Manufacturing & Onshoring Hub

In 2025, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced its new Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, a bold effort to restore American economic dominance and national security by empowering small manufacturers.

This initiative is designed to bring manufacturing back home, strengthen supply chains, and source the components you need—all proudly made in the USA.

The VI SBDC is your local partner in this national movement. We are here to help your manufacturing business:

√ Onshore your operations.

√ Strengthen your supply chains by connecting with U.S.-based producers.

√ Access the resources you need to grow and succeed.

To help you get started, the SBA has launched the Make Onshoring Great Again portal, a free tool that connects you with over one million domestic suppliers.

In addition, the SBA has launched the first-ever loan program dedicated to supporting America’s small manufacturers, the 7(a) Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program.

The VI SBDC works in close partnership with a wide range of organizations to help your business thrive. Here are some of the key local and federal resources available to you.

Local Resources

U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA): The VIEDA is a vital resource for both startups and established businesses. They offer a range of services, including tax incentives for qualifying businesses, financing assistance through their Economic Development Bank, and support for the territory’s key economic sectors.

Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA): The DLCA is responsible for issuing business licenses in the USVI. Their website provides information on the required documentation and the application process for various business types.

U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Labor (VIDOL): VIDOL provides essential resources for employers, including information on labor laws, wage and hour regulations, and workforce development programs. You can also use their electronic system to post job vacancies.

Chambers of Commerce: The local Chambers of Commerce on St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix are great networking resources that offer workshops, events, and advocacy for the business community.

Federal Resources

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): As our primary partner, the SBA provides an array of programs and services, including business loans (such as the 7(a) and 504 loans), government contracting certifications, and disaster recovery assistance. The SBA’s Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands District Office is your local point of contact.

SCORE: A nonprofit association with volunteer business mentors who provide free, confidential business counseling.

Women’s Business Centers (WBCs): The SBA’s network of centers that provide resources and training to women entrepreneurs.

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): The MBDA focuses on promoting the growth of minority-owned businesses through technical assistance and business development centers.

The Virgin Islands SBDC is an SBA resource partner and we provide small businesses and entrepreneurs one-on-one, confidential, no-cost advising. We offer: