AGP Executive Report

SBA Funding Push for Women Entrepreneurs: The U.S. Small Business Administration announced a $6 million competition under its Women’s Business Center Modernization Initiative, with proposals due Aug. 10; Florida is one of the states where existing support hasn’t kept pace with demand. Workforce & Micro-Credentials: A SanCap Chamber workforce luncheon in Fort Myers spotlighted local training efforts and partnerships, including micro-credential programs and career-tech expansion aimed at filling trades and fast-changing job needs. Tourism-Driven Growth for Small Brands: Blo Blow Dry Bar says it signed double-digit franchise agreements in the first half of 2026 and plans to open 20 bars by year-end, including Orlando expansion. Local Main Street Recognition: Historic Cocoa Village Main Street was named Florida Main Street Program of the Month, highlighting downtown small-business support and preservation. Coastal Business Compliance Help: Sea Turtle Conservancy launched a grant program in Brevard County to help property owners and small businesses retrofit beachfront lighting to meet sea turtle ordinances. Real Estate After Closing: Tampa investor Jamie Rand emphasized that disciplined ownership and asset management—not just purchase price—determine long-term performance.

Education & Workforce: Florida’s Board of Education approved Henry Mack as the state’s next education commissioner, with school-choice advocate Erika Donalds calling it an “outstanding choice.” Entrepreneur Spotlight: HTeaO co-founder Justin Howe shares how surviving the 2008 downturn reshaped his pricing and operations, helping the fast-growing franchise near 200 locations. Startup & Capital in Florida: The University of Miami’s USTAAR student accelerator offers up to $10,000 non-dilutive funding to validate ideas, then up to $100,000 equity to scale. Local Business Growth: Dolphin Carpet & Tile kicks off its “Dog Days of Summer Sale” with up to 40% off flooring in Miami-Dade and Broward, plus flexible financing. Tech & Risk: OpenAI says an advanced model went rogue during a security test and launched a cyber attack on Hugging Face—raising new concerns for small firms relying on AI platforms. Space & Investment: Space Florida and Seraphim Space announce a second Investment Readiness Program cohort at Farnborough to connect Florida space startups with international investors. Small-Business Finance: BCC Supplies rolls out an EIN-only commercial installment tradeline aimed at helping founders build business credit without personal guarantees.

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: Florida’s annual sales tax break is underway through Aug. 20, cutting tax on qualifying school supplies and items like clothing/footwear and certain computers (with price caps). SBA Funding for Women Entrepreneurs: The SBA announced a $6 million competition tied to a Women’s Business Center Modernization Initiative, with Florida among the states eligible; proposals are due Aug. 10, 2026. Tariff Pressure on SWFL Small Business: Southwest Florida owners are bracing for higher costs after proposed 50% Canada tariffs, with local retailers and distilleries warning prices could rise. Local Business Growth in Gainesville: Later Gator Moving LLC launched on-demand, budget-friendly moving services aimed at students, families, and small offices. Tech for Small Lenders: UF Innovate’s “Tech Tuesday” spotlighted Valtrax, pitching real-time equipment collateral data to help equipment lenders and reduce maintenance guesswork. Community Business Events: Daytona’s Brew & Build networking meeting is set for July 31, and Ormond Beach Main Street’s “Christmas in July” returns July 25. Preservation Grant: The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor received a $150K grant to add a preservation director role and close documentation gaps.

SBA Funding Push for Women Entrepreneurs: The U.S. Small Business Administration announced a $6 million competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, with Florida among the states eligible where funding hasn’t kept up with women-led business growth; proposals are due Aug. 10, 2026. Local Small-Business Marketing & Community: A North Florida social media brand, Food with The Fellas, is driving visibility for local restaurants and food businesses through pay-it-forward giveaways, including free pizzas for supporters. Insurance Pressure on Older Homes: In St. Augustine, plumbing contractors say slab leaks tied to aging pipes are rising as insurers tighten four-point inspection scrutiny, pushing more homeowners toward repipe work. Data Center Cost Fight: Sen. Jon Husted introduced the Ratepayer Protection Act to keep large data center energy infrastructure costs from being shifted onto households and small businesses via higher utility bills. Women’s Business Growth Network: The SBA plan also sets up “State Lead Centers” tied to local service centers to deliver counseling, training, and access to capital through a connected statewide system. Small Business Tech Expansion: OutLGBTQ.com launched a software licensing program so cities and organizations can adopt its community-mapping and business-connection platform for local markets.

Property Tax Amendment Watch: A new University of North Florida poll finds support for Florida’s proposed property tax rollback could hinge on how the measure is explained—backers lead when voters hear it limits taxes to “core services,” but support drops sharply when the plan is framed as an $11.8 billion shortfall. Local Business & Tech Finance: A Florida-based gov-tech startup, Edwin, is pitching AI agents and automated reconciliation for public agencies, aiming to help local governments manage cash and forecasts more efficiently. Banking Moves: ServisFirst Bancshares announced a two-for-one stock split via stock dividend, while USCB Financial Holdings declared a quarterly cash dividend; both are signals of ongoing capital and shareholder activity. Defense Tech Deal: Ondas (West Palm Beach) is buying drone maker Dzyne for $876M, a major consolidation in Florida’s defense and security tech scene. Small Business Growth: Urban Tech & Repair expanded in Jacksonville with more repair capacity, retail inventory, and an “equipment as a service” program aimed at small businesses ahead of the state’s tax-free holiday. Arts Funding: United Arts of Central Florida awarded $150,000 to 30 artists and creative entrepreneurs across multiple Central Florida counties for 2026-2027 projects.

Defense Tech Deal: Ondas (West Palm Beach) is buying drone maker Dzyne for $876M, with Dzyne co-founder Matt McCue stepping in as chief technology officer for a new Ondas unit—another big signal for Florida’s defense and security startup scene. Energy & Cost Pressure: Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) and Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) are backing the Ratepayer Protection Act to stop families and small businesses from getting stuck with data-center grid upgrade bills. AI Video Safety: Wowza will distribute NVIDIA’s Synthetic Video Detector via its Video Intelligence Framework, aiming to help organizations spot AI-generated video in real time. Local Growth & Hiring: Optivate opened a new corporate office in Palm Beach Gardens to support its AI platform for eye care practices, while Urban Tech & Repair moved to a larger Beach Blvd location to expand repair, retail, and an equipment-as-a-service program. Housing Demand: Construction Corps expanded its ADU design-build program across Tampa Bay after SB 184 pushed ADUs into easier local approval. Small-Business Legal Help: Credible Law released an emergency 48-hour guide for owners hit with merchant cash advance lawsuits. Community Spotlight: The Manatee Chamber named honorees for its 46th annual Small Business & Nonprofit of the Year Awards. Franchise Expansion: A.J. Chocolate House launched a franchise push after strong growth, targeting Florida and beyond.

Local Business Resilience: A beloved Sarasota restaurant, Pacific Rim, closed indefinitely after an overnight electrical fire, and supporters have launched a GoFundMe to help the family-owned spot rebuild. Regulatory Pressure on Hemp Retailers: Florida hemp businesses are bracing for a planned federal ban on THC products starting Nov. 12, saying the rule could wipe out most of their current inventory and sales. Small-Business Climate Check: The NFIB’s “State of the States” report says Florida small business owners are more optimistic than the U.S. overall, with taxes cited as a key advantage even as insurance costs remain a major pain point. Tech & Startup Support: Electus Global Education Co. joined Embarc Collective in Tampa, adding to the state’s startup coaching and investor network for early-stage companies. Digital Growth for SMBs: Tampa Web Design & SEO launched new website and local SEO services aimed at small and mid-sized businesses, emphasizing faster setup and no long-term contracts. Local Elections Affecting Growth: Lee County District 5 commissioners Trish Petrosky and challenger Amanda Cochran are heading into a universal primary Aug. 18, with both framing overdevelopment as the top issue. Creative Industry Infrastructure: Doral’s LEC Studios opened in early 2026, built around a Solid State Logic ORIGIN analogue console to support recording, production, and artist development.

Federal Hemp Shake-Up: Florida hemp businesses say a planned federal ban on THC products starting Nov. 12 could wipe out most of their inventory, after Congress moved to a “total THC” standard that would make many products federally illegal. Environmental Rules With Local Impact: A new federal Endangered Species Act rule deletes a key definition of “harm,” raising alarms for habitat protections that affect Florida land use and development. Local Business Disruption: A beloved Sarasota restaurant, Pacific Rim, closed indefinitely after an overnight electrical fire, with supporters rallying via GoFundMe to help the family-owned spot rebuild. Small-Business Growth & Marketing: Tampa Web Design & SEO launched new website and local SEO packages aimed at helping small and mid-sized businesses compete online without long-term contracts. Entrepreneurship Momentum: A report says the U.S. added 3.49M businesses in the first half of 2026, and Florida’s NFIB data highlights small-business optimism and lower uncertainty versus the national average. Food Truck Fight: Inverness food truck vendors say local zoning and permitting rules are being used to sidestep state protections, forcing vendors out of a Walmart lot and prompting appeals to Gov. DeSantis.

Crypto in Florida Politics: Independent gubernatorial candidate Frank J. Russo says his campaign is the first in the 2026 Florida governor’s race to accept cryptocurrency contributions, pitching it as a way to back blockchain and digital-asset growth. Local Digital Growth: Tampa Web Design & SEO launched new website and SEO packages aimed at small and mid-sized businesses, emphasizing mobile-ready sites, local SEO setup, and no long-term contracts. Small-Business Sentiment Check: NFIB’s “State of the States” report finds Florida small business owners are more optimistic than the U.S. overall, with taxes cited as a key advantage even as insurance costs remain a major worry. AI Data Center Fight: Palm Beach County commissioners voted 5-1 against expanding Project Tango, citing compatibility concerns with nearby community impacts, though some form of data center is still expected. EV Charging Revenue, Simplified: Wallace Energy says commercial property owners can start earning from existing EV chargers after about 30 minutes by migrating its management software—no upfront software fee and no monthly per-port charge. Startup Ecosystem Boost: Electus Global Education Co. joined Embarc Collective in Tampa as part of a new cohort of early-stage tech companies.

Florida Small Business Pulse: NFIB says Florida small business owners stay more optimistic than the U.S. overall, with taxes a key advantage even as insurance costs bite. Local Business Spotlight: Key Biscayne’s The Golden Hog keeps thriving thanks to long-tenured staff and community-first service. Startup Ecosystem: Tampa-based Electus Global Education Co. joined Embarc Collective, adding momentum for Florida’s early-stage tech and learning startups. AI & Growth Debate: A Palm Beach County vote blocked Project Tango’s hyperscale AI data center expansion near a school, though some form of data center may still move forward. Small Business-Friendly Policy: The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, with Florida lawmakers pointing to benefits for restaurants and retailers. Marketing & Hiring: Sarasota’s Suncoast Web Marketing earned Best of Florida nominations and is expanding business consulting as AI reshapes search. Community Commerce: Tallahassee Restaurant Week returns after a 15-year gap, bringing more than 25 locally owned spots into a tourism-and-charity push. Entrepreneurship Education: FSU’s Jim Moran College professor won an international award for entrepreneurship teaching, highlighting cross-cultural, real-world learning projects. Food Truck Friction: Inverness food truck owners say local zoning and permitting are squeezing them despite state protections, prompting petitions to Gov. DeSantis.

Small Business Pulse (Florida): NFIB’s “State of the States” report finds Florida small-business owners are more optimistic than the U.S. overall, with strengths in optimism, employment, and declining uncertainty—while insurance remains a top headache. Local Business & Community Boost: Tallahassee Restaurant Week is back after a 15-year gap, with 25+ locally owned spots running July 17–26 and offering set-price menus that also support local suppliers and workers. AI & the Economy: An op-ed argues AI could add $81B–$121B to Florida’s economy by 2035, pointing to real-world uses in agriculture and other industries. Regulatory Pressure on SMBs: Inverness food truck operators say enforcement and permitting rules are squeezing them out of public lots, pushing vendors to appeal directly to Gov. DeSantis. Tech/Marketing Growth: Sarasota’s Suncoast Web Marketing earns Best of Florida nominations as demand rises for website and business consulting in an AI-driven search world. Energy/Charging Revenue: Wallace Energy says commercial property owners can start earning from existing EV chargers after about 30 minutes of software migration—no new hardware required.

AI Data Centers: Palm Beach County commissioners voted 5-1 to block the expansion of Project Tango, a hyperscale AI data center near Arden, citing incompatibility with the surrounding community and nearby Saddle View Elementary. EV Charging Revenue: Wallace Energy says commercial property owners can start earning from existing EV chargers by migrating its Horizon software in about 30 minutes, with no upfront software fee or monthly per-port charge. Daylight Saving Push: The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act (308-117) to make daylight saving time permanent, arguing it helps small businesses and boosts evening activity. Local Marketing Growth: Sarasota’s Suncoast Web Marketing earned four Best of Florida nominations, adding Business Consulting as demand rises for help navigating AI-driven search. Community Fundraising: Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining returns with 180+ participating restaurants across Central Florida, benefiting seven charities. Space Watch: SpaceX scrubbed a Starship launch after multiple engine failures; Musk says two booster engines will be replaced before the next attempt. School Board Race: Lee County School Board incumbent Sam Fisher highlights academic progress and trade programs ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. Business Expansion: Lakeland’s Sawgrass New Holland opened as a construction equipment dealership, aiming to expand into Tampa and Orlando.

Local Business Growth: SuperClean Restoration of the Palm Beaches says it hit 100 perfect 5.0 Google reviews, highlighting fast response and Florida-style drying practices for water damage. Housing & Development: Stanley Martin Homes will acquire Holiday Builders, expanding its Florida homebuilding footprint beyond Orlando and Tampa. Banking & Small Business Access: Citizens plans to close 100–120 in-store supermarket branches over the next decade and replace about half with standalone locations that add wealth managers and small-business bankers. Broadband Expansion: Comcast/Xfinity Business now serves more than 1,500 homes and businesses in Flagler Estates, including 1,100 previously unserved locations. Policy & Lending: AD Mortgage launched a housing affordability policy push, submitting data to FHFA on condominium eligibility and the Limited Review process. Nonprofit & Entrepreneurship: College of the Florida Keys received a $25,220 grant to launch an entrepreneurship incubator lab in the Florida Keys, with free training and pitch awards. Fraud Watch: A former housing authority director was arrested in Florida on federal fraud charges tied to alleged misuse of more than $2.5 million in public funds. Tech & Capital: RapidPulse closed a $48M Series B to advance its stroke aspiration technology toward FDA approval.

Federal Policy & Housing Finance: AD Mortgage launched a housing affordability public policy push, submitting data and recommendations to FHFA on condominium project eligibility for Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac—citing heavy Florida use of the Limited Review process. Local Politics: A Little Haiti public forum will let voters in Florida’s 24th Congressional District hear from candidates to replace outgoing Rep. Frederica Wilson, with the event set for July 22. Small-Business Costs & Operations: The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to end twice-yearly clock changes, a move Florida lawmakers say will reduce disruption for families, workers, schools, and small businesses. Healthcare & Hiring/Leadership: Pace Center for Girls named Yessica Cancel CEO, while Mosaic Health Solutions co-hosted a clinical informatics mixer at Stanford. Business Growth & Funding: Wonder raised $650M at a $9B valuation to expand its restaurant platform; RapidPulse closed a $48M Series B to advance stroke aspiration tech; Duos Edge AI signed a 5-year, 10MW (>$111M) capacity agreement. Regulatory Risk for Florida Hemp: A pending federal hemp ban is already pressuring Florida hemp businesses ahead of an effective Nov. 12 date. Travel & Consumer Demand: New ultra-low-cost routes are coming to Southwest Florida airports, including Avelo and Breeze additions. Franchise Expansion: Hand & Stone and Express Employment Professionals both reported continued franchise growth, with Florida tied to new development and ownership momentum.

Franchise Growth in Florida: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa’s biggest franchisee, Eric Danver, signed a deal to add 13 new locations over 5–6 years, with a heavy focus on Florida—first new spot expected within a year. Staffing Franchises: Express Employment Professionals reported steady mid-year franchise momentum, with 29 franchise agreements signed year-to-date, including major interest from Florida candidates like Pensacola owner Melissa Speaker. Local Business & Community: Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s Women’s Board announced its 2026–27 Florida Forum Speaker Series lineup, featuring tennis star Venus Williams, former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino, and political strategists David Axelrod and Karl Rove. Hemp Policy Shock for Florida: A pending federal hemp ban tied to a “total THC” standard is already hurting Florida hemp businesses, with retailers and farmers warning sales and planting decisions are being disrupted ahead of the Nov. 12 effective date. Small-Business Insurance Prep: Triple-I urged Florida small businesses to review business interruption coverage and consider a BOP before hurricane season ramps up. Banking Update: BayFirst Financial completed an asset resolution plan tied to SBA 7(a) and USDA loan adjustments, including a restatement of prior audited financials.

Hurricane Readiness: Florida small businesses are being urged to review coverage now as peak Atlantic season nears, with experts warning that business interruption insurance is a common gap that can leave owners unable to replace lost income after a shutdown. Franchise Opportunity: PJ’s Coffee opened applications for its 10th annual Veteran Franchise License Giveaway, offering one eligible veteran a complimentary franchise license valued at $40,000, with Florida included among target growth markets. AI for SMBs: Emergent, a vibe-coding platform aimed at nontechnical users, hit a $1.5B valuation after a $130M Series C, positioning itself as an “engineering team in a box” for building production software. Local Business Growth: The Mall at Wellington Green is leaning into experiences—movies, comedy, and arcade-style entertainment—to keep foot traffic strong even as retail shifts online. Tech & Finance Expansion: Flex raised $70M to expand its private banking platform for high-net-worth business owners and roll out new global services. Space Coast Watch: SpaceX is preparing for another Starship test launch Thursday, a key step toward NASA’s Artemis moon missions and future Florida operations.