AGP Executive Report

Disaster Relief for Small Businesses: Hawaiʻi County is expanding community resource center services to help earthquake survivors apply for FEMA and SBA aid starting Sept. 14, with on-site help in South Kona and weekly Saturday pop-ups. COVID Fraud Crackdown: Federal prosecutors sued Portland bar owner Ramzy Hattar, alleging he fraudulently obtained nearly $350,000 in PPP/EIDL funds for a bar that had already closed. More PPP/EIDL Sentencing: A New Jersey childcare operator, Treva Harris, was sentenced to 12 months and one day for about $535,000 in SBA-backed pandemic loan fraud. Wildfire Recovery Loans: Nevada’s SBA disaster declaration may unlock low-interest loans for businesses and nonprofits hit by the Bug and Hawk Fires. Energy Costs & Inflation: Rising gas prices are squeezing household budgets and could ripple into higher costs for goods and services. Community Banking Rule Change: The OCC proposed easing third-party risk management oversight for community banks, shifting from one-size-fits-all checklists to risk-based standards. Offshore Wind Jobs Fight: New Jersey offshore wind projects face cancellations, while unions and allies push voters to back Democrats to revive turbine development. Local Business Pressure: Upper Montclair’s Beyond the Bagel is closing after rents and costs squeezed the owner, who plans to file for bankruptcy.

Consumer Watch: The University of Michigan’s September consumer sentiment reading fell again, with year-ahead expectations for personal finances and business conditions dropping as fuel prices and trade tensions bite. AI Reality Check: A new piece pushes back on “AI apocalypse” panic, arguing small businesses need clearer, practical risk info—not doom headlines. California Jobs Pressure: A report highlights California’s lingering employment weakness versus Texas and Florida, with a broader “U-8” measure suggesting many more people are underemployed or sidelined. AI for SMBs: Research and real-world examples point to AI helping small firms hire and grow—like a Chicago tennis business using AI marketing automation to cut costs and boost repeat customers. Regulatory Relief for Banks: The OCC proposed risk-based third-party oversight guidance for community banks, aiming to reduce compliance friction while tailoring scrutiny to actual vendor risk. Disaster Loans: The SBA approved drought disaster loans for eight southeast Colorado counties, offering low-rate funding for small businesses and nonprofits. Trade-Tariff Fallout: Tariffs on Canadian construction materials are hitting U.S. home builders, while broader U.S.-Canada trade friction threatens cross-border small business supply chains. Local Business & Events: Wayne County’s 29th Apple Tasting Tour returns Oct. 1–30, and a Wisconsin expo is set to bring 80+ vendors to Colorado Springs. Fraud Warning: A Lafayette medical student pleaded into a scheme using a fake tutoring business to steal $325,000+ in COVID relief funds.

SBA Disaster Help: The SBA opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Will County, Illinois, to help storm-affected businesses and residents apply for disaster loans, with walk-ins welcome and hours set through Sept. 22. Drought Relief for SMBs: SBA also approved drought disaster loans for eight southeast Colorado counties, offering low-rate loans (as low as 4% for small businesses) for operational costs tied to drought impacts. Regulatory Relief for Community Banks: The OCC proposed shifting third-party vendor oversight for community banks to a risk-based approach, aiming to reduce compliance friction while tailoring scrutiny to the harm a vendor relationship could cause. Fraud Crackdown Push: The House is set to take up a slate of federal fraud bills, including a DOJ-focused effort to investigate and prosecute fraud tied to federal programs. AI Hiring Reality Check: New research from Gusto finds many small businesses experimenting with AI are growing headcount, using it to handle routine tasks and expand customer-facing work. Holiday Pressure on Retailers: A survey says 1 in 6 U.S. shoppers may sacrifice essentials to buy holiday gifts, signaling demand support but tighter household budgets.

Regulatory Crackdown: Pennsylvania State Police say “skill games” are effectively illegal next month after a June Supreme Court ruling, warning small venues face criminal prosecution and possible machine seizure. Fraud & Labor Violations: An Auburn restaurant owner pleaded guilty to COVID-era PPP/EIDL wire fraud and money laundering, and admitted employing unauthorized workers. COVID Relief Case Update: A Joplin businessman was indicted for allegedly pocketing nearly $400K in SBA COVID relief by claiming nonexistent employees and businesses. AI Hiring Signal: A new Gusto study finds very small businesses using AI are hiring faster than similar firms that haven’t adopted it. Trade War Pressure: The U.S.-Canada fight escalated with new U.S. import bans and Canadian counter-tariffs, raising new risks for tens of thousands of small businesses on both sides. Disaster Relief Milestone: Pinellas County celebrated the first fully rebuilt single-family home using federal disaster relief money after 2024 hurricanes. Payments Innovation for SMBs: Coinbase and Moov partnered to bring stablecoin payments and funding access to 1,000+ U.S. community banks and credit unions. Defense Contract: The Navy awarded small Florida firm KestrelX up to about $10M for low-observable target aircraft and support.

Trade & Tariffs: New CFIB estimates say 53,112 Canadian small businesses are directly hit by U.S. tariffs, Canadian counter-tariffs, or both—13,160 exporters and 45,414 importers—while CFIB argues tariff supports still miss about half the small-business community and warns new U.S. product bans could worsen the squeeze. SBA Contracting Rules: SBA will prioritize defense-critical firms for its assistance program, and it has returned pending individual-owned 8(a) applications for social disadvantage revisions with a 45-day deadline. Defense Procurement for Startups: DIU is moving to prototype a faster path for startups and non-traditional companies to get temporary security clearances so they can join classified conversations and compete for Pentagon work. Disaster Relief Deadlines: SBA disaster help is expanding after storms in Texas (Bexar County request for SBA disaster loans) and Hawaii’s earthquake now opens household aid; meanwhile, Rota residents face a roofing registration deadline and Sinlaku survivors may still request SBA exceptions by visiting a recovery center. Local Business Support: Elk Grove’s Diversity Dining Week brings discounts from 40+ local restaurants, and Missouri’s HB 2974 speeds out-of-state professional licensing (including telehealth) to help qualified workers get to Missouri jobs faster. Payments & Banking: Coinbase and Moov are embedding regulated stablecoin infrastructure into payment systems used by 1,000+ community banks, signaling stablecoins moving toward everyday business payouts.

Defense Contracting & Small Business: B-K Manufacturing (B-K Aerospace) won up to a $28M Air Force contract to build missile components, with work in Arab expected to run through 2031. Defense Supply Chain Access: The Pentagon expanded the Secure Space Network with mobile SCIFs so more industry suppliers can work on classified defense projects. Cyber/Compliance for SMBs: Aethon Security launched Aethon Guide to help small and mid-sized defense contractors reach and sustain CMMC Level 2 with managed support and compliance automation. Local Business Recognition: Pip Pop, a mom-founded children’s jewelry brand, was named to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s CO—100 Top 100 list after major revenue growth. Payments Innovation for Community Banks: Coinbase and Moov partnered to bring stablecoin payment capabilities to 1,000+ community banks and credit unions through existing systems. Federal Contracting Rules: SBA proposed major changes to size standards, potentially expanding the number of firms eligible as “small” for federal contracting. Disaster Relief for SMBs: FEMA opened Individual Assistance for Hawaiʻi County residents affected by the Kona earthquake, with registration running until Nov. 1. Trade Pressure on SMBs: A Canadian business group warned Manitoba small firms may cut production and jobs as U.S. tariff pressure continues. SMB Cash-Use Trend: A new survey finds 45% of SMBs want to reduce cash and checks, citing card costs and payment surcharges as key barriers.

Trade Pressure on Main Street: A new study says tariffs have cost the average Michigan household more than $5,600 since January, with small businesses and families feeling the squeeze as the U.S.-Canada fight escalates. Federal Tax Shift for Contractors: As 1099 work grows, the IRS raised the 1099-NEC/MISC reporting threshold from $600 to $2,000 per payee starting in 2026, changing how many independent workers get paperwork even though they still owe taxes. Disaster Loans for Texas Businesses: Gov. Greg Abbott asked the SBA for a disaster declaration for Bexar County after August storms, which could unlock low-interest disaster loans for damaged homes and businesses. Local Contracting Scrutiny: An Oakland auditor report found problems in how the city manages large capital improvement projects, including weak controls and slow payments that can hurt contractors. Small-Business Growth Programs: ICIC opened applications for its Building for Growth program in Greater Los Angeles to help contractors compete for wildfire recovery and major-event work. Business Finance Watch: Stewards’ stock begins trading on Nasdaq Capital Market under ticker “SWRD” after an OTC-to-Nasdaq uplisting.

Trade War Pressure on SMBs: Sen. Tammy Baldwin warned that Canada’s retaliatory tariffs are hitting Wisconsin dairy, paper, and other small businesses as costs rise and market access tightens. Federal Procurement Shock: Trump ordered the GSA to remove Canadian-origin products from federal contract lists unless Canada restores “full and fair reciprocity,” a move that could ripple through supplier chains. Local Business Impact: A Janesville shop owner said tariffs and the end of small-retailer exemptions are making it harder to even predict landed costs. Small-Business Compliance Anxiety: Asure’s 2026 HR Benchmark Report found small-business owners’ confidence in employment-law compliance is falling, especially among struggling firms. DOJ Fraud Focus: DOJ’s new National Fraud Enforcement Division is “open for business,” signaling renewed federal fraud enforcement priorities that can affect small contractors and vendors. Workforce/Capital for Energy Tech: DOE and SBA launched the SBIC-E initiative to channel private capital into energy and critical-technology small businesses. Expansion Spotlight: Woman-owned GovParts announced a $3.4M Fort Wayne expansion, aiming to add up to 20 high-wage jobs by 2029. Business Lending/Investor Watch: GoDaddy faces a securities-fraud class action tied to customer acquisition claims, with an Oct. 26 lead-plaintiff deadline.

Trade War Hits Small Business Procurement: President Trump ordered the GSA to remove Canadian-origin products from its Multiple Award Schedules unless Canada restores “full and fair reciprocity,” escalating a dispute that already has Canada’s retaliatory tariffs in effect. Tariffs Raise Costs for Retailers: In Wisconsin, Sen. Tammy Baldwin met Janesville shops saying tariffs and trade chaos are squeezing margins on imported goods. Cross-Border Uncertainty Spreads: Canadian businesses in Saskatchewan and U.S. firms in places like Smithers say new rules make shipping and pricing harder, especially for small, rural operators. Diesel Shock Threatens Local Projects: Diesel hit record highs in Waco, disrupting construction trucking budgets and raising supply-chain costs. SBA Eligibility Overhaul: The SBA proposed major changes to small business size standards for federal contractors, potentially expanding who qualifies. Energy Capital for Tech SMEs: DOE and SBA launched the SBIC-E initiative to route private capital to small businesses in energy and critical technologies. Cybersecurity for SMBs: Microsoft flagged a spam campaign using invisible Unicode characters to evade filters and lure victims with “funding” offers. Disaster Relief Reminder: SBA reminded eligible Mississippi businesses and nonprofits about an Oct. 3 deadline for low-interest disaster loans after Tropical Storm Arthur.

Local Business Finance: San Diego County approved a $300,000 grant plus $400,000 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to create a revolving loan fund for East County microbusinesses and minority-owned firms, aiming to offer smaller, flexible loans that can be reloaned as they’re repaid. Trade Pressure: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs are now in effect, with duties up to 50% hitting hundreds of U.S. products—raising costs and uncertainty for cross-border small businesses, especially in manufacturing-heavy states like Michigan. Small Business Operations: Hawai‘i’s new $2.1 million “Business Express” registration system is causing major delays as the state merges old records into a new platform, leaving would-be owners waiting weeks or months. Workforce & Training: The SBA awarded a $5 million grant to Nassau BOCES to train workers for skilled trades and advanced manufacturing, targeting both younger and older hires for local defense supply chains. AI & Marketing Reality Check: Canva found 74% of workers still feel anxious presenting even though AI helps create slides faster—useful for small firms relying on pitching and client meetings. Energy & Supply Chain Risk: The UN warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions hit SMEs hardest by driving up energy, freight, insurance, and financing costs, pushing smaller firms out of global supply chains. Business Growth Support: Lenovo launched “Call Eva,” letting entrepreneurs call and leave voice notes for Eva Longoria for business-growth guidance.

Trade War Pressure on Main Street: Trump escalated the U.S.-Canada fight by threatening to block Bombardier sales unless the company builds in the U.S., while Canada moves ahead with retaliatory tariffs that hit goods like dairy, plywood, and sunscreen—small firms on both sides are warning of closures and higher costs. Local Tourism & Small Business Demand: Quinte’s midsummer overnight stays jumped about 9% year over year, a boost for hotels and local operators amid consumer uncertainty. AI Hiring Risk for Young Workers: A Stanford/ADP-based look finds employment for ages 22–25 in highly AI-exposed jobs is down versus less-exposed roles, suggesting automation is cutting earlier career rungs. Health Insurance Cost Squeeze: The SBA rebranded and expanded CHOICE Arrangements (ICHRAs) to help small employers set predictable health budgets instead of absorbing rising group-plan premiums. Cybersecurity for Small Providers: CISA/FBI guidance urges service firms to treat outage communications as part of incident response, with pre-planned messaging and backup channels. Disaster Aid Access: Hawaiʻi County earthquake victims can apply for FEMA and SBA disaster help, with SBA low-interest loans available for eligible property damage.

SBA Size Standards Overhaul: The SBA proposed major changes to how it defines “small business,” aiming to simplify NAICS codes and raise size thresholds so more fast-growing firms can qualify for federal help. Tariff Pressure on Main Street: Small businesses are again suing over new tariff moves, while mom-and-pop exporters and makers report shipments stuck at customs and customers refusing to pay higher duties. Cyber & Fraud Risk for SMBs: A new report highlights AI-fueled identity fraud risk as criminals sell high-resolution scans of IDs and use “invisible” Unicode tricks to slip instructions into spam. Energy Cost Relief: Delaware launched Delaware SHINES, offering grants, loans, and rebates for solar and battery storage for residents, small businesses, and nonprofits. Export Funding (Colorado): Colorado opened applications for a $770,000 SBA STEP grant to help small exporters fund trade trips, shows, and international marketing. Insurance Tech Boost: JD Power found small-business satisfaction with commercial insurers rose, driven by better digital service and improved rates. Local Growth Stories: A Northwoods couple expanded an online business using local resources, and a Youngstown rage-room operator credits a Goldman Sachs cohort for scaling.

SBA Size Standards Overhaul: The U.S. Small Business Administration proposed major changes to small business size standards, aiming to simplify NAICS codes from nearly 1,000 categories to 338 broader groups and raise thresholds so more fast-growing firms can qualify for federal support. Energy Capital Push: The SBA and Department of Energy launched the SBIC-E initiative to spur private investment in energy technologies, pairing with existing SBA loan guarantees to help small energy businesses scale. Disaster Loan Deadline: Missouri private nonprofit groups hit by June 4-18 severe weather must apply for SBA physical damage disaster loans before Oct. 3. Mentoring Access: SCORE’s free one-on-one business mentoring returns in Pasadena-area libraries, with appointments required. Local Business Pressure: Corte Madera, California advanced a tobacco/nicotine sales ban that could force some small shops to close by Feb. 1, 2027. Online Marketplace Risk: An Etsy seller says “bruh” shirts were removed after a trademark complaint he calls “squatting,” highlighting how small sellers can get hit by platform takedowns. Workforce & Affordability Talk: A “Face the Nation” segment spotlighted affordability pressures and job-market resiliency, with officials discussing cost-of-living impacts on families and small businesses.

SBA & Disaster Relief: The SBA is reminding eligible Missouri private nonprofit groups (including faith-based orgs) hit by June 4-18 severe weather that the deadline for physical damage disaster loans is before Oct. 3. Flood Recovery & Housing: Rock Valley’s flood buyout process is moving toward visible action, with the city set to begin acquiring and demolishing flood-damaged homes in September after FEMA funding milestones and Iowa’s FEMA non-federal match support were finalized. Local Business Growth: Fort Worth is hosting a free Mission-Ready Small Business Contracting Summit (Sept. 9) to help small and veteran-owned firms navigate government procurement. Small Business Support Programs: CNMI Innovation Incubator is opening its second cohort applications, due Sept. 11, offering mentorship and resources for early-stage startups. Workforce Pressure: New research highlights childcare stress as a major driver of employee burnout, with employers facing up to $70B a year in lost productivity and turnover costs. Regulation Risk for Retailers: Corte Madera advanced a tobacco/nicotine sales ban that could end local shop sales by Feb. 1, 2027, raising closure fears for small retailers. Trade & Tariffs: As U.S.-Canada tariff tensions continue, some Toronto small businesses say demand is shifting toward Canadian-made products.

Disaster Relief Crunch: FEMA’s Disaster Case Management Program for last year’s Los Angeles wildfires will end early, cutting off help for fire survivors as recovery funds stall. Small-Business Contracting: Fort Worth is hosting a Mission-Ready summit to help small and veteran-owned businesses learn how to find opportunities, get certifications, and bid on government contracts. Workforce Pressure: New research links childcare stress to burnout and major workplace disruptions, with employers facing up to $70B a year in lost productivity and turnover. Defense Manufacturing Push: SBA and the Department of War announced the Smaller War Plants Commission to reduce red tape and boost small-business suppliers for military production. Trade & Tariffs Watch: Trump suspended 50% tariffs on some Canadian imports after talks, while experts warn tariffs can raise consumer prices. Agriculture & Ranching: Trump signed executive orders aimed at ranchers, including stronger enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act. Biosecurity Risk: Texas officials are warning that illegal horse trafficking can bypass livestock inspections, raising screwworm reintroduction concerns.

SBA & Small-Business Eligibility: The U.S. Small Business Administration is redefining “small” to keep large firms from grabbing set-aside perks, while Oakland Park, Florida is using incentive grants (up to $40,000 for job creation) to lure startups into a new downtown building. Credit Card Costs: A Northwest Indiana merchant argues that hidden 3% credit card surcharges unfairly hit mom-and-pop stores that can’t absorb processing fees. Ranchers & Meat Markets: President Trump signed executive orders aimed at ranchers, including tougher enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act and steps tied to country-of-origin labeling and market access for small processors. Trade Pressure: A Canada-U.S. tariff fight is already pushing small firms to cut spending, delay hiring, raise prices, or shift suppliers. Local Business Rules: Los Angeles County is moving toward a commercial rental property license to track rents and vacancies in unincorporated areas. Disaster & Recovery: After Indiana flooding killed seven, survivors say federal aid has been slow; lawmakers are urging more disaster declarations and SBA loan support. Workforce Reality Check: New labor data shows more than a million people leaving the labor force, leaving businesses still short on workers. Rural Entrepreneurship Event: North Dakota’s NDSU Extension and CCEDC are hosting ND Next (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) to connect rural entrepreneurs and share growth playbooks.