Story perspectives

Hegseth, SBA Launch Smaller War Plants Commission for Manufacturers

8/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced a Smaller War Plants Commission.
The commission replicates the 1942 Smaller War Plants Corporation that aided small businesses during World II.
It will provide loans, contracts and technical assistance to small defense manufacturers.
Small manufacturers represent 70 percent of the U.S. defense industrial base, according to Kelly Loeffler.
Pete Hegseth said the plan ends offshoring production to adversaries and strengthens American strength.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced a Smaller War Plants Commission.
The commission replicates the 1942 Smaller War Plants Corporation that aided small businesses during World II.
It will provide loans, contracts and technical assistance to small defense manufacturers.
Small manufacturers represent 70 percent of the U.S. defense industrial base, according to Kelly Loeffler.
Pete Hegseth said the plan ends offshoring production to adversaries and strengthens American strength.