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

THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast · Jun 25, 2026 · 9m

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.

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00:00 – Introduction…