AGP Executive Report

Disaster Relief Deadlines: SBA is reminding Georgia wildfire victims (apply by July 27) and Louisiana Tropical Storm Arthur survivors that low-interest federal disaster loans are still available, with business and homeowner/renter options plus possible mitigation increases. Disaster Recovery Support: LA County rolled out a one-stop wildfire recovery hub to help burned-out residents find housing aid, SBA loan help, health resources, and permitting guidance in one place. Farm & Small-Business “Lawfare” Push: SBA and USDA signed an MOU to create a direct reporting pipeline for farmers, ranchers, and small businesses facing costly regulatory/legal overreach. Online Fraud & Domains: GoDaddy warned India’s crackdown on fake brand sites could make the internet less safe for legitimate businesses, raising concerns for SMBs that rely on domain privacy and brand-adjacent names. Labor Market Pressure: June hiring came in softer than expected (57,000 jobs added) while unemployment fell to 4.2%, a mixed signal for small-business hiring plans. Local Business Impact: Seattle CID businesses say World Cup crowds hurt sales on match days, with locals staying away and tourists passing through without spending. Small Business Hiring Rules: A legal Q&A highlights independent-contractor misclassification risks for small fitness studios and other service businesses. Tech & Funding for Entrepreneurs: NASA is seeking comments on a draft lunar-prototype solicitation, and SBA/USDA’s space-industry financing push continues to expand pathways for small firms.

Stadium Deal Watch: Indiana lawmakers picked Hammond as the state’s spot for a potential Chicago Bears stadium, aiming for a public-private partnership and dashing hopes in Gary and Portage. Digital Equity: New Mexico rolled out community Wi‑Fi expansion and a “Permit Finder” tool to help broadband providers navigate local approvals faster. Disaster Relief for SMBs: President Trump approved major disaster declarations for Michigan storm damage and flooding, unlocking FEMA Individual and Public Assistance and urging affected residents and businesses to apply with FEMA and the SBA. Hiring & Skills Pressure: June job growth came in weak (57,000 jobs) while unemployment fell to 4.2%, and small-business hiring plans reportedly hit their lowest since early COVID—plus AI is raising the bar for entry-level work. Power Costs: A heat wave is straining the grid and pushing up electricity prices, raising costs for households and small businesses heading into July 4. Regulatory Fight for Farmers & Ranchers: SBA and USDA signed an MOU to help producers report “lawfare” and target regulatory abuse that drives up costs. Local Cleanup Funding: Social Circle, Georgia’s downtown development authority won a $4M EPA brownfield cleanup grant to redevelop the old cotton mill site. Ownership Transition: A new push highlights the “great ownership transfer” as baby-boomer founders near retirement and successors need capital, continuity, and deal support.

Health Costs vs. Fraud Claims: The Trump administration says an anti-fraud crackdown is behind millions losing Obamacare coverage, but critics point to expiring subsidies and steep 2026 premiums as enrollment drops by about 3 million. Energy Supply Shock for Small Firms: A helium shortage tied to global disruptions is hitting Texas labs and small businesses as allocations get cut and spot prices jump. Defense Contracting Push: The 2026 American Small Business Contracting Summit highlighted how the Pentagon and other agencies are directing large dollars to small vendors and faster acquisition. Local Business Protection in Disasters: SBA approved over $30M in disaster loans for Northern Mariana Islands recovery after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with economic injury loans still available. SBA Loan Mix-Up: An Omaha couple says identity theft led to an SBA COVID loan demand years later, raising new questions about how borrowers get errors corrected. AI Adoption Payoff: A QuickBooks report finds AI-using small businesses are far more likely to report revenue gains, even as hiring remains uneven. Legal Access for SMBs: Rocket Lawyer is spotlighted in a USA TODAY docuseries focused on expanding affordable legal help for entrepreneurs. Grid Cost Fight: Congress is moving to make big data centers pay more of the grid upgrade costs, aiming to stop higher bills from landing on families and small businesses.

SBA Disaster Relief: Gov. Kathy Hochul secured an SBA physical disaster declaration for Queens and nearby NY counties after May 20 flooding damaged 33 homes and 4 businesses, making homeowners eligible for up to $500,000 and business owners up to $2 million, plus economic injury loans for nonprofits and firms. Tech for Sellers: Square rolled out new ChatGPT and Claude integrations to help merchants get discovered and even order through AI-powered conversations, with no extra setup for opted-in sellers. Small-Business Hiring Pulse: ADP reported private payrolls rose 98,000 in June, with small businesses driving gains, even as hiring expectations remain cautious. AI + Banking Outlook: ProSight’s survey finds growth is still the top goal for small firms, but cash flow and operational efficiency are key worries, pushing demand for steadier banking partners. Trade Watch: USMCA renewal talks begin with the U.S. signaling it won’t “rubber-stamp” an extension, raising uncertainty for manufacturers and suppliers. Local Growth & Community: A Philly pop-up highlighted immigrant-owned businesses, while Lawrence, Mass. celebrated a CNN “best town to visit” nod that local shops say boosts visibility. Policy/Compliance: Illinois minimum wages rose for Chicago and Cook County, adding labor-cost pressure for small employers.

Immigration & Small Business: After the U.S. Supreme Court moved to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, Haitian families in places like South Florida say the ruling threatens work permits and the businesses they’ve built. Local Business Impact: A Grand Junction café owner described an ICE-related vehicle incident that destroyed outdoor furniture, highlighting how federal enforcement actions can spill into day-to-day operations. Trade & Costs: USMCA renewal talks between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are expected to be rocky, with potential production and rule changes that could reshape supply chains for small manufacturers and retailers. Energy Costs & Funding: Kentucky rural businesses can still tap USDA REAP support for renewable energy and efficiency upgrades, easing the upfront-capital squeeze. Marketing on a Budget: With ad costs rising, more small firms are leaning on free digital tools to rebuild outreach without cutting visibility. Disaster Relief Deadline: SBA reminds eligible Kentucky private nonprofits to apply for disaster loans by April 23.

Federal Contract Push (Iowa): Sen. Joni Ernst’s Entrepreneur Expo urged Iowa small businesses to chase expanding federal defense contracts, citing $183B in prime awards in 2024 and new opportunities tied to higher military spending. AI and Hiring Reality Check: A new study finds firms with the biggest AI investments grew employment about 10% after adoption, with entry-level hiring up ~12%—challenging fears that AI mainly cuts jobs. Disaster Relief (Pennsylvania): The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for businesses, nonprofits, and residents hit by the Oak Forest apartment complex fire, including physical damage and economic injury options. Space Supply Chain Funding: SBA and NASA signed an MOA to expand private investment in small businesses supporting America’s space industrial base. Energy Reliability for Small Firms: PJM asked for emergency authority to bypass some environmental rules during a major heatwave, potentially affecting data centers and other large users. Cyber/Payments Watch: Sen. John Fetterman urged the Fed to update rules to speed access to funds from direct deposits, saying check hold times still hurt families and small businesses. Fraud Alert (USPTO): Trademark filers are warned about a fast-moving scam impersonating USPTO officials and demanding thousands for a fake “global trademark.” Prime Day Sales: Adobe reports Prime Day drove $26.4B in U.S. online sales, up 9.3% year over year. Small-Business Growth Capital (Fintech): Conexus Venture Capital backed Vancouver fintech JUDI.AI, which uses cash-flow underwriting to speed credit decisions for small business lending.

Disaster Loans & Local Recovery: The SBA is reminding Idaho businesses, nonprofits, and residents that low-interest disaster loans are available after Dec. 16–18, 2025 straight-line winds, with deadlines of Aug. 7 for physical damage and March 8, 2027 for economic injury. Disaster Loan Oversight: The House passed the Davis-led Disaster Loan Accountability and Reform Act to tighten SBA disaster-loan reporting and prevent future funding shortfalls. Cost Pressure on Main Street: San Jose shops are raising prices and trimming perks as inflation squeezes margins, with local operators pointing to steep jumps in core inputs like eggs and ice cream base. AI for Small Business (with guardrails): A guide warns that AI influencer income claims can be shaky, but suggests a safer use: treating AI characters as a controlled creative asset for testing branding and product storytelling. Tech & Growth Opportunities: NASA and the SBA launched a new SBIC initiative aimed at funding the space industrial base, while ArcStone earned Women-Owned Small Business certification to expand federal contracting access. Policy Watch: Trump declared a food-supply emergency and temporarily suspended tariffs on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer to protect U.S. farm access to key inputs. Business Climate: A Montana report finds more side-job activity feeding entrepreneurship, with the state seeing net-positive business creation since 2014.

Defense Contracting: Zone 5 Technologies won a $12.3M Air Force R&D Phase III deal for the “Rusty Dagger” missile, with work in Miamisburg and $7.5M obligated immediately—another reminder that small defense suppliers can still land big wins. Retail & Consumer Demand: Adobe says Amazon Prime Day (June 23-26) drove 9.3% year-over-year growth in U.S. online spend to $26.4B, with electronics and home improvement leading—useful signal for small e-commerce sellers planning promos. Small-Business Capital & Fraud: NASA and the SBA launched an SBIC-NASA Initiative to boost investment in space-industry manufacturers and tech providers; separately, a North Carolina man pleaded guilty to stealing $170,833 via fake SBA EIDL/PPP applications. Local Business Survival: Denver’s 303 Boards filed Chapter 11 after closing its Boulder store, citing mounting pressure on independent retailers. Health Insurance Access: BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont withdrew “Vermont Basic” lower-premium plans for 2027, leaving marketplace options in flux for small employers and individuals. Disaster Relief: SBA extended Kankakee County’s physical-damage loan deadline grace period to Aug. 7, 2026. Policy & Regulation: NFIB pushed Wisconsin lawmakers to permanently repeal the Beneficial Ownership Information mandate, arguing it’s unconstitutional and costly.

Disaster Relief for SMBs: Southern Montana businesses in Carbon, Yellowstone and Big Horn counties can now apply for SBA disaster loans after a December windstorm, with SBA staff visiting through August to help owners get “made whole.” Local Business Growth: Frank Darling opened its first Seattle store in Pioneer Square, betting on demand for custom, wearable jewelry. Payroll Momentum: Ohio’s Black-owned businesses added jobs and payroll, with payroll up 82% from 2017 to 2023, employing 64,000 people. Small-Business Costs & Pricing Pressure: Oil is nearing prewar levels, but gasoline hasn’t followed—analysts point to slower price cuts at local stations. Trade Watch for SMBs: Businesses and unions are bracing for the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement review, treating July 1 as a key checkpoint. Operations & Compliance: A union leader says USPS mismanagement is delaying deliveries that hurt a small auto-parts maker. AI & Regulation: A new report argues AI could drive a major productivity boom if Washington avoids overreach.

Retail Expansion: Frank Darling, a New York custom diamond jeweler, opened its first Seattle store in Pioneer Square, betting on local demand for “affordable luxury” engagement jewelry and wearable designs. New Storefronts: Bethlehem’s Main Street welcomed Mod Metal Works, a permanent jewelry shop moving from pop-ups to its first brick-and-mortar location. Disaster Relief Push: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers asked the SBA for a Rapid Disaster Declaration after spring storms and flooding, seeking federal disaster loan eligibility for four counties and nearby areas. Local Economy in Transition: Rutland, Vermont’s Rutland Region is facing major shifts as Walmart plans to relocate and new development expands around downtown and Killington. Small Business Uncertainty: A new report warns many small businesses are entering a “summer of uncertainty,” with inflation, higher travel costs, and lingering COVID concerns clouding outdoor and tourist-driven sales. Cost-Saving Reminder for Riders: Lyft launched a campaign urging riders to compare fares with Uber, citing a 14% average price gap that can add up for frequent travelers. Franchising Outlook: The franchise industry is positioned for growth, with IFA projecting modest unit and job gains despite economic headwinds. Local Mobility Help: Hawaii’s North Shore will trial a 90-day shuttle service to bring visitors back after storm-related access problems.

Local Economic Boost: A 90-day North Shore shuttle pilot, North Shore Huaka‘i, aims to bring visitors back to Haleiwa and Waialua after March’s Kona-low storms disrupted access and traffic, with a $200,000 budget backed by the Hawaiian Council, HVCB and HTA. SBA Spotlight: SBA named Micah Eveland of Scamp Trailers in Minnesota its 2024 Small Business Person of the Year, citing production growth and pandemic-era resilience. Disaster Relief Deadline: Cass County-area businesses and nonprofits have until June 29 to apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans tied to March 6 tornado damage. Tech + Supply Chain: Wyoming startup UplinkRobotics is launching LaunchNav to help other startups find reliable U.S. manufacturers. Policy + Costs: Arkansas data centers are poised to get major property tax breaks via abatements, potentially cutting projected local revenue by more than half. Local Business Change: City Peanut Shop in Boise marks 16 years with new ownership after a five-month handoff. AI Tools for SMBs: Creators are weighing free vs paid AI video generators as free tiers often come with limits like daily credits, rate caps, or commercial restrictions.

Disaster Relief: The SBA opened low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans for drought-hit areas across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi, covering eligible small businesses and private nonprofits in dozens of counties. Flood Recovery: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked the SBA to issue a rapid disaster declaration for multiple counties after April storms and flooding, while the state still waits on a FEMA decision. Local Business Support: Northwest State Community College and Union Bank are teaming up for a free workshop on business financing aimed at underserved founders, with practical guidance on getting ready for capital. Workforce & Immigration Shock: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians is creating immediate legal and staffing uncertainty for employers, with new I-9/E-Verify re-verification steps looming. Child Labor Enforcement: Idaho ice cream maker Stella’s Ice Cream faces $321,000 in civil penalties after federal findings that child workers were assigned prohibited tasks and hours. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Partner Steel in Pocatello earned national SBA small-business exporter recognition, highlighting how small manufacturers can win globally. Tech for Small Operators: Lyft says fully driverless vehicles must use multi-sensor systems (cameras, radar, LiDAR), a safety push that matters to small businesses relying on rides.

Disaster Relief Push: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked the SBA to issue low-interest disaster loans as April storms and flooding drag on, seeking a Rapid Administrative Disaster Declaration for multiple counties while FEMA decisions still stall. Immigration Shock to Main Street: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians (and Syrians) is creating immediate legal and economic uncertainty for small employers and workers, including in places like Coldwater, where businesses face looming I-9/E-Verify re-verification fallout. Farm Bill Fight Over Food Aid: Congress is expected to tackle the Farm Bill before it expires, with some Republicans seeking cuts and restrictions that could hit SNAP and WIC—key lifelines for rural small businesses and farmers. SBA Program Update: The SBA issued a policy update clarifying warehousing investments for SBIC applicants, aiming to make pre-licensure dealmaking more predictable. Export Grants for Small Firms: Montana’s Commerce Department says $800,000 in STEP grants are available to help small businesses fund international marketing and trade-show participation. Local Growth Wins: Wyoming recognized UplinkRobotics with an SBA Spirit of Wyoming award, highlighting homegrown tech manufacturing and inspection drones.

Immigration & TPS: Haitian and Syrian community leaders and lawmakers are reacting to the Supreme Court’s move to end Temporary Protected Status, warning it will disrupt families and local economies—especially in South Florida—while pushing the Senate to pass legislation to extend Haiti TPS through 2029. Disaster Relief for SMBs: Michigan’s congressional delegation urged the SBA to approve an administrative disaster declaration after April storms, which could unlock low-interest disaster loans for affected businesses. Loan Access for Nonprofits: Talbot County, Maryland businesses and private nonprofits can apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans tied to April frost and freeze losses, with working-capital support and low interest. Banking & Growth: First Horizon Bank named Logan Young to lead business banking for its East Tennessee region, aiming to expand client solutions. Credit Reporting Accountability: A Bay Area small-business owner won a $4.375M verdict against BMO over a credit-reporting error that the bank admitted quickly but left on reports for months. Cannabis Banking: Congress renewed the SAFE Banking Act push to let banks serve state-legal cannabis firms without federal penalties. Payments Modernization: Real-time payments are surging, but banks still face scaling and rollout hurdles as FedNow and RTP volumes climb. Local Business Spotlight: Durham’s small-business scene and tourism draw are highlighted as the city blends heritage with entrepreneurship.

Federal Policy: The Senate’s overdue Farm Bill version includes new seafood provisions aimed at bringing fishers and processors into USDA support programs. Disaster Relief: FEMA processing delays are leaving Florida survivors waiting on rebuilding grants, with officials citing a large backlog. Public Safety & Small Business: North Carolina advanced a bill to ban homeless encampments on public property and create “drug-free” zones around shelters, with critics warning it could prioritize enforcement over solutions. Immigration Shock: The Supreme Court cleared the Trump administration’s move to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, raising deportation fears in communities like NYC’s Little Haiti. Workforce & AI: A new nonprofit backed by major tech and philanthropy leaders will test ways to “AI-proof” the workforce as job disruption concerns grow. Tech Adoption: Intuit QuickBooks reports 77% of small businesses use AI regularly, but privacy worries and fear of errors still hold many back. Minimum Wage Push: Connecticut senators introduced a plan to raise the federal minimum wage toward $25, with small businesses getting later phase-in. California Law: Newsom signed SB 623 to curb excessive medical billing after rideshare crashes and tighten rideshare safety rules. Broadband: Washington state awarded $5.1M for rural broadband projects to connect underserved homes and businesses.

Broadband Funding: Washington’s Public Works Board awarded $5.1M for four broadband projects in Island, Kitsap and Okanogan counties, aiming to connect underserved households and businesses for education, telehealth, public safety and local economic growth. Disaster Aid Friction: Illinois officials say FEMA denied tornado recovery help for Kankakee County, Aroma Township and Bradley, with leaders pointing to strained state–federal relations. Main Street Grants: Michigan’s MEDC Match on Main program handed out up to $25,000 grants to 69 downtown and commercial-district businesses, including local shops and restaurants. Small-Business Costs Watch: Michigan gas prices fell about 45 cents to ~$4.18, but a new inflation report suggests borrowing and operating costs could stay high for small firms. AI Workforce Prep: Former Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo launched a nonprofit, Raise Us, to test ways to prepare workers for AI-driven job disruption. SBA Contracting: SBA released its FY25 procurement scorecard, saying agencies hit nearly 28% of prime contracts to small businesses (about $179B). Cyber/Compliance: CISA warned Lantronix device servers are under active attack and ordered federal agencies to patch by June 26. Scam Alert: A new lodging reservation phishing scam uses real booking details to lure victims into sharing personal and payment info.