SBA Proposes Overhaul to Simplify Small Business Classification

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) proposed a comprehensive overhaul of its small business size standards, modernizing how the federal government defines and classifies small businesses across the United States. Published in a proposed rule, the new standards according only to SBA, would simplify industry categorization and raise applicable size thresholds, allowing small but rapidly growing firms to continue qualifying and adding over 110,000 firms to the 36 million small businesses in America.  

Small businesses, the economic engine of America's growth, are starting and expanding at record rates.  Rule change or no rule change, they will continue to drive America's economy. 

Is Your Business Built to Survive?

Every business plans for growth. But how many are built to survive? If your business lost everything tomorrow, what would it need to continue to operate?  And how can you maintain momentum when disruption strikes?

In this episode of Take on Tomorrow, PwC UK explains why organizations need to identify their ‘minimum viable company’ – the people, systems, and services that absolutely must keep running when disruption hits – and why a crisis plan alone may no longer be enough. 

Listen to the podcast or read the transcription here.

Fantastico! Inside the 23rd Annual WPO Chicago Summit (9/10/26)

©2026 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

What an amazing program at our 23rd Annual Women Presidents Organization Chicago Summit (9/10/26).  Fantastico!

Thank you to our Steering Committee: Nida Khan, Founder & President, Arya Consulting Partners (Chicago I member), Lauren M. Loew, Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP (Chicago II member), Ellen M. Wheeler, Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP (Chicago I member), Laurel Delaney, President, Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global (WPO Chicago Chapter Chair) for their leadership; to the Foley & Lardner LLP support team for their outstanding work behind the scenes; to Andrew Sykes, CEO of Habits at Work for a compelling talk on "Your Trust Advantage;" and to all who attended for your engagement throughout the day.

The photo collage above captures the moment!  

More about the program here:

https://womenpresidentsorganizationchicago.blogspot.com/2026/08/wpo-chicago-summit-910-your-trust.html

Recharge on Labor Day

Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of summer, but it’s far more than just an extra day off. Born from the labor movement of the late 19th century, the holiday was created to honor the hard work and dedication of America’s workforce – that includes all WPO members. For the 21st century, it’s a built-in reminder that pausing to recharge isn’t indulgent, it’s essential. 

This Labor Day weekend, instead of simply letting the hours slip away, why not make the most of your well-earned time off?

Find some inspiration here. 

23rd Annual WPO Chicago Summit With Andrew Sykes (9/10/26)

©2026 Women Presidents Organization Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Join us for our 23rd Annual WPO Chicago Summit on Thursday, September 10 in Chicago at 1:30 PM CT.  Our keynote and workshop leader is Andrew Sykes, CEO, Habits at Work and he will speak on "Your Trust Advantage:  How To Be the Most Trustworthy Leader in Every Room."

Learn more here.  For members and sponsors only.

WPO Chicago Summit 9/10: Your Trust Advantage with Andrew Sykes

©2026 WPO Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Join us for our 23rd Annual WPO Chicago Summit on Thursday, September 10 in Chicago at 1:30 PM CT.  Our keynote and workshop leader is Andrew Sykes, CEO, Habits at Work and he will speak on "Your Trust Advantage:  How To Be the Most Trustworthy Leader in Every Room."

As leaders, we have trust issues, including many that we might not know about! In this session, Andrew will highlight these trust issues, understand how others assess our trustworthiness and explore some of the myths about trust, replacing them with not only research-based truths, but practical ways to become the most Trustworthy person (and leader) you know!

WPO Chicago Steering Committee

• Nida Khan, Founder & President, Arya Consulting Partners (Chicago I member)
• Lauren M. Loew, Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP (Chicago II member)
• Ellen M. Wheeler, Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP (Chicago I member)
• Laurel Delaney, President, Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global (WPO Chicago Chapter Chair)

Hosted by:  Foley & Lardner.

Interested in attending?  If you pre-qualify for WPO Chicago membership and would like to attend, kindly email Laurel Delaney (noted in the agenda above), WPO Chicago Chapter Chair.

This event is for members and WPO sponsors only.

The Effective Feedback Structure

Giving effective feedback isn't an innate talent reserved for a select few. According to Harvard Business School Professor Joseph Fuller in the online course Management Essentials, it’s a skill that can be built through deliberate practice.

Whether you're giving or receiving feedback, these five practical exercises can help you turn vague comments into clear, constructive conversations.