Independent Contractor Rules (NJ): Trenton debate heats up as new independent-contractor regulations near an Oct. 1 start date, with critics warning the “ABC test” could make it harder for parents, caregivers, retirees, and entrepreneurs to earn a living. AI for Small Business Marketing: askotter.ai launched AI agents that run SEO, AI search optimization, and ads for small business websites via text message—owners approve changes and get performance updates without logging into dashboards. Local Business Support (Seattle): The Seattle Medium’s “Pack the House” campaign adds the Central Area Collaborative to boost Black-owned restaurants through community dining and visibility. MSME Supply-Chain Link (Indonesia): Indonesia’s MSME ministry is pushing medium firms as “anchors” to connect micro and small businesses to supply chains, financing, and markets. Energy Costs & Data Centers (Texas): New research looks at whether rapid Texas data-center growth is driving higher residential bills, but points to aging infrastructure and fuel costs as bigger culprits. Small-Business Grants (West Haven, Conn.): $7.5M state funding includes downtown improvements and a microgrant program for small businesses in a revitalization district. Entrepreneurship Center (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship gets $12M backing to support training, facilities, and enterprise support for MSMEs and startups.