AGP Executive Report

Trade Fight: Twenty-five states led by Oregon and New York sued the Trump administration in the U.S. Court of International Trade to block new 10%–12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, arguing the move is a “pretext” to replace earlier duties struck down by the Supreme Court and that it will raise costs for families and small businesses. Local Business Impact: Arizona joined the coalition, with its AG calling tariffs “a tax” on grocery bills and everyday operations for small firms. SMB Growth Snapshot: A Fiserv Small Business Index update says July sales rose 1.6% year over year, but foot traffic fell 1.6%, pointing to growth driven more by higher average tickets than stronger customer volume. Marketing for SMBs: Snapchat pitched its ad platform to small businesses as a good fit for Gen Z and Millennial reach, emphasizing self-serve budgets and visual-first creative. Defense Contracting: The Department of War suspended CMMC Phase II requirements, a potential relief for small defense contractors facing third-party assessment burdens. Disaster Relief: SBA disaster loan outreach centers and deadlines are active for storm and tornado survivors in places like Jefferson County, Wisconsin, with low-interest loans for eligible homeowners and businesses.

Housing & Lending: JPMorgan Chase says it will pour $750B through 2035 to build or preserve about 1M affordable homes and boost home lending, including more first-time buyers. Bank Regulation: The Trump administration’s push is reaching the Community Reinvestment Act, with OCC and FDIC proposing changes that could reshape how banks handle grants and donations to community groups. Small-Business Demand: Fiserv’s July index shows modest sales growth (+1.6% y/y) but weaker foot traffic (-1.6% y/y), with restaurants still under pressure. AI for SMBs: A House Small Business hearing highlights fast AI adoption, but warns that regulatory uncertainty and worker training gaps are holding back many owners. Women-Owned Scaling Gap: Wells Fargo’s report finds Black women-owned employers average about $650K revenue versus $1.7M for white women-owned firms, underscoring the cost of not scaling. Local Business Impact: Boston and MBTA will hold community meetings on the Blue Hill Avenue transit redesign, including input on parking, lighting, and support for small businesses. Funding for Growth: Wayy.ai raised a $2M pre-seed to launch an AI “sales co-founder” for solopreneurs and small businesses. Community & Resilience: Wildfires in eastern Washington have forced 60,000+ evacuations and destroyed hundreds of homes and small businesses.

Native Entrepreneurship Policy: The U.S. House passed the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, a small-business win that would permanently set up SBA’s Office of Native American Affairs, create an assistant administrator role, and expand tribal consultation, contracting support, training, and access to capital. Marketing Tech for SMBs: Constant Contact launched “Great Needs Great,” pitching AI as the next step for small-business marketing and aiming to help owners turn what they do best into customer reach. Tax Season Deadlines: A quick reminder of key 2025 filing dates for small business owners and self-employed filers, including estimated tax payments due Jan. 15 and the April 15 federal return deadline (with extensions available). Credit & Cash Pressure: New reporting highlights how small-business cash flow is under strain and that some federal credit rules can make borrowing harder to access. Trade Hits Local Business: ProPublica reports tariff pressure is hurting a northern Michigan border community, with residents seeing no relief while trade tensions drag on. Community Commerce: Farmers market week (Aug. 2-8) spotlights local vendors as a steady sales channel for small producers and crafters. Workforce & AI Training Gap: A new survey finds many workers use AI but far fewer receive employer training, raising the risk that SMBs and their teams fall behind.

Trade Pressure on Main Street: ProPublica reports northern Michigan border towns are getting squeezed as the U.S.-Canada tariff fight drags on, with local leaders saying they have little say and no clear relief in sight. Disaster Aid Deadlines: Wisconsin Emergency Management reminds storm and flood survivors (April 13–23) to apply for FEMA or SBA disaster help by Aug. 31. Hemp Rule Shock: A looming federal hemp ban could make most hemp products illegal by Nov. 12, pushing farmers and suppliers to lobby Congress for changes. AI Skills Gap for SMBs: The Conference Board finds many workers use generative AI, but only about a third get employer training—raising the risk that small businesses can’t scale beyond basic prompting. Local Business Friction: Corpus Christi residents are frustrated by a delayed Bass Pro Shops opening, turning a retail project into a public accountability fight. Ecommerce Reality Check: A guide highlights that unexpected costs drive cart abandonment (70%), underscoring how small retailers can lose sales even with strong traffic. Business Credit & Bankruptcy Signals: LendingTree analysis shows business bankruptcy filings up sharply year over year, a warning sign for cash-strapped SMBs.

Business Taxes Watch: A new roundup highlights which states have the lowest business tax rates, pointing to places like Wyoming, South Dakota, Nevada, Florida, and Texas as potential growth destinations. AI Data Center Costs: A Florida-backed bill would force large AI data centers to secure their own electricity and water, aiming to stop power-bill blowups from landing on ratepayers. Black Economic Mobility: The National Urban League warns the “American Dream” is slipping for Black Americans, citing policy shifts tied to the Trump administration. Local Business Pressure: Corpus Christi residents are up in arms after a Bass Pro Shops opening delay stretched nearly two years, with city leaders facing questions about what’s actually happening. Small-Business Credit & Risk: LendingTree analysis finds U.S. business bankruptcy filings rose 11.4% year over year, signaling pressure from higher borrowing costs and thinner margins. Disaster Relief Deadlines: Wisconsin storm survivors have until Aug. 31 to apply for FEMA and SBA disaster help. Fraud Crackdown: A Southlake man was sentenced to nine years for a scheme promising multi-million-dollar small-business loans in exchange for upfront cash. Grants vs. Customers: One op-ed argues some founders are chasing grants instead of building paying-customer engines, which can leave businesses fragile when funding dries up.

SBA & Disaster Relief: SBA reminded Mississippi businesses and private nonprofits that the Aug. 31 deadline is coming for low-interest disaster loans tied to May storms, including physical damage loans up to $2M and EIDLs for eligible counties. Fraud & Enforcement: A Southlake, Texas man was sentenced to nine years for a scheme promising multi-million-dollar small-business loans, then pocketing more than $8M for luxury purchases; a DeKalb County deputy clerk also pleaded guilty in a PPP theft case and received probation plus restitution. Local Business Grants: Kerrville’s chamber foundation approved $140K in small-business grants for flood recovery, with awards ranging from $2,500 to $25,000. Cost Pressure for SMBs: Illinois data-center growth is driving higher electric bills and sparking local backlash, with some jurisdictions pausing new projects. AI for Small Business: OpenAI cut GPT-5.6 Luna API prices by 80%, signaling faster, cheaper AI adoption for businesses. Innovation Spotlight: Alabama’s Simparo Surgical earned its fourth U.S. patent, backed by Innovate Alabama, supporting faster thumb CMC reconstruction. Workforce/Policy: CMS wrapped up Medicare Part D premium stabilization and issued FY 2027 Part A rules, a reminder that healthcare compliance remains a major SMB concern.

Disaster Loans Deadline: The SBA is urging eligible Mississippi businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters to apply for low-interest disaster loans by Aug. 31 for May 6–7 storms, tornadoes and flooding, with EIDLs available in several adjacent counties. Fraud Crackdown: A Southlake, Texas man was sentenced to nine years for a wire-fraud scheme that targeted small businesses with promises of multi-million-dollar loans, then used the money for luxury purchases. Access to Capital Spotlight: Midland States Bank won the 2025 Illinois SBA 504 Third-Party Lender of the Year award, highlighting its role in long-term financing for real estate and equipment. Wage Pressure for Employers: California announced its minimum wage will rise to $17.40 in 2027, with a higher exempt threshold—another cost shift for small employers. Cash Flow Watch: Xero reports small-business sales are improving, but cash flow remains tight as late payments improve while overall payment timing still drags. Retail Competition & AI Search: A Columbia Law study says Amazon and Walmart’s AI shopping tools may suppress “Made in USA” results and mis-handle country-of-origin claims—raising new compliance and consumer-trust questions for sellers. Local Business Resilience: In San Francisco’s Bayview, residents say a new independent pharmacy could help restore services after long retail losses.

Disaster Deadlines: Wisconsin storm victims have one month left to apply for FEMA help or SBA physical disaster loans for April 13–23 flooding; FEMA applications are due Aug. 31 via DisasterAssistance.gov, 1-800-621-3362, or a Disaster Recovery Center. Regulatory Relief: Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. Ben Cline introduced the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act, pushing agencies to better weigh the economic costs of proposed rules on small firms and consider lighter alternatives. AI for SMBs: Iowa and local chambers are helping small businesses adopt AI without big-company IT teams—Oshkosh’s Chamber is running a free Aug. 27 workshop (“Small Business B(AI)sics”) to build practical AI plans. Trade Pressure: New tariff rounds tied to forced-labor claims are projected to add about $900 per U.S. household in 2026, raising costs for everyday goods. Fraud Crackdown: CBP says it uncovered over $1B in additional duties under its Enforce and Protect Act program, targeting duty evasion schemes that undercut U.S. businesses. Food Access Disruption: USDA actions are cutting SNAP access for some local food hubs, including Kauaʻi’s Mālama Kauaʻi, after the agency reclassified it as a delivery route rather than a farmers market.

Trade & Tariffs: The Trump administration replaced its earlier temporary tariffs with new Section 301 duties tied to forced-labor claims, starting July 24, with rates generally 10%–12.5% on imports from 60 countries—another hit small firms may feel through higher input costs and pricing pressure. Fraud Crackdown: DOJ and seven southeastern states launched a regional anti-fraud push after $350M in suspected schemes, including major Medicaid and Medicare form fraud, plus cases tied to SNAP, COVID tax credits, housing benefits, and small business loans. Health Insurance Costs: Mississippi small businesses are being steered to a chamber-backed “Chamber Advantage Plan” as ACA subsidies end and Medicaid funding faces cuts—aimed at lowering premiums for employers with 2–50 workers. Local Business Impact: In Delaware County, PA, uncertainty around Boeing’s Chinook program could threaten thousands of jobs and ripple into nearby small businesses that rely on Boeing spending. SBA & Capital Access: SBA rolled out a modernized SBA.gov to streamline access to capital, counseling, and contracting for small businesses and manufacturers. Logistics for SMBs: UPS launched tools for sole proprietors, including a pickup dashboard and faster label creation, to make shipping and fulfillment easier.

Banking & SMB Finance: A new ProSight/William Mills Agency “Bankers as Buyers” panel and survey of 600 owners finds loyalty often hinges on trusted advice as businesses grow, not just rates or products. SMB Lending Prep: Bluevine’s survey of 800+ owners says 25% of applications were delayed or denied due to avoidable mistakes—owners often don’t research requirements, update financials, or check credit—pushing many to use personal credit cards/loans. Trade Enforcement: U.S. Customs and Border Protection says its Enforce and Protect Act program uncovered $1B+ in additional duties, issuing 14 determinations across products from solar cells to furniture. Disaster Relief Deadlines: SBA reminds Pennsylvania fire victims of an Aug. 24 deadline for low-interest disaster loans, while FEMA reports Michigan has paid out millions for storm recovery. Rural Business Support: SBA’s state director highlights how Small Business Development Centers help rural firms with capital, workforce, bonding, and contracting readiness. Local Business Watch: Hobbs Sporting Goods will close after nearly 60 years, with staff shifting to a larger operator. Farmers Markets: National Farmers Market Week runs Aug. 2–8, with South Dakota touting about 45 markets statewide.

Disaster Loans for SMBs: The SBA is reminding Pennsylvania businesses and nonprofits to apply by Aug. 24 for low-interest disaster loans tied to the Oak Forest Apartment Complex Fire (plus mitigation options). It’s also pushing Aug. 24 deadlines for Arkansas economic injury disaster loans after 2025 storms, and for Iowa businesses and residents in Jasper County after flash flooding. Hurricane/Tropical Relief: The SBA is closing its Slidell office for Tropical Storm Arthur help, with remaining outreach centers in other Louisiana parishes and applications available online. Workforce & Skills: AI and data-center buildouts are driving demand for electricians and carpenters, with private funding expanding apprenticeship pipelines. Small-Business Tech Training: Meta and the Vegas Chamber are running a hands-on AI workshop for small owners to use AI for daily tasks and customer outreach. Insurance Basics: A new guide tackles whether home-based and solo operators need business insurance, stressing coverage depends on risk and operations—not business size. Local Business Climate: A report argues Washington state’s rankings mask an entrepreneur exodus, raising concerns for SMB growth. Policy & Compliance: The House education committee advanced a bill to clarify Title IX applies to biological sex, a move that could affect school policies and compliance planning.

Antitrust & Public Safety: Sens. Jim Banks and Elizabeth Warren backed a bipartisan FTC probe into alleged anticompetitive practices in the fire truck market, citing price-fixing, gouging, and delivery delays that can put firefighters at risk. SMB Banking & Onboarding: Swaystack partnered with InstaSwitch to help banks and credit unions move deposits, payroll, and spending into newly opened business accounts—aimed at reducing the “stall” that keeps many small businesses from completing bank switches. SMB Stress Test: A G&A Partners report finds 1 in 5 SMBs fear closing within a year; 83% raised prices to offset costs, and many are freezing hiring despite some expecting stability. Disaster Lending: The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for drought-hit small businesses and nonprofits in parts of North Carolina and South Carolina. COVID Fraud Crackdown: DOJ announced a $3.85M settlement with a union over improper PPP claims, a reminder of enforcement risk for government-backed programs. Retail Supplier Opportunities: Dollar General reopened its Call for Small Businesses, inviting eligible U.S. vendors to apply through Aug. 17. Trade Policy Shock: New Section 301 forced-labor tariffs take effect July 24, with small businesses and importers facing fresh compliance and cost pressure. Local Growth & Jobs: Michigan approved projects tied to business expansion and small business support, including workforce and community development goals. Contracting Rules Upended: A federal judge struck down Houston’s race-based minority contracting provisions, affecting how some local vendors compete for city work. Tech & Manufacturing Talent: A piece on agentic AI argues it could help manufacturers address engineering shortages while keeping human expertise central.

Retail Sourcing: Dollar General opened its annual Call for Small Businesses, inviting U.S. vendors that haven’t sold to the retailer in 18 months to apply for supplier opportunities and support through its Small Business Development Program (deadline Aug. 17). Local Contracting Fight: A federal judge struck down Houston’s Minority Women and Small Business Enterprise Program as unconstitutional, blocking the city from using race-conscious parts of the contracting set-aside. Disaster Loans Update: The SBA said Guam’s Survivor Recovery Center schedule changes Aug. 4 (Tue–Sat hours) and reminded survivors the Sinlaku disaster-loan deadline is Aug. 21, with millions already approved. Small-Business Training: SBA’s Mid-Atlantic Matchmaker Prep Series starts Aug. 4 in Fairmont, WV (hybrid), with free sessions on building a capability statement, finding markets, pitching, and a small-business panel. E-Commerce Pressure: A retail explainer notes e-commerce is now 22% of U.S. retail sales, pushing brick-and-mortar shops toward online integration, better logistics, and sharper pricing. Community Markets: National Farmers Market Week runs Aug. 2–8, highlighting how local markets support small producers and diversify local economies.

SBA Funding Push: The Small Business Administration is rolling out fresh support, including new supply chain grants (up to $500,000 each, proposals due Aug. 7) and expanded lending flexibility that could raise combined financing to $10 million. PPP Fraud Crackdown: A Peachtree City subsidiary of a German parent agreed to pay $2.6 million over alleged COVID-era PPP false statements tied to employee-count eligibility. Rural Business Access: Senators Klobuchar and Welch warned USDA’s Rural Development reorganization could slow grants and loans that rural small businesses rely on. Cash-Flow Stress: A survey finds many owners are burning out from liquidity pressure, with over half losing sleep multiple times a week. Local Market Opportunity: Georgia finalized a Cooperative Interstate Shipment deal to let state-inspected meat processors sell across state lines. Trade & Competition Pressure: A Seattle canned coffee maker is still fighting Nestlé over its “Seattle Strong” branding, while a North Carolina K-pop shop says tariff disputes are delaying shipments and hurting sales. Regulatory Relief Watch: EPA proposed redesignating parts of Michigan as meeting ozone standards, which could ease permitting for businesses. AI Data Center Costs: Florida Rep. Byron Donalds backs a bill that would require hyperscale AI data centers to supply their own power and water.

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.