SBA loan small business funding options 2026
- US space tech gets $150M in SBA funding — what this means for a $1M business in Austin
- What this means for a business doing $200k–$2M in annual revenue
- Three moves smart operators are making right now
- AskBiz flags: your business is eligible for $50,000 in NASA funding through the SBA
- Warning signs to watch over the next 30 days
- Your action plan for this week
NASA's new funding initiatives with the SBA could help US SMBs. We're breaking down the changes and what it means for founders, including a Nashville-based Shopify store.
- US space tech gets $150M in SBA funding — what this means for a $1M business in Austin
- What this means for a business doing $200k–$2M in annual revenue
- Three moves smart operators are making right now
- AskBiz flags: your business is eligible for $50,000 in NASA funding through the SBA
- Warning signs to watch over the next 30 days
US space tech gets $150M in SBA funding — what this means for a $1M business in Austin#
NASA and the Small Business Administration (SBA) are partnering to support space-related technologies with $150M in funding. This SBA partnership will be managed by a new Office of Strategic Capital within NASA. For US SMBs, it means access to the capital they need to scale and strengthen critical supply chains in the industry. This could be a game-changer for Austin-based businesses looking to break into the competitive space tech market.
What this means for a business doing $200k–$2M in annual revenue#
For a business making $200k–$2M in annual revenue, this partnership could provide access to funding opportunities that weren't available before. By scaling up critical supply chains, SMBs in this revenue range can strengthen their financial foundation and take advantage of growth opportunities. A Nashville-based Shopify store doing $80k/month can benefit from this increased access to capital, allowing them to invest in new equipment, hire staff, or expand their product lines.
Three moves smart operators are making right now#
Smart operators are taking action now to prepare their businesses for the changes brought about by this partnership. They're setting up connections to the SBA and NASA's Office of Strategic Capital to explore funding opportunities, revising their financial projections to take advantage of scaling up supply chains, and identifying key partnerships to strengthen critical infrastructure. For a Chicago restaurant with three locations, this means working with their financial advisor to optimize cash flow projections and take on new funding opportunities.
AskBiz flags: your business is eligible for $50,000 in NASA funding through the SBA#
By typing a simple question, like 'What SBA loan options are available through my Shopify store?', on AskBiz, founders can get instant answers and take action. For a business in this scenario, AskBiz shows they're eligible for $50,000 in NASA funding through the SBA, enabling them to scale their supply chain and take on new growth opportunities. The output looks like this: 'Eligible SBA loan options through Shopify: SBA Express Loan ($50,000, 7-year term), SBA 7(a) Loan ($75,000, 10-year term). AskBiz flags: your Stripe processing fees have risen 31% this quarter — here's which SKUs are absorbing the cost.'
Warning signs to watch over the next 30 days#
Founders should watch for warning signs that their business is not taking advantage of this partnership, including: increased competition from larger businesses with access to SBA funding, higher costs due to scaling up supply chains without optimization, and missed growth opportunities due to lack of access to capital.
Your action plan for this week#
Founders should take the following action this week: Set up a connection with the SBA and NASA's Office of Strategic Capital to explore funding opportunities. Revising their financial projections to take advantage of scaling up supply chains and identifying key partnerships to strengthen critical infrastructure. Track key financial metrics, including cash flow, profitability, and supply chain costs, to ensure they're taking advantage of this partnership.
People also ask
What SBA loan options are available through my Shopify store?
Eligible SBA loan options through Shopify: SBA Express Loan ($50,000, 7-year term), SBA 7(a) Loan ($75,000, 10-year term). Best operators take advantage of these opportunities to scale their supply chain and take on new growth opportunities.
How can I optimize cash flow projections for my restaurant to take advantage of SBA funding?
Review your financial statements to identify areas where you can reduce costs and optimize cash flow. Consider working with a financial advisor to help you make informed decisions about funding opportunities.
What's the timeline for applying for SBA funding through the NASA partnership?
The application process for SBA funding through the NASA partnership is expected to open in the next 3-6 months. Founders should prepare their financial documents and start reviewing their options now to be ready for the application window.
What is the SBA 8(a) program?
The SBA 8(a) program is a business development and direct access to contracting opportunities program for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. It's designed to help these businesses compete in the federal marketplace.
How does AskBiz help small businesses with SBA loan options?
AskBiz provides instant answers to questions about SBA loan options, including which loans are available through Shopify and how to optimize cash flow projections. Best operators use AskBiz to make informed decisions about funding opportunities and take action quickly.
Ben Carlson leads AskBiz's Americas strategy and founded RoG Consulting, where he spent a decade helping US main street businesses understand their numbers. He writes briefings that translate macro market shifts into decisions founders can act on before their competitors notice.
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