AGP Executive Report
Last update: 5 hours agoPayments: Australia has delayed the ATO’s planned credit-card payment ban after small-business backlash, giving affected taxpayers more time for consultation. The reprieve follows the Oct. 1 ban on card surcharges, leaving businesses to weigh the cost of accepting cards. Customer Service: Growing online retailers may need more support capacity during busy periods: a new report says cost per order can triple when order volumes double, while backlogs and overtime squeeze service and retention work. Small-Business Finance: SBA lending fell in fiscal 2026 as stricter credit rules took hold. The agency approved 56,130 7(a) loans worth $32.4 billion, both down by double-digit percentages from the prior year. AI Adoption: Small businesses using AI report greater optimism about growth, revenue and hiring, while another report says firms applying AI across functions are reducing outside spending.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.