AGP Executive Report

Immigration Pressure on Small Businesses: A new Trump administration move is cutting immigrants off from jobs, health care, and housing, using executive power and targeted regulations that can hit thousands of people at a time. Court Fight Over Wage Records: Delaware leaders are responding after a federal court ordered the state to release wage records tied to an ICE case, raising concerns about impacts on immigrant communities and small employers. Disaster Relief Updates: FEMA and the SBA added new in-person recovery center dates and locations for Maui County after the Kona Low flooding, with help for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits plus low-interest disaster loans. SBA Disaster Loans (More States): SBA also reminded Oklahoma businesses and residents about a June 30 deadline for adverse-weather loan applications, and Georgia wildfire victims can apply for low-interest disaster loans. Local Growth Watch: Raleigh-Cary ranks No. 4 for small business performance, driven by business formation and tech talent, while Salem, Ohio identified a $305M retail gap to guide future development. Hiring Reality Check: QuickBooks says summer hiring needs a faster plan, as teen job growth is expected to be weaker amid inflation and higher fuel costs. AI Use Still Needs Proof: A QuickBooks AI report finds many small firms use AI, but most struggle to measure whether it’s actually boosting results.

SBA Disaster Help: The agency will open an additional Business Recovery Center in Saipan for Super Typhoon Sinlaku impacts, with low-interest disaster loans for businesses/nonprofits and homeowners/renters and a June 22 physical-damage deadline. SBA Disaster Help: SBA also reminded Oklahoma businesses and residents of a June 30 deadline for adverse-weather disaster loans, plus Georgia wildfire and North Carolina drought relief remain available. Small-Biz Lending Rules: SBA clarified and narrowed its crackdown on small business investors, signaling more case-by-case review rather than an automatic blanket denial. Fraud & Fallout: A Texas man sentenced to 70 months for email-compromise schemes also targeted SBA loan fraud, with $2.6M restitution ordered. Local Business Pressure: New York grocers plan to fight Mayor Mamdani’s city-owned grocery stores plan, arguing they can’t compete with below-market pricing. Hiring Reality Check: QuickBooks says summer hiring needs a fast plan, while Challenger, Gray & Christmas expects teen hiring to be the weakest on record amid inflation and higher fuel costs. Payments Competition: PayPal is under pressure as rivals squeeze its online checkout business, warning investors “significant changes” are coming. Asset Protection: A new guide highlights how business owners can protect personal assets after accidents by using the right legal structure. Community & Compliance: Delaware must comply with a federal immigration-related subpoena for Department of Labor records after a Third Circuit ruling.

Immigration & Small Business: A Delaware fight over ICE/HSI subpoenas is over for now: the Third Circuit ordered the state to turn over business wage records tied to an illegal immigration probe, with AG Kathy Jennings calling it “naked racial profiling” and warning more subpoenas could follow. Labor Costs: Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn is backing State Question 832, which would lift the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2029 and tie future increases to inflation. AI for SMBs: Neil Patel is joining HighLevel as a strategic partner to help small businesses close the AI gap, with co-developed AI/SEO features and SMB-focused content. Local Business Intelligence: Utah’s Summit County launched SizeUp Summit County, a free market-research tool for small businesses to benchmark competitors and customers. Tariffs & Refunds: A federal trade court ordered the CBP commissioner to appear over tariff refund handling, with importers reportedly owed $166B. Fraud Fallout: A California restaurant owner was sentenced to 41 months and ordered to repay $4.36M in fake COVID relief loan applications. Market Access: A court dismissed a lawsuit challenging DOT’s DBE program after the agency changed eligibility rules.

Disaster Relief: The SBA is reminding Hawaii businesses, private nonprofits, and residents that low-interest disaster loan applications are due June 14 for March 10–24 storm damage, with physical damage and economic injury options (plus potential mitigation increases). Disaster Relief (Mainland): SBA also announced low-interest drought EIDL availability across multiple Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota, and Wyoming counties, helping small businesses and private nonprofits recover from April 1 drought-related losses. Fraud Crackdown: A former Suffolk County corrections officer was ordered to repay nearly $55,000 tied to fraudulent pandemic loans and unemployment benefits, including falsified PPP applications. Local Business Support: U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie launched a “Lunch with a Legislator” series, meeting Latino professionals and small business owners in Allentown to hear priorities firsthand. Small Business Confidence: A U.S. Chamber index shows small business owners still see their own businesses as healthy, but confidence in local and national economies is slipping—along with hiring and investment plans. Immigration Rules Impacting Owners: A USCIS memo signals tighter scrutiny for people seeking green cards from within the U.S., potentially forcing many applicants to complete consular processing abroad.

SBA & Disaster Relief: SBA opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Brantley County, Georgia, to help wildfire victims apply for low-interest disaster loans for homes and businesses, with similar outreach centers also noted for other storm-impacted areas. Fraud Crackdowns: In Massachusetts, a Peabody man pleaded guilty to $125,000 in COVID-era EIDL fraud tied to a fake electrical contracting business; in South Carolina, five companies agreed to pay $7.9M to settle PPP loan fraud allegations. Capital Access & Lending: A new East Texas brief highlights how SBA 7(a) and 504 guarantees can bridge the capital gap for startups and small firms. AI for SMBs: Anthropic is training small businesses on Claude for Small Business with QuickBooks/HubSpot/PayPal-style integrations, while local chambers and partners roll out no-cost AI training programs like Small Business B(AI)sics. Local Growth & Development: Frisco broke ground on Firefly Park, a major mixed-use project expected to reshape the local economy. Workplace & Community: Spodak Dental Group earned a Sun Sentinel Top Workplace award for the 10th time, underscoring the value of strong small-business culture. Fair Lending: Fair housing groups sued the CFPB over changes to the ECOA fair lending rule, arguing it weakens accountability for discriminatory lending practices.

SBA Disaster Help: The SBA is adding a Business Recovery Center in Saipan for Super Typhoon Sinlaku survivors, with walk-in help and disaster-loan guidance starting June 2. Election Safeguards: California Gov. Newsom signed SB 73 to strengthen protections for voters, ballots, and election infrastructure against interference and intimidation, taking effect immediately. Federal Innovation Funding: The NSF relaunched SBIR/STTR with $250M, including a new $40M push for next-generation scientific instrumentation—non-dilutive funding aimed at early-stage deep-tech startups. Small-Business Lending Update: The SBA says borrowers can combine 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10M starting July 4, but the change may not help most small firms. AI for Main Street: Robinhood opened its platform to AI agents for trading and a virtual credit card, while Anthropic’s “Claude for Small Business” targets finance, ops, sales, and customer service workflows. Local Business Impact: Garden Grove residents pressed officials over a GKN Aerospace hazmat incident that displaced tens of thousands, highlighting how industrial risks can hit small communities fast.

Broadband Expansion: Spectrum says it’s extending fiber service to 4,000+ additional homes and businesses in Harrison County, Indiana, aiming for symmetrical, multi-gig speeds for residents and small businesses. Fraud Crackdown: Vice President JD Vance highlighted a Medicaid caretaker fraud case where a vulnerable elderly man allegedly received no services before a last-minute reimbursement. PPP Fallout: A Fort Valley, Georgia man pleaded guilty to false statements tied to a 2021 PPP loan and faces probation plus SBA restitution. Consumer Credit Fight: Fair-lending groups sued the CFPB to block a new rule they say rolls back decades of protections and could enable discrimination. Labor & Retail: Union workers protested Apple’s Towson store closure, alleging discriminatory treatment as nearly 90 jobs are set to end. Disaster Relief: The SBA announced low-interest disaster loans for Illinois storm and tornado victims, including help for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters. Small-Business Funding Spotlight: The SBA launched its $1 million Patriot Pitch Competition, with entries due June 10. Local Business & Community: Philadelphia voters approved PhillySaves, a city retirement program for workers without employer plans.

Rural Revamp in China: In Beijing’s Mentougou, villages are trying to replace coal-era income by pooling assets, hiring “village CEOs,” and turning homes, crafts, and river resources into businesses—an experiment aimed at keeping young workers and money from leaving. Camp David Politics: Trump’s Cabinet is set to meet at Camp David Wednesday to push Iran war talks, the economy, and a White House fraud task force—though bad weather could derail it. Cybersecurity Push: A new report says DNS firewall demand is accelerating as threats grow, with the market projected to surge through 2032. Small Business & Local Impact: SBA supplier matchmaking is coming to Detroit with GM, while disaster-loan deadlines and storm recovery updates keep rolling out for affected communities. Cost Pressure Stories: Tariff refunds are starting, but the fallout is still hitting consumers; meanwhile, Texas BBQ shops warn brisket prices are forcing closures.

Local Openings: Iron Wild Fitness just opened in downtown Colorado Springs, betting on a “fresh air” concept with garage-door ventilation, big windows, and flexible hours for locals, hotel guests, and workers. Workforce Watch: A new warning for employees: “layoff” claims can be followed by a similar role reposted under a different title—leaving workers to wonder if their jobs were truly eliminated. Regulatory Pressure: The DOJ is pushing harder on pandemic lending—Regions Bank is set to pay about $4.9M over alleged improper PPP loan forgiveness. Policy & Funding: A House-passed bill would expand investment support for rural, low-income, and critical tech small businesses by loosening leverage limits. Small Business Ecosystems: USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for Rural Business Development Grants, with Wisconsin deadlines of June 15 and June 30 depending on category. Compliance Risk: DoD proposed expanding FOCI requirements to more contractors, raising the odds of delays for firms that haven’t faced this scrutiny before. Fraud Case: Casino owner Andy Sanborn plans to plead guilty for misusing $250K+ in federal pandemic aid, including spending on a Porsche.

SBA Spotlight: A Calexico chicken restaurant, Pollos Mis Pollos, just won the SBA’s Regional Rural Business of the Year—an “impossible without help” story that started with zero experience and years of SBDC-backed grind. Disaster Relief: The SBA also opened low-interest disaster loans for drought-hit areas across Nebraska, plus parts of Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota, and Wyoming—covering small businesses and private nonprofits. Small-Business Growth: In Irrigon, Oregon, a federally funded business incubator is moving forward despite a reported $600k–$700k gap for interior work and a commercial kitchen. New Opportunities: The SBA launched the Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition, offering a $1M prize pool for qualifying small businesses that have used SBA capital products. Big-Company Accountability: Regions Bank agreed to pay $4.9M to settle claims tied to improper PPP loan forgiveness. Local Cost Pressure: North Carolina homeowners face a 7.5% average insurance jump starting June 1. Hiring Watch: Teen summer hiring is forecast to hit a 78-year low, with fewer jobs planned in leisure and entertainment.

Direct-to-consumer alcohol deadline pressure: Ottawa may miss Canada’s end-of-May rollout for letting breweries and other producers sell directly to customers, and the CFIB says the lack of “transparency and progress” is hurting small operators. PPP enforcement hits banks: Regions Bank agreed to pay about $4.9M to settle claims tied to improper PPP loan forgiveness—another reminder that pandemic relief is still under scrutiny. Meat prices and competition fight: Sen. Schumer pushed a bill aimed at lowering grocery costs by challenging consolidation in meatpacking. New credit for small businesses: Amazon rolled out new business credit cards with rewards and spend controls. Crypto vs banks: The CLARITY Act’s stablecoin “yield loophole” is still the flashpoint, with banks warning it could drain deposits and reduce lending. Local support, practical help: A Missouri SBDC grant-writing workshop is set for June 18, and more small-business training is popping up as Memorial Day kicks off summer spending.

AI & Health Markets: New forecasts peg India’s IVF services at $4.6B by 2032 and the global gene synthesis market at $5.9B by 2031, while “AI in medicine” is projected to surge to $18.1B by 2025—all driven by rising demand and faster tech. Small-Business Ops: Anthropic rolled out Claude for Small Business, aiming to connect tools like QuickBooks, PayPal, HubSpot, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365 so owners can run workflows from one place. Hiring Pressure: A report warns teen hiring could hit the worst summer since 1948, with fewer jobs in entertainment and leisure as costs bite. Everyday Costs: Gas prices cleared $4 nationwide, with analysts warning summer could push toward $5. Policy & Compliance: Google says Canada’s lawful-access bill could create a “surveillance infrastructure” that weakens cybersecurity. Disaster Help: The SBA opened a Business Recovery Center on Saipan for Super Typhoon Sinlaku impacts. Fraud Fallout: An Illinois woman was sentenced to 1 year for pandemic loan fraud involving SBA EIDL and PPP.

Disaster Relief & SBA Help: The SBA is keeping support moving for Super Typhoon Sinlaku victims, opening a Business Recovery Center on Saipan (walk-ins and appointments) starting May 26 to guide disaster loan applications for businesses and nonprofits. Consumer Refunds: Minnesota’s AG says a Delaware bankruptcy court approved a simpler claims process for Rusco customers, letting people file reimbursement claims without hiring an attorney by a July 1 deadline. Small-Business Tech: Anthropic rolled out Claude for Small Business, aiming to connect tools like QuickBooks, PayPal, HubSpot, and Google/Microsoft workspaces so owners can run more tasks from one place with approval before anything sends or pays. Policy Pressure: California’s new plastic packaging rules are already sparking lawsuits and pushback from both environmental groups and producers. Local Business Reality: A Pittsburgh antique shop is asking the public for help after a video appears to show theft. PPP Fallout: Regions Bank agreed to pay about $4.9M to resolve allegations tied to improper PPP forgiveness.

Housing Fraud Fallout: Atlanta Housing Authority senior VP Tracy Jones was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution after a scheme that included fraudulent Section 8 applications for her own rental property and pandemic relief fraud. Disaster Relief for SMBs: The SBA opened a Business Recovery Center on Saipan for businesses and nonprofits hit by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with walk-in help starting May 26. Energy Watch: Texas solar is set to beat coal on the ERCOT grid for the first time in 2026—good news for small firms eyeing cleaner, potentially cheaper power. Local Business Spotlight: Kansas City small businesses are cashing in on World Cup demand with themed food and merch. Manufacturing Funding: The SBA announced up to $50M in grants to expand training and technical help for small manufacturers through its Empower to Grow program. Small Business Recognition: VermontBiz and the SBA will honor 2026 Vermont Small Business Persons of the Year in Burlington on June 11.

SBA & Manufacturing Grants: The SBA just opened a new pot of up to $50 million for the Manufacturing in America E2G Grant Initiative, offering $5M awards to up to 10 organizations that will train and support small manufacturers through its Empower to Grow program. Local Business Growth: Maryland’s “Business Boost” microgrants are helping a couple’s tamale stand evolve into La Patrona, a Mexican carry-out restaurant and market—an example of how small funding can unlock expansion. Retirement Savings Push: Philadelphia is moving ahead with PhillySaves, a city-run automatic retirement plan that will require many employers without benefits to enroll workers in an IRA unless they opt out. Policy Pressure on Costs: Detroit’s leaders are again wrestling with high property taxes that threaten affordability and could slow new business growth. World Cup Marketing: Kansas City small shops are gearing up with World Cup flavors and merch to turn visiting fans into local sales.

Disaster Deadlines: The SBA is pushing small businesses and nonprofits to beat June 22–24 deadlines for low-interest disaster loans tied to recent storms and closures, including California’s TCU September Lightning Complex Fire (June 24) and Illinois/Indiana storm damage (June 22), plus a new Saipan Business Recovery Center for Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Local Business Spotlight: VermontBiz and the SBA will honor 2026 Vermont Small Business Persons of the Year on June 11 in Burlington, including Rigorous Technology’s Diane and Colin Riggs. Campaign Meets Small Business: In New York, President Trump kicked off a midterm message with tangents before landing on tax cuts, spotlighting the SALT deduction push with Rep. Mike Lawler. Shipping Fallout: Customers in La Puente, Calif. say packages bound for Mexico went missing after Paqueteria Internacional closed, leaving them unable to get answers. Policy Pressure: A South Carolina lawmaker is calling for a one-year moratorium on new data center construction, arguing energy costs are being shifted onto families and small businesses.