The catalytic steam reforming of biomass was investigated with Ni-MnOx/SBA-15 catalysts which were synthesized via ethylene glycol assisted impregnation. The prepared catalysts have small metal particle size and high dispersion in the SBA-15 support, exhibited high activity and H-2 yield in the tar steam reforming reaction. The activity of the 9Ni-1Mn/SBA-15 was higher than the corresponding monometallic 10Ni/SBA-15 catalysts due to increased dispersion of Ni particles and the synergy effect between Ni metal and MnOx.