Small Business & Franchise — July 7, 2026
The SBA doubled its combined loan limit to $10 million effective July 4, allowing small businesses to stack 7(a) and 504 loans without hitting the previous $5 million ceiling—a major expansion for growth-stage firms. Franchise M&A momentum accelerates into 2026, with private equity interest driving consolidation at both platform and multi-unit franchisee levels. Grasons earned recognition as a top low-cost franchise opportunity under $100,000, signaling continued operator interest in scalable business models.












