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The Voice of Manufacturing
PUBLISHED: November 4, 2025
The Great Lakes know a thing or two about manufacturing. Five of the six states in the Great Lakes are among the top 10 in the U.S. for manufacturing. Additionally, the proportion of small business manufacturers in Great Lakes cities usually surpasses the national average. As the Acting Regional Advocate for the Great Lakes area (OH, IN, IL, MI, MN, WI), I’ve had the chance to meet many small manufacturers and learn how regulatory burdens affect their businesses.
I’ve heard time and time again from small business owners that regulations are crushing manufacturing firms. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the average regulatory cost per employee is $50,100 for small manufacturers with less than 50 employees. Many of these businesses are staples in their communities and have been in operation for generations, employing their neighbors, friends, and local community members.
Some of the most common regulatory burdens I hear about involve challenges with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. Last month, I met with stakeholders in Wisconsin who voiced concerns about the cost of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, sharing that the financial and operational burdens have become overwhelming.
On January 31, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14192, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,” directing agencies to identify and repeal ten regulations for every new regulation created. The Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) leads the charge on ensuring small business voices are heard in Washington, D.C., where regulations impact their businesses. Advocacy’s Interagency Affairs team engages daily with agencies to elevate the voice of small businesses in Washington. Small manufacturers have multiple ways to reach out to Advocacy.
The Red Tape Hotline
Small manufacturers can submit burdensome regulations through the Red Tape Hotline in the following three ways:
- By phone at (800) 827-5722 option 3;
- By email at redtape@sba.gov; or
- Online at Red Tape Hotline.
Regional Advocates
Small manufacturers can also reach out to their regional advocate, who will connect them with the appropriate Interagency Affairs team member to ensure their voice is heard. Regional Advocates also conduct regulatory roundtables and visit small businesses in their regions or areas of expertise to understand the local impact of federal regulations in the communities they serve. If you are dealing with a regulatory burden and you’re unsure of which agency issued it, talk with your local regional advocate; they can help direct you to the appropriate person.
Whether you are a small manufacturer just starting or a generational business with up to 500 employees, Advocacy is here to help unleash prosperity and allow your business to thrive.