Manufacturing & Local Growth: A Northern Illinois Manufacturing Leadership Roundtable in Rockford brought together family manufacturers, community leaders, and SBA reps, highlighting how local supply chains and shared bidding can help firms compete as the region has lost thousands of manufacturing jobs since 1990. Federal Support for SMBs: The DOE launched the $500,000 STEP Prize to help next-gen energy storage move from lab prototypes to manufacturable products, explicitly welcoming small businesses and startups. Disaster Loans: SBA disaster loans are available for small businesses and nonprofits hit by severe storms in parts of Pennsylvania, with low-interest terms and a filing deadline of April 30. Hemp Policy Watch: The U.S. Senate voted to delay a federal hemp THC ban until Dec. 11, 2026, giving Minnesota and other hemp businesses more time to adjust. Regulatory Pressure on Tech: The FCC proposed retroactively blocking sales of “military-grade” foreign drones, including models with LiDAR and thermal cameras—an issue for small drone operators and related sellers. Trade Costs: A report says Trump-era tariffs cost the average Indiana household $2,600 and reduced manufacturing jobs, underscoring ongoing pressure on small manufacturers and suppliers. Small Business Legal/Brand Risk: Buc-ee’s trademark fight continues, with a lawsuit against a small Ohio mini-mart drawing community backlash and raising stakes for local branding. Workforce Shock: A Miami chef says the end of TPS has left him without his management team at multiple restaurant locations, warning of major business disruption.