Tennessee · Regional Lead · 2026-10-02
Tennessee group receives $494,329 for statewide business services
Proof Programs will develop a Women's Business Center network linking statewide counseling, training and technical assistance.
The U.S. Small Business Administration awarded Proof Programs $494,329 to create a statewide Women's Business Center network in Tennessee.
The grant supports a coordinated structure of lead and service centers offering counseling, training, technical assistance and help with access to capital. Existing Women's Business Center funding is not reduced by the initiative.
The award authorizes the expansion, while the organization's implementation will determine service locations, program schedules and participation. Those later details should be distinguished from the initial funding decision.
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Business · 2026-10-07
FTC and USDA open inquiry into farm-equipment market practices
The agencies are seeking evidence about repair, distribution and contracting barriers that may affect prices, competition and equipment access for farmers.
The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Agriculture launched a joint request for information on agricultural equipment manufacturing and distribution. The inquiry follows complaints received by USDA about obstacles farmers face when buying equipment or obtaining the services needed to keep it operating.
The agencies are asking farmers, independent repair businesses, dealers, manufacturers’ employees and other market participants to describe relevant business models, contract terms, penalties, restrictions or retaliation. They also want information about effects on pricing, new market entry, innovation and rural economic resilience.
Read articleWorld · 2026-10-06
Canada proposes Crown corporation for defence procurement
Bill C-40 would give the Defence Investment Agency a permanent arm’s-length structure, its own board and broader commercial flexibility.
Canada introduced Bill C-40 to convert the Defence Investment Agency from a special operating agency into a Crown corporation within the National Defence portfolio. Its legal name would be the Canadian Corporation for Defence Investment, while it would continue using the DIA name publicly.
The proposed structure would place major procurement, production and strategic investment work within one organization and create an Associate Minister of National Defence for Procurement. The armed forces, National Defence and the Canadian Coast Guard would continue defining operational needs and acceptance criteria.
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