Affordability Push (Indiana): An Indy Politics column argues Indiana’s growth is tied to keeping it affordable to start and run a business, pointing to income tax and property tax relief that also targets small businesses. Workforce & Local Services (Washington): Comprehensive Healthcare funds a new faculty role at Central Washington University to expand its mental health counseling pipeline—aimed at easing rural workforce shortages. Energy Efficiency for Small Operators (Washington): WSU Energy Program and KW Energy use a $250,000 grant to deliver no-cost duct sealing for income-qualified rural homeowners, with plans to scale to 110 homes and track utility savings. AI Skills for Founders (Canada): TD backs Tech Spark’s “AI Lit for Entrepreneurs” with a $1M donation to train 2,000 underrepresented founders over eight weeks. GovTech Procurement Access (US): Glass launches an AI-powered “G-Commerce Supplier Experience” to help small businesses sell to government buyers through a single marketplace profile. Small Business Relief (Delaware): Delaware’s Office of Small Business Access is progressing on cutting red tape, including cottage food and food truck regulatory reviews and a joint inspection pilot. Local Commerce Boost (California): Fresno’s Fiestas Patrias draws crowds and more foot traffic for downtown vendors and long-running storefronts. Franchise Growth Spotlight (Florida): ANY LAB TEST NOW names Jacksonville owner Randi Beesing 2026 Franchisee of the Year, highlighting entrepreneurship and community impact. Community Markets (Massachusetts): Love Live Local’s Love Local Fest returns Sept. 27 with nearly 100 local makers, food vendors, and live music.