SBA Funding Push: The U.S. Small Business Administration announced a $6M competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, with proposals due Aug. 10 and targeted states/territories where women entrepreneurs need more support. AI for SMBs (and the reality check): New surveys show many firms spend heavily on AI but few report clear financial returns, while other coverage highlights how businesses are trying to measure AI value instead of just deploying tools. Cash-Pay Clinic Tech: FROST launched an end-to-end operating system for cash-pay medical and chiropractic clinics, aiming to cut hundreds of admin hours per year by unifying the patient lifecycle. Local Growth & Makerspaces: Delphos Public Library opened a Create Space makerspace with 3D printers, an engraver, sewing machines, and robotics activities—helping small businesses and residents build affordable projects. Regional Trade Barriers: The East African Community urged partner states to remove administrative bottlenecks at one-stop border posts to boost intra-regional trade. Women & Community Business Events: Charlotte hosted an HBCU alumni cookout fundraiser for scholarships, while Namibia’s NIPDB urged MSMEs to apply for its SME Fund grants (N$50k–N$100k) before July 24. Policy Shock for SMBs: New U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods take effect, raising uncertainty for importers and businesses tied to cross-border supply chains. Energy Storage Deal: Brookfield agreed to acquire Aypa Power for about $7B enterprise value, expanding North American battery storage capacity and development capacity.