5 @ 5 @ 5 – April 24, 2025: Tariffs, Trends, and Global SMB Momentum

Delivering the world’s most important small business stories before your first coffee.

✍️ George Moen, Founder-Publisher | WBN Global News | April 24, 2025

Tariffs, new startups, and digital change dominate as small businesses adapt to shifting trade, policy, and trends in Canada, the U.S., and worldwide. Local tax relief, immigration, and global AI summits highlight the challenges and major opportunities ahead.

🇨🇦 Top 5 Canadian Small Business Stories

1. Canadian Retailers Label U.S. Imports Amid Tariff Tensions
   Business Insider | April 24, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   Tariffs on U.S. goods drive up prices and fuel a wave of “buy local” patriotism—Canadian SMBs must adapt sourcing, inventory, and branding as consumer behavior shifts.
2. PEI Budget Delivers Tax Relief for Small Business
   KPMG | April 24, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   Lower taxes and a higher threshold for small business income on PEI free up capital for reinvestment and could influence other provinces to follow suit.
3. Spring Surge in New Business Creation Across Canada
   Newswire.ca | April 24, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   A record 11.8% national spike in new businesses shows rising entrepreneurial spirit, expanding opportunities, and more competition for established players.
4. Immigrant Entrepreneurs Fuel Canada’s Small Business Growth
   Fingerlakes1.com | April 19, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   Immigrants continue to drive Canada’s small business sector, creating jobs, bringing innovation, and supporting local economies.
5. Small Business Confidence Ticks Up in April, Says CFIB
   TradingEconomics.com | April 24, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   Rising optimism signals a potential turnaround, but persistent concerns (trade, inflation) mean many owners remain cautious.

🇺🇸 Top 5 U.S. Small Business Stories

1. U.S. Court Upholds Trump Tariffs, Impacting SMB Importers
   Reuters | April 22, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   Legal backing for tariffs keeps costs high for small importers, prompting SMBs to rethink supply chains or pass costs to customers.
2. Fiserv Small Business Index Shows Sales Growth in Midwest, Southeast
   BusinessWire | April 23, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   Regional sales gains in key U.S. markets point to a resilient rebound, influencing hiring and expansion plans.
3. Comcast RISE Program Launches Nationwide to Support Small Businesses
   Quantisnow.com | April 23, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   Grants and business support offer much-needed relief and innovation opportunities, especially in underserved communities.
4. Middlesex Chamber Celebrates 2025 Small Business Award Winners
   HK-Now.com | April 23, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   Awards programs inspire, motivate, and elevate local business leaders—raising the bar for SMB excellence nationwide.
5. Governor Abbott Announces Texas Small Business Summit in Orange
   Gov.texas.gov | April 23, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   Summit events unite policymakers and entrepreneurs, fueling access to resources, fresh policy, and statewide networking.

🌍 Top 5 International Small Business Stories

1. Australian SMEs Eye New Export Markets Amid Shifting Tariffs
   SmartCompany.com.au | April 24, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   Australia’s small firms demonstrate agility by seeking new export avenues and supply chain strategies amid volatile trade.
2. UK Small Exporters Navigate Post-Brexit Trade Challenges
   The Times. co. uk | April 24, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   British SMBs are adapting to post-Brexit barriers—lessons in resilience and reinvention for global businesses.
3. Montrose Environmental Group Wins AUD 4M Contract in Australia
   PRNewswire.com | April 23, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   Environmental contracts highlight sustainability growth and SMEs' potential to compete in green industries.
4. Global Inclusive Growth Summit Spotlights AI, Digital Finance for SMEs
   GlobalInclusiveGrowthSummit.com | April 24, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   Worldwide collaboration on AI and finance sets new standards—SMBs must embrace tech and partnerships to stay competitive.
5. SBDCNet Releases 2025 Small Business Trends with Global Insights
   SBDCNet.org | April 24, 2025
   Why It Matters:
   The latest trends—AI, cybersecurity, and personalization—reshape business everywhere. Staying ahead is vital for global competitiveness.

George Moen – Founder & Publisher, WBN News
📧 gmoen@wbnn.news

TAGS: #5 @ 5 #Small Business News #Canada Business #US Economy #Trade Policy #SMB Trends #Entrepreneurship #Digital Transformation #Global Markets