Built Here, Printed Here: SBA Shares Manufacturing Resources for Alliance Members
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager May 3, 2026

PRINTING United Alliance, in partnership with ACG Advocacy, hosted an exclusive, member-focused webinar featuring Lisa Shimkat, Associate Administrator of Field Operations, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), for a timely discussion on the SBA’s Made in America Manufacturing Initiative and what it means for print service providers.

Titled “Built Here. Printed Here. Growing Here. SBA’s Made in America Manufacturing Initiative,” the webinar explored how the initiative is designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing, expand access to capital, support workforce development, and create new growth opportunities for small and mid-sized manufacturers across the country. For more information, please visit the SBA's website here.

For printing businesses, these issues are especially important. Printers support nearly every sector of the U.S. economy, producing essential communications, packaging, labels, apparel, graphics, and promotional products. As companies continue to navigate economic uncertainty, supply chain challenges, workforce needs, and rising operating costs, access to federal resources and business support programs remains critical.

During the session, attendees heard directly from SBA leadership about how the agency is working to align federal resources with real-world business needs. The discussion included available financing tools, technical assistance, business development resources, and federal contracting opportunities that may help manufacturers grow and compete.

The webinar also provided members with an opportunity to submit questions and share feedback, helping ensure that the perspective of the printing industry was part of the conversation. The interactive format gave Alliance members practical insight into how they can engage with SBA programs and better understand federal priorities related to American manufacturing.

PRINTING United Alliance continues to advocate for policies and programs that support domestic production, strengthen small and mid-sized manufacturers, and create pathways for long-term business growth. This advocacy webinar, the first in a series, was part of the Alliance’s ongoing effort to connect members with resources that can help support success and growth of the printing industry. Members can access the webinar recording on the Alliance's iLEARNING+ site, here. Stay tuned for the next advocacy webinar which will take place towards the end of June.


Please note that the SBA's National Small Business Week Virtual Summit, taking place Tuesday, May 5 and Wednesday, May 6 is free and only requires registration: here. This year’s event is open to established and aspiring business owners and will include educational presentations by industry experts, exhibit booths, free business resources, and business advice from America's Small Business Development Centers.

 

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on the advocacy webinar featuring SBA leadership. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.   

To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.


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Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Manager
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Manager for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with contracted lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. Buka is the chief editor of the Industry Advocate newsletter. She is responsible for advocacy campaigns, policy analysis, strategy development and team leadership, all aimed at promoting the Alliance's legislative agenda. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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