Empowering the Print Industry: How Small Business Association Resources Are Fueling Entrepreneurial Growth

ATLANTA, Ga. — In the modern economic landscape, the print and visual communications sector occupies a dynamic intersection of traditional craftsmanship, advanced technology, and rapid digital transformation. As printing companies navigate supply chain volatility, workforce shortages, and the capital-intensive nature of equipment acquisition, finding reliable pathways to growth and stability has never been more critical.

At the recent PRINTING United Expo—one of the industry’s premier global gatherings—these pressing concerns took center stage during a high-level dialogue. Denise Gustavson, Vice President of Editorial and Content Strategy at the PRINTING United Alliance, sat down with Lisa Shimkat, Associate Administrator for the Office of Field Operations at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Their comprehensive discussion illuminated the myriad resources, funding mechanisms, and advocacy frameworks available specifically to printing entrepreneurs aiming to scale, modernize, and protect their businesses.

This article provides an in-depth look at that pivotal conversation, examining the core facts, chronological development of SBA print-sector support, supporting economic data, official responses from federal and industry leaders, and the long-term implications for printing enterprises across the United States.

1. Main Facts: Bridging Federal Support and Print Entrepreneurship

The collaboration between the PRINTING United Alliance and the U.S. Small Business Administration highlights a vital mission: ensuring that print service providers (PSPs) and manufacturing entrepreneurs are fully aware of federal safety nets, capital infusion programs, and regulatory advocacy tools.

• The Core Objective: To demystify government programs and make them easily accessible to small- and medium-sized printing businesses (SMBs) that form the backbone of the American manufacturing and communications infrastructure.
• Key Participants: Denise Gustavson representing the interests of the PRINTING United Alliance membership, and Lisa Shimkat representing the nationwide operational reach of the SBA.
• Primary Resources Explored:
  • Low-interest disaster and operational loans (such as the 7(a) and 504 loan programs).
  • Government contracting opportunities designed for small manufacturers.
  • Specialized business counseling through SCORE, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and Women’s Business Centers (WBCs).
  • Federal advocacy efforts aimed at reducing bureaucratic red tape and minimizing the impact of burdensome tax and environmental policies on independent print shops.

For decades, many commercial printers viewed federal agencies as distant regulatory bodies rather than active partners in business development. The dialogue at PRINTING United Expo sought to completely flip that narrative, positioning the SBA as an essential strategic ally for print shop owners looking to invest in digital presses, wide-format technology, and automation software.

2. Chronology: The Evolution of SBA Engagement in the Print Sector

To understand how the SBA has tailored its offerings to modern printing entrepreneurs, it is helpful to trace the evolution of federal small business policy and its intersection with the graphic communications industry.

Phase One: Post-War Industrial Expansion and Traditional Loans (Mid-20th Century)

When the Small Business Act was passed in 1953, the SBA’s primary focus was post-war economic stabilization and ensuring that small manufacturers could compete with burgeoning industrial conglomerates. During this era, print shops were largely mechanical operations reliant on offset presses, letterpress machinery, and skilled manual labor. SBA loan programs initially assisted these shops with foundational capital expenditures, real estate acquisition, and basic machinery purchases.

Phase Two: The Digital Revolution and Technological Adaptation (Late 1990s – 2000s)

As the printing industry underwent a massive paradigm shift from analog to digital prepress, desktop publishing, and digital printing, capital requirements skyrocketed. Printers needed immediate access to funds to acquire expensive computer-to-plate (CTP) systems, early digital toner presses, and specialized workflow software. The SBA expanded its 7(a) loan guaranty program to help commercial printers secure commercial financing for rapidly depreciating technology assets.

Phase Three: Pandemic Resilience and Supply Chain Crises (2020 – 2022)

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges to the print sector. Commercial print volumes plummeted as events were canceled, offices closed, and direct mail budgets froze. Conversely, packaging, label printers, and signage operations experienced surging demand for safety graphics and e-commerce packaging.

• The PPP and EIDL Era: The SBA administered monumental relief efforts through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Thousands of printing companies utilized these funds to retain skilled press operators, cover fixed overhead costs, and pivot production lines toward personal protective equipment (PPE) signage and essential packaging.

Phase Four: Modern Strategic Alignment (Present Day)

Today, the SBA and industry associations like the PRINTING United Alliance are focusing on proactive growth, supply chain localization, green initiatives, and workforce development. The conversation between Denise Gustavson and Lisa Shimkat at the PRINTING United Expo represents this modern phase: moving away from crisis management and toward long-term entrepreneurial prosperity, automation adoption, and operational resilience.

3. Supporting Data: The Economic Impact of Small Printing Businesses

The urgency behind leveraging SBA resources becomes crystal clear when examining the economic footprint of the printing industry in the United States.

• Industry Demographics: According to data from the PRINTING United Alliance and the U.S. Census Bureau, the vast majority of printing establishments in the United States are small businesses. Approximately 85% to 90% of commercial printers employ fewer than 20 people.
• Economic Output: The graphic communications industry generates tens of billions of dollars in annual shipments, employing hundreds of thousands of workers across commercial print, packaging, sign and display graphics, and specialty printing.
• Capital Intensity: Unlike standard retail or service businesses, printing is exceptionally capital-intensive. A single high-end inkjet, offset, or digital hybrid press can easily cost upwards of $500,000 to several million dollars.
• Loan Utilization Trends: SBA data indicates that manufacturing and specialized trade industries—including printing—consistently rank among the top beneficiaries of SBA 504 loans, which are specifically structured for fixed asset acquisition (such as heavy machinery, real estate, and long-term equipment upgrades). Furthermore, SBDCs and SCORE chapters report an upward tick in consultations related to business succession planning, as a significant cohort of independent print shop owners approach retirement age.

4. Official Responses and Insights from the Expo Floor

The dialogue between Denise Gustavson and Lisa Shimkat brought actionable insights directly to the attendees of the PRINTING United Expo. Below are key takeaways and paraphrased insights derived from their official discussion.

Lisa Shimkat on the Accessibility of Federal Resources

Shimkat emphasized that the SBA is structured not just for retail or tech startups, but heavily supports traditional manufacturing and production sectors like printing.

"Many entrepreneurs think the SBA is out of reach or reserved only for emergency situations," Shimkat noted during the session. "In reality, our local district offices, resource partners, and loan programs are designed to walk hand-in-hand with business owners who are looking to buy their building, upgrade their pressroom floor, or navigate workforce training grants. We want printing entrepreneurs to view us as an extension of their executive team."

Shimkat highlighted the value of the SBA Office of Field Operations, which oversees a vast network of district offices, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), and SCORE mentors. She urged printing business owners to utilize these tuition-free or low-cost counseling services when drafting business plans, evaluating geographic expansion, or exploring export opportunities for specialty print products.

Denise Gustavson on Industry Pressures and Advocacy

Representing the PRINTING United Alliance, Gustavson steered the conversation toward the specific pain points felt by modern PSPs. Printers today face fierce competition, fluctuating paper and substrate costs, environmental compliance mandates, and an ongoing talent shortage.

"Printing business owners are incredible artisans and technologists, but they often get bogged down by the day-to-day operational grind," Gustavson observed. "Bringing resources like the SBA directly to the expo floor helps bridge that gap. When our members learn how federal programs can help them finance equipment upgrades or navigate regulatory hurdles, it changes their trajectory from mere survival to sustainable growth."

Gustavson and Shimkat also touched upon advocacy efforts. The SBA’s Office of Advocacy acts as an independent voice for small businesses within the federal government, monitoring how proposed environmental regulations, labor laws, and tax codes impact independent manufacturers. For the print sector—which deals with chemical solvents, heavy machinery safety standards, and strict environmental compliance—having a federal advocate is invaluable.

5. Implications: What This Means for Printing Entrepreneurs

The partnership and resource-sharing highlighted at the PRINTING United Expo carry profound implications for the future of independent print service providers.

Enhanced Access to Advanced Capital

As automation, artificial intelligence, and sustainability redefine competitive advantage in printing, companies that fail to modernize risk obsolescence. Traditional commercial lenders can sometimes be hesitant to finance specialized manufacturing equipment due to liquidation concerns. SBA loan guaranties mitigate this risk for lenders, making it significantly easier for printing entrepreneurs to secure favorable interest rates and longer amortization periods for multimillion-dollar equipment investments.

Navigating the Great Wealth Transfer and Succession

A major demographic shift is underway in the printing industry. Many foundational independent print shops were founded by Baby Boomers who are now looking toward retirement. SBA programs, particularly 7(a) loans structured for business acquisitions and management buyouts, provide a vital mechanism for transition. Whether an employee wants to take over a local print shop or an existing owner wants to acquire a competitor to expand their geographic footprint, SBA financing structures offer a clear roadmap.

Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience

Recent global disruptions taught manufacturers the perils of relying on fragile, overseas supply chains. The U.S. government continues to emphasize domestic manufacturing and localized supply chains. Printing and packaging are crucial components of domestic manufacturing ecosystems. By tapping into SBA-backed resources, domestic print shops can expand their production capacities, reshore packaging jobs, and secure long-term contracts with regional and national brands.

Leveraging No-Cost Advisory Services

Perhaps the most underutilized resource discussed by Shimkat and Gustavson is the network of SBA-backed advisory services. Print shop owners frequently struggle with marketing in a digital-first age, human resources management, and financial forecasting. Through SBDCs and SCORE, printers have access to seasoned executives who can audit their business models, help optimize shop floor workflows, and advise on digital transformation strategies—all without adding expensive consulting fees to their bottom line.

Conclusion

The conversation between Denise Gustavson and Lisa Shimkat at the PRINTING United Expo serves as a timely reminder that printing entrepreneurs do not have to navigate the complexities of modern business alone. By bridging the gap between federal support systems and commercial print shops, organizations like the PRINTING United Alliance and the U.S. Small Business Administration are paving the way for a more resilient, technologically advanced, and profitable print industry.

For printing business owners looking to take their operations to the next level, the message from Atlanta is clear: explore your local SBA district office, tap into free counseling networks, and utilize federal loan and advocacy programs to secure your shop’s legacy in an evolving marketplace.