A bipartisan group of senators will urge the Commerce Department to rescind...

Kansas has awarded $117,408 to support 18 tourism marketing projects designed to attract visitors and promote destinations throughout the state. The Kansas Department of Commerce announced the awards October 29, 2026. The funding will support advertising, digital marketing, tourism planning, and promotional campaigns involving local attractions and communities. Participating organizations will contribute approximately $244,000 in matching funds toward the approved projects. Tourism Marketing Grants Support Local Promotion The awards come through the Kansas Tourism Marketing Grant program. The initiative supports new marketing activities intended to introduce destinations to additional visitors. Tourism marketing can involve advertising campaigns, destination promotion, digital media, and other activities designed to encourage travel. According to Kansas officials, tourism generated approximately $8.4 billion in visitor spending throughout the state during 2025. The latest grants represent a targeted investment in promoting individual destinations and communities. The announcement does not establish how much additional visitor spending the newly funded campaigns will generate. Dodge City Museum Receives Marketing Assistance Boot Hill Museum received $4,200 to promote its inaugural Unbridled Western Art Show. The exhibition is scheduled to open in January 2027. The museum plans to use the funding for advertising and promotion targeting audiences within approximately 400 miles of Dodge City. The campaign is intended to introduce the event to potential visitors throughout the surrounding region. The award supports marketing activities rather than construction or expansion of the museum. Ottawa Plans Digital Tourism Campaign The City of Ottawa received $6,600 for a targeted digital marketing campaign. The project will promote Ottawa as a destination for travelers interested in trails and outdoor recreation. The planned campaign will use multiple digital channels to reach potential visitors. Trail-related tourism can involve visitors seeking recreational activities, lodging, restaurants, and other local services. However, the state has not announced projected visitor totals or specific revenue increases associated with Ottawa's campaign. Junction City and Geary County Coordinate Advertising The Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau received $10,000 for a coordinated tourism marketing campaign. The initiative brings together the City of Junction City, Geary County, and Junction City Main Street. The project will use paid digital advertising, cost-per-thousand-impression advertising, and search engine marketing. The coordinated approach is intended to promote the area through multiple organizations working toward a shared tourism objective. The announcement does not identify individual advertising vendors or specific contracts available to outside businesses. Kingman Receives Tourism Planning Funding The City of Kingman received $3,000 to support development of a comprehensive tourism strategy and marketing plan. The project will focus on increasing visitation, visitor spending, and overnight stays. Unlike the advertising campaigns planned in other communities, Kingman's project emphasizes developing a coordinated marketing strategy. The resulting plan may help local organizations identify target audiences and promotional priorities. What Local Businesses Should Know Tourism promotion can increase awareness of destinations that also support restaurants, retailers, accommodations, and service providers. However, individual businesses are not guaranteed additional customers or revenue as a result of the awards. The October 29 announcement identifies completed grant selections rather than a new application opportunity. Businesses interested in participating in local tourism initiatives can monitor their community's destination marketing organizations for future promotional activities. For Kansas communities, the 18 awards represent additional investment in marketing destinations and encouraging travel throughout the state.

Small businesses in Washington may gain additional access to financing and business assistance following a new round of state grants supporting community lending organizations. The Washington State Department of Commerce announced October 28, 2026, that it has awarded $4,356,000 to 11 organizations through its Equitable Access to Credit Program. The funding supports lenders that serve businesses and entrepreneurs who face barriers when seeking conventional financing. Participating organizations can use the grants to expand access to business loans, investments, technical assistance, and financial education. Eleven Organizations Receive Funding The state's latest awards support a range of community development financial institutions and specialized lending organizations. Recipients include Business Impact NW, Craft3, Community Impact Loan Fund, Northwest Access Fund, and several organizations serving tribal communities. Individual awards range from $81,474 to $678,949. MoFi received the largest individual award at $678,949. Craft3 received $640,792, while the Chehalis Tribal Loan Fund received $633,686. The funding will support each organization's approved lending and business assistance activities. These grants are awarded to lending organizations rather than directly to individual small businesses. Business owners should not interpret the announcement as an open application for $4.36 million in direct business grants. Program Focuses on Access to Capital Washington established the Equitable Access to Credit Program in 2022. The initiative is intended to help businesses in communities where conventional financing may be difficult to obtain. Participating lenders may provide loans, investments, financial education, and other services depending on their individual programs. At least 65% of annual grant funding must support Native Community Development Financial Institutions or organizations providing services or investments in rural counties. The requirement directs a substantial portion of program resources toward rural and tribal communities. However, individual borrowers must satisfy the eligibility and underwriting requirements established by their chosen lender. The state announcement does not establish a universal loan amount or interest rate for businesses seeking assistance. Businesses Can Also Participate Through Tax Credits The program includes a separate opportunity for businesses that pay Washington's business and occupation tax. Qualifying taxpayers can contribute to the Equitable Access to Credit Program and receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit. Individual contributors may receive credits of up to $1 million annually. The overall program has an annual contribution cap of $8 million. Credits cannot exceed the taxpayer's applicable business and occupation tax liability. Unused credits may be carried forward for up to two succeeding years under program rules. The deadline for contributions during 2026 is December 31. Businesses interested in contributing should review the state's requirements before transferring funds. Program Has Supported Previous Lending Activity Washington's first Equitable Access to Credit awards were issued in 2024. That initial round provided $1 million to eight community development financial institutions. According to the Department of Commerce, the funding supported 36 investments across 16 Washington counties. In 2025, the program awarded approximately $5.6 million to 11 lending organizations. The latest awards continue that financing initiative. What Business Owners Should Know Entrepreneurs interested in financing can contact participating lending organizations to learn about their available products and requirements. Businesses should confirm service areas, eligibility, financing costs, and application procedures directly with each organization. The state has not announced a single application process for individual borrowers seeking assistance through all 11 recipients. For Washington's business community, the new awards provide additional resources to organizations that help entrepreneurs and established businesses obtain financing.

A Republican senator is facing growing criticism in Maine over the economic impact of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, as concerns mount about the consequences for businesses and consumers in the state. The controversy highlights the political difficulties Republicans face when defending the administration's trade policies in communities affected by higher import costs and uncertainty surrounding international commerce. Maine, which has significant economic ties to cross-border trade and international supply chains, is particularly exposed to the potential effects of changes in US tariff policy. The senator is attempting to respond to public dissatisfaction while navigating competing political pressures. Supporting the tariffs risks alienating residents and businesses concerned about increased costs, while opposing the president's approach could create tensions within the Republican Party and among Trump supporters. The phrase 'screwed either way' reflects the difficult position facing the senator as criticism continues. The debate also underscores the broader challenges Republicans may encounter in defending protectionist trade measures when their economic consequences become more visible to voters. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, and their costs can be absorbed by importers, passed on to businesses or reflected in higher prices for consumers. Depending on the products affected and the response of trading partners, they can also disrupt supply chains and create uncertainty for companies that rely on international markets. The political dispute in Maine illustrates how Trump's trade agenda can become a contentious issue even within his own party, particularly when local economic interests appear to conflict with federal policy. The available article text provides only the headline and does not include the senator's identity, specific tariff measures, details of the backlash or direct comments from those involved. Further details about the dispute and its economic consequences therefore cannot be independently established from the supplied material.

Commerce, OSPI, ESD, Labor & Industries, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, WSAC and other agencies briefed the board on decision packages, proposed reductions and policy requests; Department of Services for the Blind requested $200,000 to staff birth‑to‑13 services statewide, and the consent agenda was adopted earlier in the meeting.

HB10917: To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to select and implement landscape-scale forest restoration projects, to assist communities in increasing their resilience to wildfire, and for other purposes.

Daniel H. Pronti, Republican Incumbent, Mayor Daniel H. Pronti is seeking his third term as Mayor of North Arlington, having twice been elected to the position following three successful terms on the Borough Council starting in 2013. Throughout his tenure in local government, Pronti has focused on keeping North Arlington competitive with neighboring communities by championing youth, senior programs, veterans and local commerce.

Businesses and organizations involved in tourism across Illinois have a new opportunity to apply for state funding to improve attractions and develop events that bring visitors into local communities. Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced October 21, 2026, that $2.4 million is available through two tourism grant programs. The funding includes $1.8 million for developing and improving tourism attractions and another $600,000 for events and festivals. Eligible applicants include certain private businesses, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, counties, and local promotional groups. Applications for both programs close November 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. Tourism Attraction Grants Offer Up to $200,000 The Tourism Attraction Grant Program provides funding for projects intended to attract visitors and increase tourism-related economic activity. The state has allocated $1.8 million for this funding round. Individual awards range from $15,000 to $200,000. Eligible projects may involve museums, historical attractions, recreation areas, botanical gardens, amusement parks, and other qualifying visitor destinations. Funding can support activities such as constructing or renovating tourism facilities, purchasing equipment, and developing certain visitor programs. The program is intended to support attractions that serve visitors from beyond their immediate communities. Under the official guidelines, qualifying attractions generally must be open to the public at least 100 days annually. Entirely event-driven attractions must operate at least 200 hours annually. Attractions must also be marketed to visitors from more than 50 miles away. Matching Funds Are Required Applicants must contribute funding toward their proposed projects. For nonprofit organizations, municipalities, counties, and qualifying local promotional groups, the required match is at least 50% of total project costs. For private for-profit businesses, the matching requirement increases to at least 75% of total project costs. That means a qualifying private business seeking $50,000 in state assistance would generally need a project budget of at least $200,000, including $150,000 in matching contributions. The program does not provide unrestricted operating assistance. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed expenses qualify under the state's grant requirements. Separate Grants Available for Festivals and Events Illinois is also offering $600,000 through its Tourism Private Sector Grant Program. Individual awards range from $10,000 to $50,000. This program supports organizations working to attract, develop, or expand tourism events and festivals. Eligible activities may include advertising, marketing, transportation, equipment rental, entertainment, and other qualifying event expenses. Applicants may include nonprofit organizations, government entities, for-profit businesses, and local promotional groups. A dollar-for-dollar matching contribution is required. The program focuses on events intended to attract visitors and generate additional tourism activity rather than simply covering routine expenses for existing events. Tourism Investment Can Support Local Economies Tourism activity can affect businesses beyond the attractions themselves. Visitors may spend money at restaurants, hotels, retail establishments, transportation providers, and other businesses. According to Illinois officials, the state welcomed approximately 115 million visitors during 2025. Those visitors generated an estimated $50.2 billion in spending. The newly announced grant programs are intended to support projects that contribute to continued tourism activity. However, receiving a grant does not guarantee increased attendance or revenue for individual businesses. Applications Close November 13 Both grant opportunities are currently accepting applications. Organizations must complete the state's required grant prequalification process and submit the appropriate application materials. Applicants should review the official funding notices before committing money to proposed projects. The state expects to select recipients through a competitive review process. For Illinois businesses and organizations operating qualifying tourism attractions or events, the November 13 deadline provides a limited window to pursue financial assistance for planned improvements.

Small communities across Kansas have a new opportunity to secure funding for downtown improvements, public spaces, and projects intended to support local economic activity. The Kansas Department of Commerce announced October 23, 2026, that applications are open for the second round of its Towns Grant program. The state has allocated $500,000 for the initiative, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 for projects within a single community. Collaborative projects spanning multiple ZIP codes may qualify for awards of up to $50,000. Applications are due December 23, 2026. Grants Focus on Smaller Communities The Towns Grant program is administered by the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity. It is intended to help smaller communities complete improvements that might otherwise be difficult to finance through existing local resources. Eligible projects must serve communities with populations of 5,000 or fewer residents or qualifying distressed urban areas. The program focuses on improvements that can strengthen community gathering places, downtown districts, and other public spaces. Kansas officials are also encouraging collaboration among neighboring communities with similar needs. What Projects Can Receive Funding? The program supports tangible improvements intended to enhance community spaces. Eligible activities may include installing downtown benches, community welcome signs, pedestrian lighting, bicycle racks, public artwork, and park equipment. Projects involving small infrastructure improvements, accessibility upgrades, and downtown beautification may also qualify. For example, a community development organization could propose new wayfinding signs that help visitors navigate a downtown commercial district. Another community might pursue improvements to a public gathering space near local businesses. However, the program does not provide unrestricted operating grants to individual businesses. Expenses such as salaries, building renovations, event fees, and certain professional consulting services are excluded. Which Organizations Can Apply? Eligible applicants include municipal and county governments, community development organizations, economic development organizations, local chambers of commerce, qualifying nonprofit organizations, and tribal organizations. Applicants must represent an eligible Kansas community. The program generally allows one application per community, and communities that previously received a Towns Grant are excluded under the current program guidelines. Applicants must provide matching contributions equal to at least 10% of project costs. For communities with populations of 1,000 or fewer residents, qualifying in-kind contributions may satisfy the matching requirement. Matching support must come from private sources or grants not funded by the state. Application Deadline Is December 23 Applications opened October 23 and close at 5 p.m. December 23, 2026. The Department of Commerce will host an informational webinar October 30 at 10 a.m. Additional virtual office hours will provide opportunities for prospective applicants to ask questions about eligibility, project requirements, and the application process. Award announcements are expected in early 2027. Grant recipients will be required to complete their approved projects within the program's established implementation period. What the Program Means for Local Businesses Although individual businesses are not the primary grant recipients, improvements to downtown districts and community gathering places may benefit nearby commercial activity. More accessible public spaces, improved signage, and maintained gathering areas can contribute to the overall experience of residents and visitors. However, the program does not guarantee increased sales or additional customers for individual businesses. For eligible Kansas communities, the new funding round provides an opportunity to pursue improvements that support local business districts and community development.

The Bonnyville & District Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2026 Business Resiliency Awards on Oct. 21. A large crowd of 250 people celebrated the success of local businesses and not-for-profit organizations who make a difference in the communities they serve.

The Bonnyville & District Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2026 Business Resiliency Awards on Oct. 21. A large crowd of 250 people celebrated the success of local businesses and not-for-profit organizations who make a difference in the communities they serve.

The Bonnyville & District Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2026 Business Resiliency Awards on Oct. 21. A large crowd of 250 people celebrated the success of local businesses and not-for-profit organizations who make a difference in the communities they serve.

The Bonnyville & District Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2026 Business Resiliency Awards on Oct. 21. A large crowd of 250 people celebrated the success of local businesses and not-for-profit organizations who make a difference in the communities they serve.

After the majority of Albertans voted to remain in Canada, the Canadian dollar increased in value and some business leaders say the result should bring confidence to businesses.

Idaho’s newly approved Opportunity Zones could help bring more housing, businesses and jobs to communities across the state. The attraction for investors is the potential tax savings. This month, Idaho Commerce announced that the U.S. Treasury approved 25 zones, including areas in Boise, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. The new Opportunity Zone designations take effect …