raw materials, labor, and production costs, helping exporters (especially SMEs) access credit more easily.
- Supply Chain Finance Guarantee: EXIM guarantees receivables financing, allowing suppliers to receive early payments while lenders assume reduced risk, therefore improving liquidity and supply chain stability.
IFC, ADB, EBRD – Trade Finance Programs
Multilateral DFIs provide short-term guarantees and loans to ease liquidity constraints in emerging market trade.
- IFC - Global Trade Finance Program: Offers guarantees to international banks to cover local bank payment risk and facilitate the trade of goods and services.
- ADB - Trade Finance Program: Partners with 200+ banks, providing guarantees and loans for trade and supply chain financing, with an emphasis on SMEs and regional supply chains.
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) - Trade Facilitation Programme: Delivers guarantees and short-term loans for cross-border trade with EBRD countries, integrating local banks with global networks and reducing risk in frontier markets.
