Business Applications Up 3.7%, Cascading Healthcare Costs, AI Resource Credits

Business Applications Up 3.7%, Cascading Healthcare Costs, AI Resource Credits

June 25, 2026 · 10 min · Season 6 · Episode 35

About this episode

The episode discusses the rise in business applications, the impact of rising healthcare costs, and new AI resource credits available through a partnership with Perplexity.

Entrepreneurs continue to make a go of it despite current economic uncertainty, with business applications increasing 3.7% in May. Host Gene Marks says with access to new markets and inexpensive technology, there’s never been a better time to own a business. The news isn’t all rosy, as rising healthcare costs point to a potential trickle down to employees in 2027, but Gene shares a few strategies to offset. In AI news, a partnership with Perplexity is creating opportunities for some SBA loan recipients to get credit to afford resources to help with AI training. Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 01:03 – Rise in Business Applications 03:36 – Shifting Healthcare Costs 06:20 – AI Credits Through SBA partnership 08:21 – Episode Wrap-up Additional Resources Register for AI webinar: https://bit.ly/ai-webinar-series Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs DISCLAIMER:The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your…

People in this episode

Host: Gene Marks

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Paychex, Inc., Perplexity, SBA

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