Sentence:  SBA loans , which may be made to small manufacturers , small business pools , wholesalers , retailers , service establishments and other small businesses ( when financing is not otherwise available to them on reasonable terms ) , are to finance business construction , conversion , or <WSD>expansion</WSD> ; the purchase of equipment , facilities , machinery , supplies , or materials ; or to supply working capital . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  the act of increasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope