July 2026

View as Webpage

Roadshow Showcases Local Manufacturing and Defense Opportunities

More than 35 manufacturers, government officials, industry experts, and economic development leaders recently boarded a bus for a first-of-its-kind Manufacturing Roadshow, designed to connect Illinois manufacturers with new opportunities in the defense industrial base.

Organized by the Southland Development Authority (SDA), the event took participants inside four local advanced manufacturing facilities to network, learn about government contracting and explore potential business partnerships.

The Roadshow also put the Metals Hub's mission into action.

The Metals Hub is a collaborative manufacturing network designed to strengthen supplier readiness, accelerate business growth, and connect small and mid-sized manufacturers to opportunities across commercial, government, and defense markets.

Those interested in learning more or joining the Metals Hub can contact Christopher Cooks at christopher.cooks@southlanddevelopment.org.

Cook County Forging Growth: Applications Reopened

Cook County Forging Growth, a 6-month cohort program providing knowledge sharing and access to grant funds, is now accepting applications through July 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Participants will share best practices, conduct joint marketing efforts and attend expert-led workshops. Each participant will also receive a customized roadmap that identifies their top priorities and solutions. Participants will be reimbursed 50%, up to $35,000, of their total roadmap and project costs. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Manufacturing facility located in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry or Will County.
• A NAICS code that begins with 3315 or 3321
• Click here for more information on NAICS codes for foundries and forging and stamping companies 
• Priority will be given to companies with 500 employees or less. 

SBA Waives 504 Loan Fees for Manufacturers

The U.S. Small Business Administration is waiving fees for manufacturers (NAICS Sectors 31-33) using the SBA 504 program to access capital for fixed assets. The SBA 504 loan provides a long-term, fixed, below-market rate option for manufacturers to build, buy and refinance commercial real estate and heavy equipment.

To be eligible, the SBA 504 loan must be approved prior to September 30, 2026. Reach out to SomerCor, a Cook County Small Business Source partner and SBA certified development company, to learn more about the financing opportunities for manufacturers with the SBA 504 loan.

SBA Increases Loan Guarantees for Manufacturers

Small business manufacturers have a new opportunity to access capital and scale their operations through the SBA's Made in America Loan Guarantee program.

Under the SBA's International Trade Loan Program, loans are guaranteed up to 90% versus the standard 7(a) loan guarantee of 75%. Eligible manufacturers across NAICS Sectors 31–33 may use the funds to:

• Upgrade or replace equipment to improve productivity and reduce unit costs.
• Modernize facilities and production lines to meet customer and national security requirements.
• Diversify supply chains away from foreign adversaries and bring critical production back to the United States.
• Build more resilient inventory positions.
• Expand operations and capacity through strategic acquisitions.

Click here to learn more.

Join for an overview designed to help small businesses and suppliers navigate JCP certification in defense contracting. Attendees will gain insight into the fundamentals of the JCP program, best practices for certification requirements, and a live Q&A.

Today's manufacturers are operating in an increasingly complex global environment. Join IMA for an insightful discussion on how the current geopolitical climate is reshaping the manufacturing landscape and what Illinois manufacturers can do to remain competitive, resilient and prepared.

Join the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and M&M Quality Grinding at this special event honoring three remarkable women whose influence continues to inspire future generations of leaders, innovators and manufacturers.

Join the TMA and fellow local manufacturers for coffee, breakfast and networking! All manufacturers are welcome to attend.

Join 1,000+ innovators, tech leaders, creators and changemakers for one of the summer’s most anticipated gatherings, the mHUB Community BBQ, featuring a can't-miss cookoff showdown where chefs compete for flavor supremacy, a trophy, and a cash prize.

Join the IL Apex Accelerator at the IHCC and the Office of Small Business Strategy at the U.S. Navy, as they provide an overview of three key federal programs that support defense contractors, including the Title III of the Defense Production Act, FOCI (Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence) and the IBAS Program.

Join mHUB for a workshop overview on government contracting and the powerful, no-cost resources available through the Illinois APEX Accelerator program. Last year alone, Illinois businesses won nearly 150 government contracts worth over $83 million with APEX Accelerator support. This workshop will show you how to become one of those success stories.