NEW ORLEANS, La. — The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) South Central Region reported a 10% increase in SBA-backed lending during the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2025, highlighting strong growth in support of small businesses across Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
According to SBA South Central Regional Administrator Justin Crossie, the agency has approved 4,446 loans totaling more than $2.8 billion so far this fiscal year, supporting nearly 49,000 jobs in the region. This compares to $2.2 billion and 3,556 loans during the same period under the previous administration, which supported approximately 38,000 jobs.
“The SBA’s enhanced lending efforts under President Trump and Administrator Kelly Loeffler are driving an entrepreneurial boom in the South Central Region,” said Crossie. “This surge in lending is creating jobs, revitalizing manufacturing, and giving small businesses the tools they need to grow.”
Breakdown of Q3 SBA 7(a) and 504 loan approvals by district includes:
- Louisiana District: $279 million supporting 5,700+ jobs
- Arkansas District: $192 million supporting 2,800+ jobs
- Oklahoma District: $246 million supporting 5,200+ jobs
- New Mexico District: $147 million supporting 3,200+ jobs
- Houston District: $983 million supporting nearly 16,000 jobs
- Dallas/Fort Worth District: $1.5 billion supporting 22,000+ jobs
- El Paso District: $37 million supporting 750+ jobs
- San Antonio District: $742 million supporting 11,000+ jobs
- Lower Rio Grande Valley District: $75 million supporting 1,800+ jobs
- West Texas District: $127 million supporting nearly 2,500 jobs
Nationally, the SBA’s broader strategies under the Trump Administration have included streamlined access to capital and the launch of initiatives such as the “Made in America Manufacturing Initiative.” This program, supported by the new SBA Office of Manufacturing & Trade, helps small businesses connect with domestic suppliers and strengthen U.S. supply chains.
Additionally, the SBA’s “Make Onshoring Great Again” portal connects small businesses to verified U.S.-based manufacturers, while the Office of Advocacy’s Red Tape Hotline invites entrepreneurs to report burdensome regulations, part of an effort to eliminate $100 billion in red tape.
Since the start of the current administration, the South Central Region has guaranteed nearly $108 million in SBA loans to small manufacturers, supporting more than 1,800 jobs in the sector.
For more information on SBA programs and resources, visit www.sba.gov.