Oregon Push to Curb Swipe Fees Hits National Cost Debate
An Oregon cafe owner's push to cut swipe fees on tips highlights a bigger fight over card fees, competition, and small-business costs.
Small Business Brief
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The economy Main Street actually feels: credit access and cards, input costs, wage floors, and small-business sentiment.
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Minimum Wage Increase Debate Reignites Over Stuck $7.25 Floor
The $7.25 federal minimum wage has stood since 2009, prompting new bills for $17 and $25 wages amid debate over poverty and job impacts.
Minimum Wage Hikes Ripple Across US and UK in 2026-27
UK extends its minimum wage consultation to September as US states confirm 2026-27 wage hikes.
SBA Rule Change May Pit Small Firms Against Billion-Dollar Rivals
SBA plans may let billion-dollar firms compete with small businesses for loans, sparking debate over lending access and rising borrowing costs.
Tariff Fight Squeezes Michigan Small Businesses, Auto Sector
New U.S.-Canada tariffs up to 50% are straining Michigan auto firms and small businesses, amid mixed confidence and lending-access concerns.
Baldwin Hears La Crosse Owners' Cost Concerns Firsthand
Sen. Tammy Baldwin met La Crosse small-business owners to discuss rising costs amid wider small-business cost pressures nationwide.
British Business Bank Loan Guarantees Reach £4 Billion Mark
British Business Bank's small business loan guarantees reach £4bn amid scrutiny of executive pay and underwriting practices.
Grove Bar Co-Owner's Fraud Case Highlights Card Risks
A Grove bar co-owner pleaded guilty to defrauding his business partner via credit card fraud, amid record U.S. credit card debt concerns.
Minimum Wage Increases Ripple Across Multiple US States
Multiple US states are raising minimum wages through 2027, from Florida's $15 rate to Minnesota's new $11.87 standard.
Small-Business Lending Faces Pressure Ahead of August 2026
Small-business lending in 2026 faces rising costs, disaster aid, delayed federal funds, and new bank capital rule concerns.
Small Business Owners Face Mixed Signals on Resiliency in 2026
Small business sentiment diverges sharply across surveys, revealing resilience shaped by lending access, AI risks, and shifting confidence.
SBA Forgives 1.1M PPP Loans as Lending Debates Continue
SBA forgives 1.1 million PPP loans as NJ sees 150,000 recipients, amid new debates over lending limits, credit costs, and frozen aid funds.
Iowa Democrats Back Minimum Wage Hike Amid National Wage Fight
Iowa Democratic Senate candidates back a minimum wage hike as other states raise wages and debate their economic impact.
Durbin-Marshall Bill Raises Alarm for Latino Small Businesses
CreaLatinx's president warns the Durbin-Marshall credit card bill may limit capital access for Latino-owned small businesses in Arizona.
Disaster Loans Open for Businesses Hit by Spring Freeze
SBA disaster loans are now open for Pennsylvania businesses hit by the Spring freeze amid wider small business lending strains.
NJ Micro Business Loan Program Delivers $5.5M in Grants
NJEDA's Micro Business Loan program has issued $5.5M in grants, amid wider debates over small business lending access nationwide.
Chase Bonus Hits $750 as Business Card Perks Draw Scrutiny
Chase debuts a $750+ bonus card as U.S. credit card debt nears $1.26 trillion, with business owners weighing new rewards options.
Minimum Wage Increases Ripple Across States in 2024-2027
States including New Jersey, Florida and Minnesota are raising minimum wages on different timelines, reigniting debate over job impacts.
NFIB Index: Small Business Optimism Hits 99.8 in July
NFIB's Small Business Optimism Index rose to 99.8 in July, an 11-month high, driven by stronger hiring and investment plans amid labor shortages.