Local Economic Planning: McFarland residents packed a meeting over a proposed TID #7 that would help Bliffert Lumber move from downtown to a new mixed-use small business park, aiming to expand the company while freeing downtown for redevelopment. Cost-of-Living Pressure: Victoria’s opposition pitched a $50 weekly road toll cap for cars, light commercial vehicles and small business fleets (up to five vehicles), with rebates via Service Victoria—framed as relief for tradies and small firms. SMB Growth & Tools: Deluxe’s acquisition of Celero Commerce could expand digital payment capabilities for merchants, adding scale and service options for small-to-mid-sized businesses. Women & Entrepreneurship: MultiChoice Nigeria’s first female CEO, Kemi Omotosho, discussed value for subscribers amid rising costs, while Namibia’s Swakop Uranium-backed donation supports women-owned businesses with start-up capital and formalization help. Community Markets & Local Trade: San Diego’s “Endless Summer” market returns with 120+ vendors, and Carbondale’s SPARK 618 celebrates its first year with a free resource fair connecting residents to local small businesses and trades. Fraud Watch: A Massachusetts mayor was arrested over alleged $1.5M COVID relief loan fraud tied to SBA EIDL funds, raising fresh scrutiny on how small-business aid gets used.