The Global Five: Biz Buzz Before Breakfast Monday, April 14th, 2025: Canadian “Buy Local” - Problem!

By George Moen | WBN News Global | April 14, 2025

Impacting Small Business Worldwide

Today’s global headlines reveal how policy shifts, tech funds, and campaign fallout redefine small business survival from North America to the Pacific.

📋 At A Glance:

• UK hikes employer taxes and shifts business relief policies
• U.S. Small Business Tax Deduction set to expire
• Australia imposes strict new SME compliance mandates
• SBA kicks off Small Business Week with training programs
• Canadian “Buy Local” push triggers supply chain imbalance

🔹 "UK Small Businesses Hit by April Tax & Relief Overhaul"

Source: Enterprise Nation (UK)
New tax reforms include a 1.2% rise in employer National Insurance, revamped business rates, and a higher employment allowance. Businesses are rushing to adjust their budgets for Q2.

Why It Matters for Small Business:
Increased labor and property costs squeeze UK entrepreneurs already navigating inflation and energy rate volatility.

🔹 "U.S. 20% Tax Deduction for Pass-Throughs Faces Sunset"

Source: NFIB (USA)
The Section 199A deduction for LLCs and sole proprietors may expire in 2025 unless Congress extends it, prompting lobbying from business groups.

Why It Matters for Small Business:
Tens of thousands of small firms could lose one of their biggest tax breaks, raising their effective income tax by up to 20%.

🔹 "Australia Tightens Compliance Net on Small Employers"

Source: The Australian (Australia)
From criminal wage enforcement to cybersecurity mandates and green disclosure rules, 2025 is shaping up as the most regulation-heavy year for Aussie SMEs in a decade.

Why It Matters for Small Business:
Higher compliance costs and potential penalties may force small operators to outsource HR and legal—if they can afford it.

🔹 "SBA Launches 2025 Small Business Week Programs Across U.S."

Source: Yahoo Finance (USA)
From workshops on capital access to recognition events for local advisors, the SBA’s weeklong campaign aims to revitalize post-pandemic momentum and support underserved markets.

Why It Matters for Small Business:
This creates visibility, mentorship, and policy dialogue opportunities for founders navigating federal programs.

🔹 "Buy Canadian Campaign Stalls for Local Retailers"

Source: CTV News (Canada)
Independent grocers and merchants are dealing with overstock and slow-moving inventory as patriotic buying initiatives fail to deliver forecasted sales.

Why It Matters for Small Business:
Without adaptive inventory strategies, well-meaning campaigns could become financial traps for small producers and stores.

👁️ Watch List – Developing Stories To Keep An Eye On:

• "U.S. Raises China Tariffs to 145% – Supply Chains in Chaos" – Bloomberg (USA)
• "India Cuts Corporate Tax for Startups to Spur Innovation" – The Economic Times (India)
• "France Mandates ESG Disclosures for SMEs by 2026" – Le Monde (France)
• "Brazil’s Currency Dips Again – Imports More Expensive for Retailers" – O Globo (Brazil)
• "Germany Faces SME Labor Crunch as Retirements Surge" – Deutsche Welle (Germany)
• "Mexico Boosts Microloan Access via State-Backed Banks" – El Financiero (Mexico)
• "South Korea’s Export Rules Shift – Electronics SMEs Scramble" – Yonhap News (South Korea)
• "Singapore Launches Blockchain Export Registry to Combat Fraud" – The Straits Times (Singapore)
• "Gulf States Commit $5B to Women-Led Small Businesses" – Gulf News (UAE/Region)
• "Australia Launches New Visa for Global Tech Entrepreneurs" – The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)

George Moen – Founder & Publisher, WBN News Global
Contact: gmoen@wbnn.com

TAGS: #Small Business News #Global Economy #SME Support #Trade Policy #Small Biz Tax #Business Grants #Digital Commerce #Small Business Week #Entrepreneurship #Canada Retail