Federal Contracting: The Navy awarded nearly $1B to 10 firms to build and repair global fuel pipelines and storage tanks, with five awardees designated small businesses—another reminder that federal procurement can be a real growth lever for SMEs. Defense Procurement: Corvid Technologies won a $33.86M Marine Corps contract to build a weapon sled assembly for NMESIS, with no money obligated up front as task orders roll out through 2034. SBA Support: The SBA set up Disaster Loan Outreach Centers for businesses and residents hit by July 27 storms in Illinois, with walk-ins and online help available. Trade Pressure on Main Street: A U.S.-Canada tariff fight escalated fast: the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on about $20B in Canadian goods, and Canada vowed “dollar-for-dollar” retaliation starting Sept. 8—already rattling U.S. retailers and Canadian suppliers, including honey and hockey gear. Small-Business Tech: Anthropic expanded Claude’s Google Workspace integrations (Gmail and Drive) and broadened Claude Cowork access, pushing AI assistants further into day-to-day business workflows. Local Business Impact: Yuma’s Neighborhood Services uses federal housing and community grants to support repairs and eligible small-business façade work, while Missouri’s Child Care Works cost-sharing program is helping employers and families manage childcare costs.