We’ve got some really good news items for you today—and honestly, one of the better episodes I’d say. Thunderstorms are rolling through Florida right now, which means anything could happen, but let’s dig into what’s actually moving the needle for your business.
SBA Launches Free AI Business Plan Tool for Small Manufacturers
The US Small Business Administration just rolled out a free AI-assisted planning tool for small manufacturers applying for SBA loans or SBIR grants. Here’s what it does: it automates cashflow projections and narrative sections that typically require you to hire an accountant or consultant. We’re talking about replacing two separate paid services with one little tool.
The more I dig into how AI actually works, the simpler these features look. Adding them is ridiculously easy. Training them, getting them smart, getting them to do the right thing—that’s the voodoo part. But you’ve got to think hard about what you’re setting up when you build this stuff.
If you’re a small manufacturer, this is worth testing. The SBA is genuinely trying to make the loan application process less painful and give you more support. Easier access to capital means less time wrestling with paperwork and more time actually building things. Go check it out at sba.gov.
Zoom Phone on Windows 10: End of Life Coming October 2026
Zoom announced it’s ending support for Zoom Phone on Windows 10 in October 2026. That gives you about a year to get your team migrated to Windows 11 if you’re running Zoom Phone.
Honestly, I don’t know many people using Zoom Phone. I’ve never touched it myself. But if you are, this isn’t a surprise—it’s a heads-up. You’ve got a reasonable runway to plan the upgrade. Windows 11 rollout takes time, especially if you’ve got a team spread across multiple devices. Start testing now so you’re not scrambling in September 2026.
Microsoft Copilot Studio: Real-Time Voice Agents Without Code
This is the one that got me excited. Microsoft Copilot Studio now supports real-time voice agent creation, and you don’t need to write a single line of code. You can build AI-powered phone assistants that connect directly to Microsoft Teams phone and third-party phone systems. Small service businesses can now deploy a 24/7 AI receptionist inside their existing Microsoft 365 environment.
Think about what that means for your team. Every telemarketer, every cold call, every after-hours inquiry—a bot answers it first. That’s my goal for our sales line. We’ll route the serious stuff to humans, but we’re not paying someone to sit there and field junk calls at 2 a.m.
Copilot is confusing right now, I’ll be honest. It’s hard to wrap your head around how to actually implement this stuff. But we’re going to figure it out and show you how to do it. This is worth your attention if you’re tired of missed calls or wasting payroll on call screening.
QuickBooks Desktop 2024: Payroll Service Ending May 31, 2026
Intuit announced that payroll service for QuickBooks Desktop 2024 will end on May 31, 2026. If you’re running payroll through the desktop version, mark your calendar. You’ll need to migrate to QuickBooks Online or find another payroll solution before that date.
This is typical Intuit—pushing everyone toward the cloud version. If you haven’t already, start planning your migration now. Payroll is not something you want to scramble on at the last minute.
SAP NetWeaver: Another Vulnerability Added to CISO Watchlist
SAP NetWeaver has been added to the CISO’s known exploitation vulnerability catalog. If you’re running SAP, this is worth a security review. SAP systems are full of holes, and vulnerabilities get exploited fast once they’re public.
Talk to your IT team or your security partner. Make sure you’re patched and monitoring.
Key Takeaways
- Test the SBA’s free AI business plan tool if you’re a small manufacturer applying for loans or grants—it automates cashflow and narrative work you’d normally pay consultants to do.
- Plan your Windows 11 migration now if you’re using Zoom Phone on Windows 10; you’ve got until October 2026, but upgrades take time.
- Explore Copilot Studio voice agents for your sales line or after-hours calls; no coding required, and it can save you real payroll dollars on call screening.
- Schedule your QuickBooks payroll migration before May 31, 2026; don’t wait until the last month.
- Review your SAP security posture and make sure you’re patched against known NetWeaver vulnerabilities.
Questions about anything we covered today? Schedule a free IT consultation and we’ll walk through it with your business in mind.