AGP Executive Report

EPA Court Fight: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey leads a 25-state push to the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a Biden-era EPA air rule, arguing it will raise costs and slow permitting for manufacturers, utilities, farmers, and small businesses. Trade Pressure on Main Street: Maine Sen. Susan Collins says Canada tariff retaliation could hit about $170M in Maine goods, with forest products driving most of the exposure—raising uncertainty for local employers. Small-Business Support Hub: The University of Southern Maine is consolidating business help into a one-stop shop in Portland, pairing its commercialization office with the Maine SBDC to boost advising and workforce connections. Defense Innovation Pipeline: Maine’s First Light Works joint venture aims to fast-track defense innovation, while IperionX won a new U.S. Army SBIR Phase III task order to expand domestic titanium production. Disaster Relief: SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for Indiana businesses and nonprofits after severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding. Local Tech Growth: Kinetic marked Canton, Georgia as “Gig-Ready,” with 75%+ home access to next-gen fiber. Mental Health Access: Mentavi Health made its Mental Wellness Snapshot free nationwide, aiming to help adults start getting clearer on mental wellness needs.

Small Business Growth & Marketing: A Texas stay-at-home mom turned a side hustle into a six-figure monthly brand after a single planned TikTok Shop livestream pulled about $40,000 in sales, showing how SMBs can use social commerce with real prep. Trade & Tariffs Pressure: NPR highlights how escalating U.S.-Canada tariffs are squeezing Main Street retailers and importers, including the added headache of seeking tariff refunds after some import taxes were struck down. Disaster Relief for SMBs: Will County, Illinois is now eligible for low-interest SBA disaster loans for uninsured or under-insured losses tied to July storms, with FEMA and state partners assessing August damage too. Health Insurance Costs: New projections say employer coverage could jump in 2027, with small businesses facing especially steep premium increases. Policy & Compliance Watch: The FTC finalized orders against Cox Media Group and two marketing firms over “Active Listening” ads, saying the product was really resold email lists—an SMB marketing caution. Local Business Operations: A Bethlehem bakery is reopening in a larger location to expand custom orders, adding space and cooling for smoother production.

Trade War Pressure on Main Street: As the U.S.-Canada tariff fight escalates, small firms and nonprofits are scrambling for refunds, alternate suppliers, and survival plans—one comic book shop describes how tariff uncertainty is colliding with the need to reclaim import taxes after a Supreme Court ruling. Local Business Impact Watch: A Pennsylvania report highlights how property tax and rent relief is flowing to seniors and people with disabilities, while chambers in Canada say they’re still waiting on details of tariff-support eligibility for local businesses. Payments and SMB Costs: The FTC finalized orders against “Active Listening” ads, saying the pitch was really reselling email lists—another reminder that marketing tech claims can carry real compliance risk for small advertisers. Financing and Growth: Lawmakers push to keep the Export-Import Bank operating so exporters aren’t left waiting on board vacancies, and Arkansas SBDCs are running free “Funding Your Business” sessions on SBA loans, microloans, and grants. Tech Policy Meets Affordability: A North Carolina Senate race spotlights data centers as a driver of higher power costs, while BIS says stablecoins can’t yet credibly handle payments at scale, pointing SMBs toward more reliable options.

U.S.-Canada Trade Fight: Tariffs and counter-tariffs are escalating again, with Canadian labor and small-business groups urging stronger federal support as Ottawa prepares new retaliation and workers brace for cash-flow pressure. Federal Policy & Small Business: The SBA is moving to overhaul small-business size standards for federal contracting, a shift that could reclassify tens of thousands of contractors and reshape who qualifies for set-asides. Local Business Impact: New York officials are pushing back hard after President Trump’s executive order to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America,” arguing it’s absurd while trade tensions already threaten tourism and local economies. Housing & Community Delivery: In the Bronx, the Fordham Landing redevelopment faces scrutiny over how long major projects take and whether promised affordability and timelines actually land. Workforce & Cost Pressures: Pennsylvania’s expanded property tax/rent rebate program is delivering more than $1.1B in relief to seniors and people with disabilities, with hundreds of thousands of rebates processed so far in 2026. Health Benefits Costs: Some employers are dropping coverage for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs as costs rise, including Cigna and PepsiCo. Funding Help for SMBs: Arkansas’s ASBTDC is running free September “Funding Your Business” sessions on SBA loans, microloans, grants, and common financing hurdles.

Federal Contracting & SBA Lending: The SBA’s proposed overhaul of small-business size standards could reclassify tens of thousands of contractors as “small,” expanding eligibility for set-asides and SBA-backed loans—good news for lenders, but a worry for smaller firms that fear being crowded out. Disaster Relief Access: SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available for Skagit County small businesses and nonprofits, and Indiana counties are also seeing new low-interest disaster loan eligibility for physical damage and economic injury. Trade War Pressure on SMBs: The U.S.-Canada tariff fight is hitting local businesses fast, with Wisconsin exporters warning that uncertainty at the border can be worse than the tariff itself. Healthcare Costs for Employers: Some insurers and large employers are cutting GLP-1 weight-loss coverage as costs rise, while continuing coverage for diabetes patients. AI for Small Business Marketing: Small businesses are increasingly using AI for marketing and operations, and chambers are running free AI training sessions to help owners apply tools in practical ways. Local Growth vs. Local Costs: Data center expansion is drawing backlash in Kentucky and elsewhere over utility rates, jobs, and whether communities benefit. Workforce & Community Support: A sports-viewing bill in Wisconsin would require more ways to watch games without blackouts, and veteran caregiver advocates are pushing for support for families carrying the load.

SBA Disaster Relief: Indiana businesses and residents in dozens of counties can now apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans, with physical damage applications due Oct. 25 and economic injury applications due May 25. Workplace Safety: California lawmakers passed SB 1046 to protect outdoor workers in the Tijuana River Valley from transboundary pollution, directing CalOSHA to set safety standards for PPE, hazard communication, incident reporting and training. AI for SMBs: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s “Small Business B(AI)sics” program brought free AI training to small business owners in Battle Creek, covering practical uses in marketing, customer service and operations. Federal Contracting Rules: The SBA proposed a major overhaul of small-business size standards that would reclassify tens of thousands of contractors as “small,” expanding eligibility for federal programs and set-asides. Trade Pressure on SMBs: Wisconsin small businesses are bracing for higher costs and worse uncertainty as the U.S.-Canada tariff fight escalates, with border price swings hitting purchasing departments first. Energy Costs Debate: A House hearing is set to spotlight how state and local natural gas bans could raise costs for households and small businesses. Local Growth Watch: Glendale and Scottsdale ranked in the top 10 for small-business growth, driven by retail/hospitality activity, workforce expansion and customer demand.

Disaster Relief Deadline: Homeowners, renters, and business owners in Michigan’s Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties have until today to apply for SBA disaster loans tied to the March 6 tornadoes, after FEMA denied individual assistance—applications are free and can be submitted online or by calling (800)659-2955. Local Business Recovery: A Milwaukee U-Haul storage facility fire destroyed inventory for Bandit MKE, a Brady Street small business, after earlier damage in January and again in April—owners say they’re rebuilding and preparing for the next sales season. SBA Rules for Contractors: The SBA is proposing major changes to size standards and size determination methodology that could reclassify tens of thousands of contractors as “small,” reshaping who qualifies for set-asides. AI and Hiring Reality Check: A Georgia survey finds many small business owners are delaying AI adoption, citing loyalty to employees and personal responsibility as the biggest barriers. Payments Funding: Helcim raised $53M CAD in a Series C to expand payments for small and mid-sized businesses, as banks exit merchant services. Cyber Insurance Push: Small businesses are increasingly prioritizing cyber insurance and preparedness as AI-driven attacks raise costs and survival risk after incidents. Trade War Pressure: New York’s hotel industry warns U.S.-Canada tariffs could cut Canadian tourism further, threatening thousands of jobs and local business revenue.

SBA Size Standards Overhaul: The SBA proposed a major reset of federal “small business” size rules, consolidating nearly 1,000 industry standards into 338 broader categories and using a new methodology; if finalized, it could newly qualify about 114,541 firms for set-asides (comments due Sept. 21). Disaster Relief for Small Firms: Illinois officials say FEMA and the SBA will assess storm and flooding damage in McLean County to determine whether businesses and nonprofits can access low-interest SBA disaster loans. Trade War Pressure on Main Street: With U.S.-Canada tariffs escalating, Canadian officials say support will last “as long as necessary,” while U.S. voters and competitive-state industries could feel a “double whammy” of higher prices and retaliation. Local Business Growth: Commerce, California will host a Small Business Expo Sept. 2 with microbusiness loan info and a new Commerce Advantage grants program (up to $50,000 for eligible existing businesses). Tech & Defense Contracting: A Bend veteran-owned firm (CVI) landed an Air Force contract pool worth up to $920M over a decade, and the Army is seeking vendors for an unmanned ground vehicle demo at Camp Grafton. Small Business Spotlight: A new 24/7 women’s fitness gym, The Vibe, opened in Rigby as a membership-based small business.

SBA & Workforce: The SBA held its first manufacturing workforce expo in Coconut Creek, Florida, pairing students with employers, apprenticeships, and workforce resources to speed skilled-trades hiring. AI & Small Business Visibility: A new report warns small firms can get filtered out before customers ever call, as search, maps, and reviews increasingly decide who looks “credible.” Local Business Training: The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s “Small Business B(AI)sics” is coming to the Tri-State with free AI training aimed at helping owners save time and find growth opportunities. Regulatory Pressure on Contractors: FEDCON says proposed SBA size-standard changes could reshape who qualifies for federal contracting, potentially making it harder for traditional small businesses to compete. Immigration Cost Shock for Employers: DHS proposes a $103,265 H-1B fee that could raise costs and worsen health-care staffing shortages. Postal Costs for Rural Shops: USPS is charging a flat Ground Advantage rate for rural ZIP codes, and small businesses say it can raise shipping costs for lightweight packages. Trade-Tariff Fallout: Small businesses are bracing for rippling impacts from the U.S.-Canada tariff fight, with higher costs and uncertainty driving planning headaches.

Trade War Pressure on SMBs: The U.S.-Canada tariff fight is escalating, with Canada planning “dollar-for-dollar” counter-tariffs starting Sept. 8, and Maine and Wisconsin business leaders warning that uncertainty is hitting purchasing decisions first. Local Business Impact: Vermont’s Jay Peak Resort told neighbors “You are our friends” as some Canadians reconsider travel amid the tariff turmoil. Federal Contracting Access: North Carolina HUBs are regrouping after the state Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses was eliminated, raising concerns about future pathways to public-sector contracts. SBA Updates & Disaster Help: SBA disaster recovery support is winding down in Mississippi’s Lincoln County, while the agency also signaled major changes to small-business size rules for federal contracting. Defense Supply Chain Push: SBA and the Department of War launched the Smaller War Plants Commission to expand small manufacturers’ capacity, capital access, and regulatory support. Fraud Crackdown: Massachusetts Rep. Francisco Paulino and Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña face federal pandemic-fraud charges tied to unemployment and small-business loans. Small-Business Growth Programs: CNMI opened applications for its second Innovation Incubator cohort for early-stage startups.

Canada-U.S. Tariff Shock: Manitoba firms are bracing for Canada’s dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs starting Sept. 8, with cheese, steel/aluminum, seafood and other U.S. imports facing 15%–50% duties—raising costs for Canadian buyers like Winnipeg’s Mondo Foods. Trade War Spillover: A broader look at the Canada-U.S. fight warns small businesses on both sides will feel higher prices as retaliatory tariffs roll out after talks collapsed. Local Business Pressure: In Michigan, family manufacturers say even “non-trade” companies can get hit through market pricing as steel, aluminum and dairy tariffs ripple through local supply chains. Government Scrutiny on Small Contractors: The GSA flagged more than $13B in suspected federal contracting fraud tied to about 1,000 contractors, including alleged misuse of SBA 8(a) and eligibility violations. AI for Main Street: Henry’s House of Coffee says AI helps it scale e-commerce while keeping a family-business feel. Healthcare Revenue Tech: ClaimsRevenue™ plans a Sept. 1 launch aimed at helping independent practices catch claim issues before submission to reduce denials. Workforce & Growth: Credibly earned another spot on the Inc. 5000 list, highlighting continued demand for small-business working capital.

SBA Rules & Set-Asides: GAO says NIH improperly passed over a small business set-aside, raising fresh questions about how federal agencies apply procurement preferences. Trade War Pressure: Canada announced dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs on about CAD 27.6B of U.S. goods starting Sept. 8, while U.S. 50% tariffs keep squeezing cross-border supply chains—especially small importers and local manufacturers. Local Disaster Relief: Illinois Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel urged Will County families and businesses to apply for storm assistance, including SBA recovery help and state tax penalty/interest waivers. Small-Business Growth Stories: Miami’s Black-owned accounting firm rebranded as Brunson Borno & Associates after adding partner Jean Borno; and Michigan’s Barron Industries won an SBA Great Lakes manufacturer award tied to new aerospace/defense capacity and jobs. Health Costs Hit Main Street: AP reports Florida small businesses and workers are feeling the squeeze after ACA marketplace subsidies expired, driving plan drop-offs and higher medical-bill risk. Community & Networking: Small Business Sister Circle launched a new Chippewa Valley chapter to help women entrepreneurs connect and grow.

Tariff Fallout for SMBs: Georgia’s biggest firms are seeing $1.5B+ in tariff refunds after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down parts of Trump-era import taxes, but small businesses say the refund process is cumbersome and consumers can’t easily claim money back. Trade War Pressure: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro called new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods “reckless,” warning they’ll hit families, farmers, and local businesses as Canada prepares dollar-for-dollar retaliation. Cash-Flow Reality Check: A new business take warns that fast-growing companies can still “grow broke” when inflation, high rates, and tariffs squeeze cash—urging owners to manage cash to protect valuation. Disaster Loans Deadline: Tornado victims in Michigan’s Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties have a Friday, Aug. 28 deadline to apply for SBA low-interest disaster loans after FEMA denied individual grants. Workers’ Comp Relief: Florida’s workers’ comp rates may drop 7.4% in 2027, a potential win for small employers tied to payroll costs. Defense Tech Contracts: Stratom won an SBIR Phase III award to scale autonomous cargo loading for the U.S. military, signaling more federal R&D opportunities for small firms. Local Growth Tools: Thryv was named to Selling Power’s “60 Best Companies to Sell For” list, highlighting continued demand for AI-driven sales support for SMBs. Health Costs Hit Entrepreneurs: Florida’s ACA coverage losses are driving higher medical costs for residents who rely on the marketplace, with small-business-heavy states feeling the squeeze.

Trade War Fallout: Trump’s new 50% tariffs on Canadian autos, parts, and steel starting Jan. 1, 2027 follow failed talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney, while Canada vows dollar-for-dollar retaliation from Sept. 8—raising costs and uncertainty for small retailers, contractors, and cross-border suppliers. Local Business Impact: Hardware and floral shops say price hikes are already hitting demand, and border-area firms report layoffs, reduced hours, and inventory limits as consumers and tourists pull back. Energy & Capital Access: A new SBA–Department of Energy agreement signed in Abingtons creates an energy-focused investment pathway for small businesses, aiming to connect private capital with tech commercialization. Permitting Reform: Ohio Sen. Jon Husted backs a bill to speed federal permitting for energy and mineral projects, targeting delays and litigation. Fraud Crackdown: An Anchorage tax preparer was sentenced to 3.8 years for stealing identities and falsifying COVID relief applications, ordered to repay $970K. Disaster Relief: SBA opened low-interest drought disaster loans for eligible Oregon businesses and nonprofits. Defense Contracting: The Navy named Nicole Perry to lead small business programs, and the Army awarded a $49M task order contract to support live-fire range operations. Hiring Costs: DHS proposed a new $103,265 H-1B fee for cap-subject petitions, adding to employer costs.

Solopreneur Boom: Nearly 30 million Americans now run one-person businesses, and Opus Virtual Offices says AI is letting solo owners deliver “real business” presence without hiring. AI & Small-Firm Competitiveness: A new report warns small businesses may fall behind if they don’t organize and use their own operational records as AI adoption rises. Trade War Pressure: U.S. and Canada talks collapsed and the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian goods; USTR blames Canada for last-minute demands while Canadian leaders vow dollar-for-dollar retaliation—sparking fears of layoffs and disrupted sales for cross-border small retailers. Construction Labor Crunch: Data-center demand is pulling skilled trades from homebuilding, worsening delays and costs for builders. Hemp Legal Fight: Texas hemp retailers sued over a THC ban that they say wiped out tens of thousands of jobs. Public Contracting Rules: A Houston-area court ruling against race-conscious contracting programs raises compliance headaches for contractors facing mixed federal/state rules. Brand Lawsuits: Buc-ee’s is suing a small Ohio store over alleged trademark/branding confusion. Rural Development: USDA swore in Glen R. Smith as Under Secretary for Rural Development. Tech for SMBs: Global Payments launched “Genius World” in Las Vegas to showcase commerce tools for merchants.

Downtown Revitalization: Iowa City expanded its Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) to cover more locally owned businesses, adding streets and a larger footprint so property owners can fund cleanup and development; the levy is $2.50 per $1,000 of taxable value. Trade Pressure on Main Street: The U.S. rolled out 50% tariffs on Canadian goods after talks collapsed, and Canadian leaders vowed dollar-for-dollar retaliation—small makers and retailers say costs and demand are already shifting. Small-Business Impact of Tariffs (Canada): A Manitoba honey farm says about 90% of its sales go to the U.S. and the tariff makes shipping “non-viable,” while Canadian candle maker Wick’ed Fragrance House reports higher input costs and margin squeeze. Disaster Aid Push: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis requested a major disaster declaration for the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires and follow-on flooding to unlock federal support as resources run low. Workforce Housing Financing: Fort Worth’s Vic Centre workforce development secured a $36.5M construction line of credit, adding apartments plus a business center and amenities. Local Business Support: A Navy Week event in Vermont will connect small firms with Navy procurement programs, including mentor-protégé and SBIR/STTR. Health Insurance Shock (Small Firms): Alaska small-business owners face steep marketplace premium hikes, with one pet shop owner warning he may drop coverage. Fraud Crackdown: A Jacksonville, Oregon man was sentenced to 42 months for tax evasion and fraud tied to multiple small businesses and fake PPP/EIDL applications.