EDA: U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $23 Million to Support Economic Development Projects in Ten States
Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced $23 million in awards for projects in ten states. The awards were provided through EDA’s FY 2025 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs, which leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies to support distressed communities. The EDA awards…
SBA: Guidance Issued to Prioritize Defense-Critical Firms as New 8(a) Program Rules Take Effect
Agency Advances the Smaller War Plants Commission’s effort to prioritize domestic production capacity and military readiness Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced new guidance relating to recent reforms of the 8(a) Business Development Program for individually-owned firms. In support of President Donald J. Trump’s agenda to expand the Arsenal of Freedom here at home, and…
SBA: Agency Recognizes Innovative CHOICE Arrangements as Major Win for Small Businesses
Trump Administration Initiative Expands Health Insurance Affordability, Choice, and Coverage Options for Small Businesses and Workers Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to announce CHOICE Arrangements. Formerly known as Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs),…
SBA: All Star Lineup Unveiled for Million Dollar Pitch Competition
Judges Nicki Minaj, Grant Cardone, and Joe Gebbia to join host Dean Cain at finale in Washington, D.C. Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the all-star judging panel and event host for the grand finale of the agency’s Million Dollar Pitch Competition. The judging panel will consist of global music icon and entrepreneur Nicki Minaj,…
SBA: Agency and Department of War Establish Smaller War Plants Commission in Historic Effort to Strengthen Defense Industrial Base Capacity
Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of War (DoW) announced a historic initiative to expand American military capacity, capability, and resilience by establishing the Smaller War Plants Commission (SWPC). Created through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Commission will marshal federal resources to expand production capacity, eliminate burdensome regulations, accelerate innovation, and provide targeted capital…
SBA: Proposed Rule Issued to Overhaul & Simplify Small Business Classification & Expand Access to Federal Programs
Size standard proposal would increase small business count by over 110,000 Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) proposed a comprehensive overhaul of its small business size standards, modernizing how the federal government defines and classifies small businesses across the United States. Published in a proposed rule, the new standards would simplify industry categorization and raise applicable size thresholds,…
SBA: SBA, DOL and OpenAI to Host Inaugural Manufacturing Workforce Expo
Registration open for August 26 job fair, connecting students with jobs and apprenticeships Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that its first-ever Manufacturing Workforce Expo will take place on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Atlantic Technical College in Coconut Creek, Florida. Co-hosted with the U.S. Department of Labor and OpenAI, the event is designed to…
SBA: Small Businesses Across Energy Sector Now Eligible for 90 Percent Loan Guarantee
New loan guarantee for small producers will support expanded energy capacity, lower energy prices, and stronger supply chain Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that small businesses across the energy production supply chain are now eligible for a new 90% Energy Guarantee through the SBA International Trade Loan (ITL) Program. Established as part of SOP 50…
Treasury: FinCEN Permanently Ends Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements for Millions of Small Business Owners
Will Delete Information Previously Reported by U.S. Persons Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is issuing a final rule that permanently removes the requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons to report beneficial ownership information to FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act. The final rule became effective on August 14, 2026. FinCEN today…
SBA: First-Ever Critical Suppliers Prize Competition Announced to Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing and Supply Chains
Competition Offers $20 Million in Capital to Small Businesses That Will Scale Domestic Production Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced its first-ever Critical Suppliers Prize Competition, a national contest to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and critical industry supply chains by expanding capacity at key chokepoints. The competition will award up to $20 million in non‑dilutive capital, including as…