Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

NFIB Nebraska addresses tax concerns amid steady small business optimism
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index remained mostly unchanged in June, slightly decreasing by 0.2 points to 98.6, which is above the long-term average of 98. A notable rise in business owners reporting excess inventories was a key factor in...

£6.6b investment to boost small businesses – will it go far enough?
The chancellor’s latest Spending Review represents a pivotal moment when it comes to investing in small businesses, young people, and skills of the future. Rachel Reeves increased the British Business Bank’s total financial capacity by two thirds...
Cape Coral car washes: Small businesses with a big footprint
Cape Coral residents have noticed a proliferation of car washes in their city and question the need for so many. Industry experts attribute the growth to a post-pandemic boom, changing consumer preferences, and automation leading to lower labor...

NFIB highlights tax concerns amid steady small business optimism
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index showed little change in June, decreasing slightly by 0.2 points to 98.6, which remains above the 51-year average of 98. An increase in respondents reporting excess inventories largely influenced this decline....

OpEd: Building a more resilient Baltimore through small businesses
Baltimore's small businesses have shown remarkable resilience in the face of recent crises, but they need more than just emergency aid to thrive long-term, writes the CEO of the Baltimore Community Foundation.

As Fairfax Co. considers changes to massage therapy oversight, small businesses worry about impact
Fairfax County has started the process of rewriting its regulations for massage therapy businesses for the first time in decades. Fairfax County has started the process of rewriting its regulations for massage therapy businesses for the first time...

Small Business Optimism Recedes, but still above 51-year Average for fourth consecutive month
Oklahoma City -– The National Federation of Independent Business found the Small Business Optimism Index fell by 2.1 points last month. Despite the drop to 100.7, that was still the fourth consecutive month above the 51-year average of 98 and is...

Small Business Optimism Holds Steady Amid Rising Tax Concerns
Small business owners have a lot on their plates amidst shifting economic tides. The NFIB’s latest Small Business Optimism Index report reveals that while small business sentiment has held steady in June, certain pressures linger that could affect...

How Digital Marketing is Changing Small Businesses in Uganda
In this current digital age, small businesses in Uganda are not dependent on only walk in customers and word of mouth, to grow their business and serve loyal customers anymore. The emergence of mobile phones, mobile money and social media has...

North Carolina announces $7.3M aid for small business recovery
Governor Josh Stein has announced that nine small business recovery projects in western North Carolina will receive grants from the North Carolina Department of Commerce's new Hurricane Helene recovery program. The initiative aims to assist local...

Governor announces grant support for small businesses in Western NC
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced the allocation of $7.3 million in grants to aid small business recovery projects in western North Carolina. These funds are part of the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Hurricane Helene recovery program...

Unlocking Growth: How Small Business Associations Boost Success
Navigating the world of small business can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Small business associations are here to provide the support and resources you need to thrive. These organizations connect you with fellow entrepreneurs, offer...

Mayoral candidates address small business concerns at upcoming virtual forum
Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer at Detroit Regional Chamber | Detroit Regional Chamber Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer at Detroit Regional Chamber | Detroit Regional Chamber Detroit mayoral candidates...

$7.3M in grants awarded to aid small business recovery projects in WNC
RALEIGH, N.C. (WLOS) — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein announced Thursday that the state is awarding grants to nine small business projects in western North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Commerce will supply a total of $7.3 million to...

NFIB Iowa comments on small business optimism amid tax concerns
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index showed little change in June, dropping slightly by 0.2 points to 98.6, which remains above the long-term average of 98. The most significant factor in this decline was an increase in respondents reporting...
Community space Stranger Conversations blossoms as a ‘library of human stories’ and life experiences
SINGAPORE - She had, in her own words, the “perfect Singaporean life” - a stable job, Housing Board flat and a long-term relationship. But deep inside, Ms June Tan still felt unfulfilled, and like she was living a life that was not her own. “It...

Bill introduced to boost bank investment in small business
Senator Todd Young, US Senator for Indiana | Official U.S. Senate headshotSenator Todd Young, US Senator for Indiana | Official U.S. Senate headshot U.S. Senators Todd Young, Ruben Gallego, Jim Risch, and Tammy Duckworth have introduced the...

The Brownstone | 2025 Small Business Awards
The Brownstone | Owner Abbey Brown | Woman-Owned Small Business Award Winner How has the Topeka community shaped your business? Topeka has been the foundation of everything we’ve built. From the local vendors we work with to the couples who trust...

PT's Coffee Roasting Co. | 2025 Small Business Awards
PT's Coffee Roasting Co. | Co-Founder Fred Polzin | Small Business Manufacturing Award Winner What inspired you to start your business? At the time it was the general lack of specialty coffee in Topeka. I believe there were only two espresso...

IPG Building Company | 2025 Small Business Award
IPG Building Company | Owner Manny Herron | Minority-Owned Small Business Award Winner & TopCity Business of the Year Winner What inspired you to start your business? After my brother was murdered, I made a terrible decision at 16 that led to...