Merchants Approved for SBA Plan A, Expanding Support for Small Business Contractors

April 30, 2026

For small business contractors, bonding is access to opportunity, giving the chance to compete, grow, and strengthen their communities. The SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program makes that possible, supporting more than 2,200 small businesses with $10.6 billion in contract guarantees in 2025. Merchants Bonding Company is proud to support contractors navigating that path every day.

Merchants National Bonding, Inc. has been approved to participate in the SBA Prior Approval (Plan A) Program, strengthening our ability to support and fight for small business contractors within the SBA framework.

This builds on Merchants' established leadership in the SBA Preferred Surety (Plan B) Program, where we are a top-five writer nationwide. Being approved for both Plan A and Plan B places Merchants in a select group of sureties with the capability and experience to operate across the full SBA landscape — understanding how to structure deals, manage eligibility, and move efficiently within program guidelines.

"Our success in Plan B has shown what's possible when a surety is truly committed to the SBA program. We've helped countless small business contractors compete for and win the work they've earned," said Steve Dorenkamp, Senior Vice President, Specialty Solutions. "Adding Plan A is a natural next step, and we're excited about the additional flexibility it gives our agents and the contractors they serve."

When emerging contractors gain access to bonding, they gain access to real opportunity for themselves and their communities. Merchants is dedicated to supporting that process and advocating for contractors every step of the way.