AGP Executive Report

Regional Jobs Snapshot: Wyoming (3.2%) and Montana (3.3%) sit near the bottom of U.S. unemployment, while Washington (5.2%) lags—showing how neighboring states can deliver very different hiring conditions for small businesses. Credit Access: A Fed Small Business Credit Survey review finds many nonemployer firms struggle to get financing, with denial rates hitting about half for early-stage applicants and 42% for late-stage—highlighting uneven credit availability. COVID Fraud Fallout: A Georgia-based subsidiary agreed to pay $2.6M over alleged PPP loan misuse tied to eligibility rules, a reminder that relief programs still trigger enforcement. Rural Market Access: USDA and Georgia finalized a Cooperative Interstate Shipment deal letting state-inspected meat processors ship nationwide, expanding opportunity for smaller operators. Workforce Rules: Virginia’s new pay-transparency law requires wage or salary ranges in job postings and bans salary-history questions, changing how employers negotiate. Tariff Uncertainty: Multiple reports note small businesses are suing to block new tariff moves, underscoring how trade policy volatility can quickly hit costs and planning. SBA Lending Push: SBA chief Kelly Loeffler backs raising the $5M SBA lending cap to $10M, aiming to expand financing options for growing firms. Local Business Spotlight: Idaho’s “Small Business of the Month” goes to Titan Batteries, a Pocatello maker of defense-focused batteries.

SMB Lending & Growth Capital: InterVest Capital Partners is acquiring Kapitus, a lender that has provided about $10B in growth capital to 65,000+ small businesses, aiming to expand financing access nationwide. Federal Grants for Supply Chains: The SBA is accepting proposals for its $9M SCALE supply chain grant program, offering 20 awards up to $500,000 over two years to help small businesses strengthen domestic supply chains. PPP Fraud Settlement: SoftBank Robotics America will pay about $3.64M to settle a PPP False Claims Act case tied to eligibility issues involving affiliated entities. Defense Innovation for Small Firms: Nano Nuclear Energy was selected for an AFWERX SBIR Phase I contract to advance its KRONOS MMR energy system for the U.S. Air Force. Local Business Climate & Costs: Virginia’s new pay transparency law requires wage ranges in job postings and bans salary-history questions, changing how employers hire and negotiate. Tourism Spending Shift: In U.S. tourist areas, some small businesses report more Americans taking shorter, closer-to-home trips this summer as travel costs stay high. Disaster Relief: The SBA approved low-interest disaster loans for flood-affected Pennsylvania counties, with a Sept. 21 deadline for physical damage applications.

Tariff Court Fight: Two small-business lawsuits challenge Trump’s new Section 301 tariffs on 60 trading partners, arguing the government didn’t properly justify or explain how the forced-labor claims support the levies—cases include a New York spice maker and a Ventura watch retailer. SBA Spotlight: Iowa’s Plas-Tech Tooling is one of 10 semifinalists in the SBA’s $1M Patriot Pitch Competition, selected from 1,182 applicants nationwide. Disaster Help for Farmers: Wisconsin ag producers are reminded to contact USDA’s Farm Service Agency for disaster assistance, with SBA disaster loans also available for eligible homeowners and businesses. Data Center Backlash: Trump is expanding a voluntary pledge aimed at protecting consumers from higher utility bills tied to AI data centers, as small towns worry about affordability and power demand. Small-Business Basics: A quick guide breaks down LLC vs. S-Corp differences that affect ownership rules, compliance, and tax setup costs. Local Business & Community: A Florida mentor-protégé defense showcase highlights how small firms like All Points and NanTrak are building capabilities for the defense industrial base. Marketing Costs: One analysis warns that wasted ad spend can quietly hit household budgets through higher prices and delayed hiring.

Tariff Court Fight: Small businesses are suing over Trump’s new sweeping tariffs tied to forced-labor claims, including a New York spice maker and a Ventura watch retailer, arguing the government didn’t properly justify the moves for each country. Trade Uncertainty: The tariff wall is also being framed as a replacement for earlier levies that were struck down, setting up more legal and pricing pressure for SMBs. COVID Relief Fallout: A multinational software firm agreed to pay $3.17M to settle False Claims Act allegations tied to PPP eligibility and forgiveness. Fraud Scale Question: A new analysis says the government recovers less than 1% of COVID relief money lost to fraud, raising fresh concerns for small-business borrowers and taxpayers. USDA Workforce Shakeup: USDA union leaders are rallying against a plan to relocate thousands of employees from Washington, warning it could disrupt core services that support farmers and rural businesses. AI Costs vs Demand: A new look at “AI economics” argues efficiency gains can still boost overall compute demand, changing how startups and small firms plan tech spending. Local Business Pulse: Hot Springs tourism appears mixed—more domestic visitors reported in some downtown areas even as park attendance stays steady.

Tariff Court Fight: Two small-business lawsuits were filed over Trump’s newest sweeping tariffs, including a New York spice maker (Burlap and Barrel) and a Ventura watch retailer (Collective Horology), arguing the government didn’t properly justify or explain the forced-labor rationale under Section 301. SBA & Growth Signals: The SBA named 10 semifinalists for its $1 million Patriot Pitch Competition, spotlighting small firms across industries. Energy & AI Backlash: Trump pushed a voluntary pledge with governors and utilities to limit higher utility bills from data centers, but critics question whether consumers will actually see savings. Local Business Support: A Minnesota voter-rights session highlighted how small businesses can help keep elections accessible and low-drama. Small-Business Finance: Bluevine is eyeing Indian firms expanding to the U.S., aiming to open U.S. banking accounts for revenue-generating companies. Disaster/Recovery: SBA opened disaster loan outreach and recovery centers for storm-impacted communities, including Iowa and Louisiana.

Visa & Tourism: CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds is drafting legislation to add the Philippines (plus Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Mongolia and India) to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program via federal law, aiming to protect tourism and small-business demand. Trade Shock for SMBs: Trump’s new 10%–12.5% forced-labor tariffs on 60 economies sparked immediate pushback abroad and a lawsuit from two U.S. retailers (Burlap & Barrel and Collective Horology), arguing the duties are arbitrary and not tied to country-by-country conduct. Legal & Compliance Pressure: A DOJ settlement with small defense contractor LOGZONE highlights ongoing FCA risk when contractors misstate cybersecurity compliance. Disaster Relief: SBA opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Cottonport, Louisiana, to help storm-affected small businesses and residents apply for disaster loans. Local Business Climate: Tampa’s City Center at Hanna Avenue won a national green building award, while Arizona’s BLM right-of-way grants keep infrastructure projects moving—both matters that can affect local costs and growth. Energy Costs & Data Centers: Trump’s expanded “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” aims to keep AI data-center power costs off households and businesses, with utilities touting customer-first reliability.

Tariffs & Legal Fight: Two small businesses sued the Trump administration over new 10%–12.5% forced-labor tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, arguing the government is reusing a tariff system the Supreme Court already rejected and didn’t provide country-by-country justification. Small Business Impact: A separate analysis warns the tariff “whiplash” is already pushing more owners toward emergency borrowing and higher SBA lending as uncertainty rises. Disaster Relief (SBA): SBA opened Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Louisiana for Tropical Storm Arthur survivors (Cottonport) and also expanded disaster loan help for storm-affected areas in Iowa, with low-interest loans for businesses and homeowners. AI & Power Costs: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella backed open-weight AI models for U.S. competitiveness, while other coverage highlights how AI data centers are driving higher electricity bills that could hit ratepayers and small businesses. Local Business Growth: BNI reported strong Q2 performance with 15 new market expansions and new U.S. territories, signaling continued networking-driven growth for entrepreneurs. Community Development: Utica broke ground on two Cornhill impact centers with affordable housing and commercial space, aiming to spur local opportunity.

Tariff Shock for Small Exporters: The U.S. is rolling out new 10%–12.5% tariffs on goods from 80+ countries under forced-labor rules, replacing a 10% duty that was set to lapse—raising fears of higher costs and fewer orders for small manufacturers and exporters. Trade Compliance Pressure: The USTR’s forced-labor review put some countries, including the Philippines, into the higher bracket due to “insufficient safeguards,” even as local officials scramble to strengthen inspections. Data Center Cost Fight: Trump is expanding a “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” where major AI/data center firms and utilities promise to cover power and grid upgrade costs instead of shifting bills to households—an issue that’s already sparking political and community pushback. Disaster Relief for SMBs: SBA disaster loans are available for Pennsylvania and Iowa businesses hit by severe storms and flooding, with low-interest physical and economic injury options. Local Help for Impacted Businesses: Chicago’s Illinois Hispanic Chamber Foundation is offering $5,000 grants to small businesses affected by immigration raids, with applications opening Aug. 24. Business Incentives: California extended its CalCompetes tax credit program by five years through 2032–33, supporting job creation and investment. Workforce Affordability Watch: A Rhode Island housing report finds renters need $31.71/hour to afford a typical two-bedroom—highlighting the squeeze on small-business workers.

SBA Disaster Relief: The SBA has opened low-interest disaster loan applications for Pennsylvania businesses, private nonprofits and residents hit by July 5–6 storms and flooding, covering Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield and Huntingdon, with up to $2M for business physical damage and up to $500k for homeowners. SBA Disaster Relief (Iowa): Separate SBA disaster loans are also available for Iowa counties Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Polk, Story and Warren after July 2–4 severe weather, with the same borrowing caps and possible mitigation add-ons. SBA Grants: SBA is seeking proposals for the $9M SCALE Program, offering 20 grants of up to $500k over two years to help small firms tackle supply chain constraints and expand in priority supply chains. Immigrant Lending Fight: Markey and Velázquez introduced a Congressional Review Act resolution to roll back an SBA policy that blocks green card holders from SBA loans. Tariffs Pressure: A survey finds small businesses are cutting margins, raising prices, borrowing and delaying investment as tariffs bite. AI Power Costs: Trump expanded a voluntary “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” aimed at keeping data-center power infrastructure costs off residential and small business bills. Hemp Regulation: House lawmakers introduced a bipartisan framework to federally regulate hemp products, including THC, as a federal ban looms. Local Business Impact: Madison Public Market’s opening was delayed, while a new Salida Chamber of Commerce is forming after leadership turmoil.

National Security & Trade: The U.S. Hispanic Business Council praised a Senate Commerce Committee markup that advanced the Connected Vehicle Security Act, aiming to block connected-vehicle tech tied to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Small-Business Costs: Credit card surcharges are hitting Central Texas restaurants hard, with one owner saying fees cost about $50,000 a month across locations. Energy & Infrastructure: A White House “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” now covers about 80% of U.S. power, but data-center grid upgrade costs still hinge on federal enforcement and a mid-August deadline. AI & Marketing Tools: SCORE is running an AI-driven marketing workshop (July 31), while Adwave’s Waverunner promises small businesses can launch cross-platform ad campaigns from a website URL. Local Business Growth: Madison Public Market opens with nearly half its booths filled, giving small merchants a new retail launchpad. Workforce Benefits: A Texas brokerage warns small firms about the lack of a state short-term disability program and urges coverage before fall renewals. Right to Repair: Minnesota candidates say Deere’s federal settlement helps, but state law still leaves repair tools and access out of reach. Cyber & Fraud: A Senate panel is probing Amazon over alleged Chinese influence and marketplace favoritism. Banking: Hanmi Financial declared a $0.28 per-share cash dividend for Q3.

Trade & Tariffs: A Democratic senator (Ron Wyden) is pushing a bill to rein in President Trump’s tariff powers after new duties hit Canadian goods, aiming to force more congressional control instead of unilateral moves. Cross-Border Impact on SMBs: Canadian makers are already pausing U.S. sales ahead of a 50% tariff, with small e-commerce businesses warning that production lead times and sudden cost changes make exporting too risky. SBA Disaster Relief: The SBA reminded New York small businesses and private nonprofits to apply by Aug. 14 for low-interest disaster loans tied to the Red Hook Five-Alarm Fire, including Economic Injury Disaster Loans for working capital. Women’s Business Support: The SBA announced a $6M competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, with proposals due Aug. 10 and a focus on states where coverage hasn’t kept pace. AI & Small Business Costs: New reporting highlights how many firms spend heavily on AI but struggle to turn it into measurable financial returns—an issue for SMB budgets and planning. Local Business & Community: Philadelphia’s FIFA Fan Festival drew 575,000+ fans and generated millions for local food trucks and alcohol sales, showing how major events can boost neighborhood commerce.

SBA Lending Push: The SBA says it’s expanding small business lending with bigger loans, a rural push, and more focus on manufacturing, including a Georgia update on the agency’s priorities. Women’s Business Centers: SBA announced a $6 million competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, with proposals due Aug. 10. R&D Tax Credit Deadline Clarified: A new reminder says the key 2022 R&D tax credit refund windows run to Sept. 15 (partnerships/S corps) or around Oct. 15 (C corps), not July 6. Electric Bills & Data Centers: Ohio lawmakers advanced proposals to slow future utility rate hikes, targeting rising costs tied to heavy electricity demand from data centers. AI Data Center Eminent Domain Fight: Landowners across rural states are challenging eminent domain efforts for transmission lines built mainly to serve AI campuses. Credit-Building Without Personal Risk: BCCSupplies launched an EIN-only commercial installment tradeline aimed at helping founders build business credit without SSNs or personal guarantees. Main Street Payments Pain: A survey finds payment friction is costing local businesses customers, even when operators don’t realize it. Disaster Help for Small Businesses: FEMA opened a new Milwaukee Disaster Recovery Center and SBA continues disaster loan outreach for storm-impacted areas. Trade Tariff Anxiety: Small businesses in Southwest Florida are bracing for new 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods that could raise input costs.

Franchise Policy Push: The IFA says the House Education and Workforce Committee’s passage of the American Franchise Act (H.R. 5267) is a big step toward more stable joint-employer rules for the 832,000 franchised businesses that rely on predictable labor standards. Disaster Help for Small Firms: FEMA opened a new Disaster Recovery Center in Milwaukee for April storm victims, with SBA and FEMA staff on hand for applications, updates, and appeals—plus other SBA disaster loan outreach centers are opening to keep recovery moving for affected residents and businesses. Payment Friction Costs Sales: A survey-backed report from Flute highlights how “hidden” payment problems drive customers away—55% of consumers say they’d stop or reconsider after a bad payment experience, while many operators don’t think it’s hurting them. Women’s Business Funding: SBA announced a $6 million competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, building a statewide network of lead and service centers in states where funding hasn’t kept pace. Trade Pressure on Main Street: Trump’s new generic drug tariff plan (starting 2028) and separate tariff threats tied to Canada are already raising cost concerns for small manufacturers and retailers. Local Economy at Stake: Los Angeles County supervisors voted to support California’s lawsuit to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, citing potential job losses and production shifts.

SBA Financing Boost: The SBA says small businesses can now combine 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10 million in SBA-backed financing, up from $5 million, starting July 4—aimed at giving growing firms more flexibility for real estate, equipment, and working capital. Disaster Recovery for SMBs: Milwaukee County will open a FEMA/SBA Disaster Recovery Center for April storm and flooding impacts, with help applying for aid and guidance through appeals. Local Demand Signals: OnDeck’s analysis finds car rentals are the most in-demand local business category by search interest per business, with tailors next and dog cafes third. Energy Cost Pressure: A bill introduced by Rep. Josh Riley targets data centers passing grid-upgrade costs to families and small businesses, arguing big customers should pay. Community Business Spotlight: Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst named Taylor’s Maid-Rite as “Small Business of the Week,” highlighting its long-running, family-owned diner success. Tech + Funding: Merakris Therapeutics won an NIH Direct-to-Phase II SBIR grant worth about $2.2 million to advance MTX-001 for diabetic foot ulcers. AI Corporate Move: Avalon GloboCare is rebranding as Change Agents Corp. and will trade under a new Nasdaq ticker, CHGA, as it shifts deeper into agentic AI software.

Disaster Recovery & Small Business Access: Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst says SBA disaster outreach wasn’t updated after FEMA rule changes, and she’s pushing to cut red tape so tornado and flood victims can get the right info faster. Water Infrastructure: North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and DEQ announced $1B+ awarded for Hurricane Helene water and resilience projects, with most damaged systems restored but major unmet needs still ahead. Data Centers vs. Affordability: A House bill would require FERC to convene utilities and data-center developers to prevent projects from driving up energy bills for homeowners and small businesses, while West Texas voters and candidates cite rent hikes and community disruption from major AI data-center builds. Privacy & Compliance Pressure: Missouri’s NFIB backs permanently repealing the federal beneficial ownership reporting mandate, calling it invasive and costly for small firms. Cash-Flow Stress: QuickBooks/Intuit reports 59% of small businesses have invoices overdue 30+ days, with an average $17,700 owed and payment delays still hurting cash flow after customers pay. SBA Fraud Crackdown: SBA suspended 7,800 Wisconsin borrowers tied to $375M in suspected PPP/EIDL fraud, barring them from future SBA loans and key programs. Local Recovery Help: A Wisconsin Disaster Recovery Center in New London will connect residents to FEMA and SBA support for flood claims, with a state-requested Aug. 31 deadline.

Market & Policy: House GOP leaders are lining up a vote on new guardrails for lawmakers’ stock trading, while Trump Media’s Truth Social is preparing a paid B2B data feed for “real-time” access to top accounts—raising fresh questions about how market-moving info gets monetized. Cyber & Tech: A new report warns edge devices (routers, VPN gateways, smart devices) are the cyber weak spot because they’re far less monitored than endpoints. Federal Money & Compliance: Two PPP fraud settlements—LS Cable ($4M) and Rockland Congruity (~$2.69M)—signal continued enforcement against misreported eligibility. Disaster Recovery: Wisconsin opened a disaster recovery center in New London to help residents and businesses apply for FEMA aid and connect with SBA reps. Entrepreneurship Support: Kane County relaunched an entrepreneurship center for people impacted by the criminal legal system, adding virtual and in-person workforce programs. Small Business Growth: Tariff reimbursements are starting to land for some firms, offering short-term relief for import-heavy distributors. Local Business Climate: Georgetown’s luxury real estate push highlights how redevelopment and execution shape neighborhood demand. Workforce & Funding: SCORE Southeast is running a “Grants 101” workshop to help small businesses and nonprofits find and apply for funding.