5 @ 5 @ 5 – May 15, 2025

Curated by George Moen | WBN News | May 15, 2025

Small business owners are navigating a wave of economic, policy, and global shifts this week. From changing tax structures in Canada to international trade tensions and new tariff fallout in the U.S., these are the 15 stories shaping small business right now.

📌 At A Glance

Top 5 Small Business Stories in Canada 🇨🇦 | USA 🇺🇸 | International 🌍

🇨🇦 Canada

1. Bank of Canada Warns Trade Uncertainty Heightens Financial Risks
Reuters – May 8, 2025
Why It Matters: Global trade tensions could increase credit risk and limit financing options for small Canadian businesses.

2. Internal Trade Barriers Equal a 21% Tariff on Canadian Business
Financial Times – May 11, 2025
Why It Matters: Interprovincial red tape hurts small businesses’ ability to expand, hire, or scale across borders.

3. Small Business Employment Falls Nationwide in April
QuickBooks Index – May 2025
Why It Matters: Declining job growth in education and tech sectors signals reduced hiring confidence.

4. Federal Tax Cut to Benefit Entrepreneurs Starting July 1
Finance Canada – May 14, 2025
Why It Matters: The middle-class tax cut puts more cash in circulation—potentially boosting local spending.

5. Importers Sound Alarm Over CARM Transition Deadline
Newswire.ca – May 14, 2025
Why It Matters: Compliance delays could impact cash flow and cross-border goods access for small importers.

🇺🇸 United States

1. Small Business Optimism Drops Again in April
NFIB – May 13, 2025
Why It Matters: Hiring struggles and inflation fears are dampening business owner confidence.

2. Verizon to Invest $5B in Small Business Suppliers
GlobeNewswire – May 13, 2025
Why It Matters: A rare bright spot—access to major supply chain opportunities for U.S. entrepreneurs.

3. TikTok Shop Sales Plunge Due to Tariff Worries
Business Insider – May 14, 2025
Why It Matters: Cross-border sellers face setbacks, disrupting side hustles and creator-driven businesses.

4. New Trump Tariffs Slam Small Business Importers
Barron’s – May 10, 2025
Why It Matters: 145% tariffs on Chinese goods threaten margins, especially for manufacturers and retailers.

5. Proposed Consumer Law Could Trigger Lawsuit Surge
New York Post – May 12, 2025
Why It Matters: Legal compliance costs may rise if the FAIR Business Practices Act is passed.

🌍 International

1. UK-US Trade Deal Skips Over SME Concerns
Financial Times – May 10, 2025
Why It Matters: Lack of clarity on SME trade support could stall transatlantic partnerships.

2. Indian SMEs Gain Exposure with MSCI Index Additions
Times of India – May 14, 2025
Why It Matters: Increased investor visibility could inspire similar support for startups across Asia.

3. Saudi Arabia’s $600B Investment May Miss Small Firms
Axios – May 14, 2025
Why It Matters: Promised funds could bypass grassroots entrepreneurs unless clear channels are created.

4. Tariff Fallout Halts Temu's U.S. Small Seller Access
Wikipedia – May 14, 2025
Why It Matters: Small international sellers lose a vital U.S. market due to regulatory changes.

5. FTC Delays 'Click to Cancel' Rule Enforcement
Wikipedia – May 14, 2025
Why It Matters: Subscription-based startups get more time to adapt—but still face compliance risk.

👀 Watch List – Developing Stories

• 🇨🇦 New carbon tax proposals under review by provinces
• 🇺🇸 IRS expands audits on self-employed business owners
• 🌍 EU reviews digital sales tax on foreign platforms
• 🇺🇸 Walmart launches new AI-powered SMB supplier hub
• 🌍 Australia expands microbusiness tax credits for 2025

George Moen – Publisher, WBN News
Email: gmoen@wbnn.news

TAGS: #5@5 #Small Business News #WBN Canada #WBN USA #WBN Global #Startup Finance #Tariff Watch #Entrepreneurship