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Welcome to AMACG’s Monday Morning Brief, a weekly roundup of consequential developments gathered from government agencies, regulators, funders, and other credible sources. This week’s developments include extended fuel-tax relief in Georgia, changing small-business growth expectations, and a national recognition opportunity for eligible businesses.
Status: Confirmed extension
What changed: On October 6, Governor Brian Kemp extended Georgia’s state of emergency and motor-fuel-tax suspension through 11:59 p.m. on November 5, 2026. The suspension had previously been scheduled to end October 29.
The extension also authorizes the Georgia Department of Revenue to waive penalties associated with selling, delivering, and using dyed diesel fuel on Georgia highways. State weight limits for commercial vehicles remain temporarily suspended. Prepaid local sales taxes and other applicable local taxes remain in effect.
Why it matters: Businesses and nonprofits with transportation, construction, delivery, distribution, mobile-service, or event-related expenses may continue experiencing temporary cost relief. Fuel distributors and organizations using dyed diesel may have additional reporting and compliance considerations.
Organizations should distinguish temporary fuel savings from sustainable cost reductions when preparing budgets and cash-flow projections. Unless the suspension is extended again, the state motor-fuel tax is scheduled to return after November 5.
Learn more: Review Georgia’s updated motor-fuel-tax guidance
Status: Confirmed research findings—not a regulatory change
What changed: The Federal Reserve’s 2026 Small Business Credit Survey materials report that revenue and employment growth among employer firms remained generally steady in the 2025 survey. However, firms were slightly more likely to report revenue decreases than increases, and expectations for future growth declined.
The Federal Reserve also released updated findings concerning nonemployer firms, financing trends, and differences across business and owner characteristics.
Why it matters: Weaker growth expectations may influence decisions involving hiring, borrowing, capital purchases, pricing, cash reserves, and expansion.
Steady employment combined with lower expectations may indicate that some businesses are maintaining their current capacity while becoming more cautious about future commitments.
Business owners may benefit from testing plans and financial projections under multiple revenue scenarios. Evaluating conservative, expected, and higher-growth outcomes can reveal how changes in sales may affect cash flow, hiring capacity, break-even performance, financing needs, and planned investments.
Learn more: Explore the 2026 Small Business Credit Survey reports
Status: Confirmed nomination opportunity
What changed: The U.S. Small Business Administration opened nominations for its 2027 National Small Business Week awards. Nominations are due December 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Award categories include:
Why it matters: Eligible businesses may gain local or national recognition for their growth, innovation, resilience, economic contributions, or community impact.
Preparing a strong nomination requires more than telling a compelling story. Businesses should be prepared to document their history, performance, achievements, challenges, measurable impact, and compliance information.
Business owners interested in being nominated should review the eligibility requirements, award criteria, required supporting materials, and submission instructions well before the deadline.
Learn more: Review the National Small Business Week award categories
This brief is provided for general educational and informational purposes. It does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, investment, or financial advice. Organizations should review the official sources and consult professionals when determining how a development applies to their specific circumstances.
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