FTC and 22 states accuse Amazon of inflating ad prices
The FTC and 22 states allege Amazon hid reserve-price tools in ad auctions, affecting about 1.2 million advertisers and potentially raising sellers’ costs.
Small Business
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Small businesses using AI hired faster, Gusto analysis finds
A Gusto analysis links AI adoption with faster headcount growth at small businesses, especially firms with fewer than 10 employees, but does not prove causation.
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SBA Changes 8(a) Rules for Individually Owned Small Firms
A new SBA rule ends the 8(a) racial presumption for individually owned firms. Pending applicants may get 45 days to update records and resubmit.
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SBA to Take Public Testimony on Proposed Small-Business Size Standards
The SBA will hear testimony September 17 on proposed size-standard changes that could affect federal contracts, loans and small-business program eligibility.
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New Jersey permanently allows cocktails to go under law signed Friday
New Jersey’s cocktails-to-go rules are now permanent, allowing eligible licensees to sell sealed mixed drinks and deliver qualifying alcohol to New Jersey residents age 21 and older.
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Massachusetts retailers sue to block temporary kratom classification as order takes effect
Four Massachusetts retailers are asking Suffolk County Superior Court to stop enforcement of a temporary order placing all kratom products in Schedule I as the measure takes effect Aug. 28.
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FTC Finalizes $930,000 Settlements Over ‘Active Listening’ Claims
The FTC finalized three settlements with Cox Media Group and two firms over allegedly deceptive claims about voice data, consent and local ad targeting.
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SBA watchdog questions 16 loan-guaranty decisions worth $11.54 million
An SBA inspector general review found insufficient evidence in 16 of 32 high-risk loan-guaranty decisions and flagged delays that may limit recovery.
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SBA Proposal Could Add 114,541 Eligible Small Businesses
The SBA’s proposed size-standard overhaul could expand federal loan and contracting eligibility for 114,541 firms, but current rules remain in effect.
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NYC TLC proposes driver-fee and medallion-relief changes after Aug. 13 hearing
A proposed New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission rule would eliminate selected driver fees and penalties, change missed-inspection penalties and allow limited MRP+ medallion transfers. Current rules remain in effect.
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SBA Supply-Chain Grant Competition Closed After $9 Million Call
The SBA sought proposals for up to 20 SCALE grants helping organizations support small businesses in six strategic supply chains. The deadline was Aug. 7.
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2026 employer child-care credit expands workplace-care incentives
The IRS has expanded the employer child-care credit, but families benefit only if businesses offer care, subsidies or referral services.
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Small-business confidence holds steady as cost concerns grow
Small-business confidence barely changed in Q2, but rising inflation concerns, weaker investment plans and softer activity data point to caution.
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Federal Circuit appeal could decide access to IEEPA tariff refunds
A Federal Circuit appeal tests whether non-suing importers can receive refunds for invalidated IEEPA duties or must pursue individual court claims.
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DOE Opens $147 Million Phase II Funding Round for Small Businesses
DOE opened about $147 million in FY25 Phase II SBIR/STTR opportunities, while foreign-risk and cybersecurity reviews raise the stakes for applicants.
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Kentucky tax portal set to reopen Aug. 14 after system conversion
Kentucky’s Department of Revenue plans to resume normal operations Aug. 14 after a scheduled tax-system pause. Five business-tax areas are moving into MyTaxes, requiring affected filers to link accounts or create new ones.
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NSF’s $250 Million Research Restart Moves Into Application Phase
NSF’s restarted SBIR/STTR program is accepting proposals for scientific-instrumentation projects, with the next full-proposal deadline set for November 4.
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Texas GATORFEST 2026 canceled in Anahuac
Texas GATORFEST 2026 has been canceled, removing the decades-old community tradition and economic driver from Anahuac’s 2026 event calendar.
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USITC Sets August 21 Deadline for Report on Revoking China’s Permanent Trade Status
The U.S. International Trade Commission is examining how ending permanent normal trade relations treatment for Chinese products could affect the U.S. economy, industries and product sourcing.
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Delaware launches statewide office to help small businesses navigate government
The Office of Small Business Access will give Delaware entrepreneurs a single point of contact for regulatory, licensing and permitting challenges, along with connections to state resources.
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San Carlos Apache Tribe disaster-loan deadline has passed. Here is what assistance remains
The August 1 deadline for SBA physical-damage loan applications tied to FEMA-4911-DR passed for the San Carlos Apache Tribe. Eligible businesses and nonprofits may still have an economic-injury loan path through March 1, 2027, while HUD housing relief and specified federal tax assistance remain available under separate rules.
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Wichita council renews Delano common-consumption permit
The Wichita City Council voted 7-0 on August 4 to renew Delano’s common-consumption-area permit, preserving controlled alcohol consumption within marked boundaries and authorized hours.