Federal Contracting Push: Vermont APEX Accelerator is hosting “Navy Week: Doing Business with the Navy and Marine Corps Small Business Workshop” on Aug. 26 in Burlington, connecting local firms with the Department of Navy Office of Small Business Programs on procurement prep, Mentor-Protégé, and SBIR/STTR resources. Local Fundraising Win: A coalition of 14 Lehigh Valley churches raised $45,000 to erase about $6M in medical debt via Undue Medical Debt, with food and raffle support from local businesses. Fraud Fallout for SMBs: A pastor pleaded guilty to PPP loan fraud tied to church members, with prosecutors saying he steered a congregant to apply for loans despite lacking eligibility. Small-Business Recognition: Indiana’s Gov. Half Century Award went to Lafayette’s Market Square Lanes (since 1961) and Brand Electric (since 1973). Marketing & Community Events: Monroe’s “Burger Wars” pits seven restaurants against each other Aug. 23, using QR voting and a $1,500 prize. Parking Pressure: Sutton High Street shop owners say TfL red-route restrictions and a closed car park are cutting footfall and forcing some businesses to stop parts of operations. Free Business Guidance: United Way of St. Charles is offering a Bridge to Business and Careers Lunch and Learn series through July 2027 with free meals and practical sessions on planning, hiring, budgeting, and marketing.