5 @ 5 @ 5 – April 28, 2025: Canada Funds Tech Upgrades

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

✍️ George Moen, Founder-Publisher | WBN Global News | April 28, 2025

Canada launches a new tech grant for small businesses as global trade wars and supply chain woes continue. Today’s 5 @ 5 spotlights crucial news impacting small business resilience.

📌 At A Glance

Today’s Top 5 Stories

80% of small businesses that buy from China could 'just die' because of Trump's tariffs, says logistics company CEO
Ottawa launches new grant program for small business tech upgrades
US consumers will start feeling the pain of tariffs in stores by the end of May, Trump's ex-top economic advisor says
The lending gap for small businesses is hurting the UK's growth.
Retailers warn: Supply chain issues worsening for Canadian small businesses

🇨🇦 Canada

1. Canadian businesses talk stability as the U.S.-China trade war triggers economic implosion
Source: Global News | Date: April 27, 2025
Why It Matters: Uncertainty in global trade hits Canadian exports and imports, forcing small businesses to navigate supply chain chaos and shifting costs.

2. Label Obsession Grips Canada as Shoppers Shun American Products
Source: The Wall Street Journal | Date: April 27, 2025
Why It Matters: Rising consumer nationalism means small businesses need to adapt their sourcing and branding strategies to stay relevant with shoppers.

3. Ottawa launches new grant program for minor business tech upgrades
Source: Financial Post | Date: April 27, 2025
Why It Matters: Access to government funding for digital transformation gives small firms a crucial boost in staying competitive and efficient.

4. Retailers warn: Supply chain issues worsening for Canadian small businesses
Source: CBC News | Date: April 27, 2025
Why It Matters: Disrupted supply chains lead to product shortages and rising costs, threatening profit margins and customer satisfaction.

5. Small businesses feeling the pressure amid trade war: CFIB
Source: CTV News | Date: April 25, 2025
Why It Matters: Ongoing trade disputes continue to raise costs and lower confidence for Canadian entrepreneurs, making adaptation essential.

🇺🇸 United States

1. Small business owner: Trump's tariffs would pretty much put us out of business'
Source: ABC News | Date: April 27, 2025
Why It Matters: Tariffs threaten small import-reliant businesses' survival, prompting urgent calls for policy clarity and relief.

2. 80% of small businesses that buy from China could 'just die' because of Trump's tariffs, says logistics company CEO
Source: Business Insider | Date: April 27, 2025
Why It Matters: Dramatic shifts in trade policy force small businesses to rethink their entire supply chain, with many facing existential risks.

3. US consumers will start feeling the pain of tariffs in stores by the end of May, Trump's ex-top economic advisor says
Source: Business Insider | Date: April 27, 2025
Why It Matters: Higher consumer prices could slow sales for small retailers, shifting the economic pain down to Main Street.

4. TGI Fridays, Red Lobster, and Hooters are falling into bankruptcy as US diners turn their back on casual dining chains
Source: The U.S. Sun | Date: April 27, 2025
Why It Matters: Changing consumer habits and higher costs reshape the restaurant industry, impacting countless small business suppliers and workers.

5. IRS Audit Risks Rising in 2025: What Taxpayers Need to Know
Source: FingerLakes1.com | Date: April 27, 2025
Why It Matters: Increased audit risk means small businesses must be vigilant with compliance, as mistakes or missed filings could prove costly.

🌍 International

1. The lending gap for small businesses is hurting the UK's growth.
Source: The Times (UK) | Date: April 27, 2025
Why It Matters: Difficulty accessing credit hinders innovation and expansion for UK small firms, slowing the broader economy.

2. IMF-World Bank meetings end with little tariff clarity, but economic foreboding
Source: Reuters | Date: April 27, 2025
Why It Matters: Lack of global policy direction means ongoing instability for businesses worldwide, making planning and investment riskier.

3. US tariff war hurting trade with China; M&S tells hundreds of agency staff not to come to work after cyber-attack - Business Live
Source: The Guardian | Date: April 28, 2025
Why It Matters: Trade disruptions and businesses create double jeopardy for small companies reliant on global supply chains.

4. Trump is softening his tariff talk. But the damage may already be done.
Source: The Washington Post | Date: April 27, 2025
Why It Matters: Even as rhetoric eases, uncertainty from recent policies continues to ripple through international markets, affecting small business forecasts.

5. The world according to French
Source: Punchbowl News | Date: April 27, 2025
Why It Matters: Shifting global alliances and perspectives can drive new opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs navigating cross-border trade.

🔎 What We’re Watching

SC Chamber to celebrate Small Business Day Tuesday with events at State House
Source: WLTX | Date: April 27, 2025
The campaign works to highlight small businesses running in Charlotte
Source: WCNC | Date: April 27, 2025
San Antonio’s growing number of clubs is helping promote small businesses.
Source: San Antonio Report | Date: April 27, 2025
Eclipse Nutrition becomes the newest small business at the Ontario Mall
Source: Richland Source | Date: April 27, 2025
SBA disaster loan applications for Hurricane Helene damage are due April 27
Source: Grice Connect | Date: April 27, 2025
Here’s how Congress can protect millions of American jobs
Source: Times-Republican | Date: April 27, 2025
The FBI indicted local contractors on 23 felony charges of defrauding federal programs.
Source: RV Times | Date: April 27, 2025
Future Entrepreneur Summit to Be Held in Wellsboro for Students and Aspiring Business Leaders
Source: WENY | Date: April 27, 2025
Full list of 13 high street stores shutting in May in blow to shoppers - is your area affected?
Source: The Scottish Sun | Date: April 27, 2025
How small businesses can compete with big brands using AI marketing
Source: TechNode Global | Date: April 28, 2025

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

TAGS: #5@5 #Small Business News #Canadian Business #US Economy #International Trade #Global Markets #Business Trends