Month: May 2026

Imagine a world where “waste” doesn’t exist, and the things we use every day get a new lease on life. This isn’t a far-off dream; it’s the heart of the circular economy, and it’s happening right here in Memphis.

For years, dedicated local organizations have been doing heavy lifting to make this a reality. Clean Memphis has served as a vital catalyst, coordinating the Circular Economy Task Force and spearheading the Circular Mid-South initiative to align community goals, educate the public, and drive zero-waste policies. FedEx Cares has been supporting their efforts in Memphis for many years with a particular focus on reducing food waste in public schools.

In addition to Clean Memphis, the Business Hub operated by the Binghampton Development Corporation (BDC) has created innovative streetlight and mattress recycling programs, providing employment and workforce development for over 180 people. FedEx Cares supports the BDC with in-kind shipping to support workforce training for hard-to-recycle items like mattresses and tires.

Last year, in coordination with the PGA TOUR and FedEx, fifty local volunteers from Clean Memphis and The Compost Fairy were mobilized for the FedEx St. Jude Championship rescuing 2.75 tons of surplus food, composting 3.75 tons of organic waste, and sorting thousands of recyclables – demonstrating how innovative logistics and community engagement can change the playbook on waste.

These local champions have proven that circularity isn’t just good for the environment – it can create jobs, build resilience, and strengthen the local economy.

In April 2026, leaders from across the Mid-South – from large corporations and small businesses to innovative startups – came together for an event hosted by GAME Change and the Circular Supply Chain Coalition (CSCC). Participants shared a common vision for a future where materials are reused, repaired, and remanufactured, keeping them out of landfills and in our economy longer.

A tour of a local return center brought this vision to life, showcasing how a major manufacturer is already putting circular principles into practice through product take back, reverse logistics, and remanufacturing. In addition to the materials, the group emphasized the importance of workforce development, providing jobs to many people struggling to build an economic future for themselves and their families.

At FedEx, we’re proud to be at the intersection of these efforts. We’ve been working alongside Pyxera Global since 2021 to help launch the CSCC, conducting an e-waste pilot in middle Tennessee alongside Terra’s Done with It program and the American Battery Technology Company. Pyxera recently published a report on the role of logistics to support a more circular economy. As you might guess, logistics is a critical link to enable businesses, communities, and start-ups shift waste from being a burden to becoming a resource.

Today, through FedEx Cares, we are connecting these community pioneers with the logistical support they need through in-kind shipping, supply chain expertise, and philanthropic support. The goal? Supporting the Circular Supply Chain Coalition’s growing portfolio of projects across the U.S. and right here in Memphis.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

Sustainability in 2026 isn’t just talk – it’s action. The game has shifted from aspirational ambitions to clear, pragmatic, measurable results, with businesses now focused on real progress.

This issue delivers a bold story: Baker Hughes is driving sustainability with real, tangible and measurable impact. The recently-released 2025 Sustainability Report unveils the company’s largest reduction in operational emissions yet, showing that performance, innovation, and progress can thrive side by side. Baker Hughes is redefining decarbonization, with people powering every step forward.

The Big Idea | Making sustainability progress at scale
What is the problem and how do we tackle it as an industry?

Sustainability sits at the heart of The Energy Equation™: the dynamic, interdependent cycle between industrial outcomes and energy sources. As a signatory to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and a member of the UN Global Compact, Baker Hughes is dedicated to working with customers, partners, and key stakeholders to provide robust, scalable, sustainable solutions – starting with its own operational footprint.

Baker Hughes’ 2025 Corporate Sustainability Report spotlights the company’s largest emissions reduction to date, including:

• 36.9% absolute reduction and 45.8% reductions in emissions intensity of scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the 2019 base year
• Zero-carbon energy provides 41.1% of the company’s electricity
• Renewable energy and operational efficiencies lowered combined facility emissions by 49.0%

Read the full press release here or check out the website here.

Walking the talk, first.

Meeting customers where they are

The world needs pragmatic solutions to reduce emissions, increase efficiencies and build resilient systems for a lower-carbon future. 

A comprehensive range of solutions is needed, and may include geothermal energy, carbon capture, utilization and storage, hydrogen energy and emissions abatement technologies, and sustainability advisory services.

Solutions should be tailored to address operators’ unique requirements and facilitate progress at every stage. Baker Hughes enables practical steps towards sustainability and operational excellence, working in partnership with organizations.

Sustainability must be integrated in a company’s corporate strategy, as it affects the bottom line. Check out this interview with PetroNoia and Baker Hughes Chief Sustainability Officer, Allyson Anderson Book , focused on accountability, ESG, and how reducing emissions can improve cost efficiency.

Tech explainer | Turning decarbonization ambitions into practical action
How does it work?

While decarbonization is a priority for many companies, building clearer pathways is often challenging. Key elements include understanding and measuring emissions reductions, mitigating climate risks and identifying opportunities to build resilience.

Baker Hughes GaffneyCline Sustainability Advisory Services helps businesses turn decarbonization ambitions into practical action, built on its own sustainability journey.

In the news | Partnering to decarbonize operations
What is Baker Hughes doing about it and with whom?

• Report: Baker Hughes Achieves 36.9% Absolute Reduction in Operational Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Baker Hughes Develops AI-Enabled Power Optimization and Sustainability Solutions for Data Centers with Google Cloud Technology
• XGS Energy and Baker Hughes Announce Strategic Collaboration to Advance Geothermal Development in New Mexico

Progress Spotlight | How to meet decarbonization goals
What projects are live today?

Explore recent advances in sustainability and accelerated practical decarbonization solutions:

• Putting people first: Kids’ Meals recognizes Baker Hughes as a 2025 Top Volunteer Group
• Putting people first: Building a workplace where everyone is valued
• Protecting the planet: All in for Carbon Out
• Protecting the planet: Reducing operational emissions

ICYMI

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A greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory is only as valuable as the data behind it. Errors can creep in at every stage of the process, from setting organizational boundaries to applying emission factors. Audrey Beattie, Senior Manager in Antea Group’s Sustainability Practice, explains when and where the most common carbon accounting mistakes happen, and the practical steps teams can take to prevent them.

Key Takeaways

• Carbon accounting errors can show up in all three inventory stages: boundary setting, data collection, and calculation.
• Engaging your team of stakeholders early supports accuracy across the entire carbon accounting process, from boundary setting to data collection efforts and estimation needs.
• Data collection on a monthly or quarterly basis, rather than all at once, can help avoid a rushed effort that risks introducing errors or data gaps.
• Invoice transcription and unit of measure mistakes can create “order-of-magnitude” errors that look plausible until you trend the data.
• Document boundaries, methods, and emissions factors in an inventory management plan so the work is repeatable and auditable.
• Estimations are expected and acceptable, especially early in your carbon accounting program, to avoid leaving an asset out of the boundary.

What is Carbon Accounting?

Carbon accounting is the process of identifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emission sources across your business and calculating total emissions in CO2-equivalent (CO2e), otherwise known as a GHG inventory. Carbon accounting is a foundational step in any sustainability program, with emissions disclosures becoming an expectation for businesses and organizations. GHG inventories are used to meet disclosure requirements (e.g., California SB 253), respond to investor and customer requests, and make decisions on setting emission reduction targets. Most importantly, a GHG inventory helps companies understand their impact on the environment and sets the foundation for transition planning or reducing their impact.

Three Crucial Steps in Carbon Accounting

At a high level, carbon accounting follows a three-step process. Understanding the work done at each stage is helpful for getting a full view of where errors can occur.

1. Define the organizational boundaries: Determine whether your organization will use an operational or financial control boundary, then define the business entities, sites, and assets that should be included.
2. Collect activity data: Identify and compile data for each emission source within the inventory boundary (fuel use, electricity consumption, refrigerant top-offs, etc.).
3. Apply conversions and emission factors: Select the appropriate factors to convert activity data into emissions.

Common Carbon Accounting Errors (and When They Show Up)

GHG inventories are complex and building them is a time-consuming exercise with opportunities for error introduction at each step of the process.

1. Boundary setting: missing sites or sources

An incomplete or unclear inventory boundary is one of the earliest points of error introduction in carbon accounting. Emission sources are left out when the site and/or asset list is not up to date, ownership and operational controls aren’t clearly defined, or local site knowledge isn’t captured. Typical issues include: an entire site being unaccounted for, or major sources at a facility being missed because the facility manager isn’t aware of all operations and assets that should be included. An incomplete boundary results in underestimation of a company’s GHG footprint.

2. Data collection: invoice transcription mistakes and incomplete fields

The most common source of error is when invoice or meter data is transposed into a centralized tracker (spreadsheet or software). A single wrong entry can distort a site’s annual emissions and can be hard to detect later. These mistakes usually show up as:

• Outlier months: Erroneously high or low months, from a typo or misreading of an invoice, throwing off site-level totals and trends.
• Wrong or missing invoice fields: Using total cost data instead of usage data, missing delivery quantities, mixing estimated vs. actual reads, or losing track of the service period dates can misrepresent site energy use.
• Unit-of-measure errors: Confusing gallons vs. liters, Mcf vs. therms, kWh vs. MWh, or “standard” vs. “actual” volumes can create order-of-magnitude errors that can significantly skew the inventory results. These errors can be difficult to catch, since the number values will match the invoice, and month-over-month usage will appear normal until compared with another site of a similar size and type.

3. Calculation: errors in conversions, emission factors, and GWP version mismatches

Even with perfect activity data, inventories can be wrong if conversion factors, emission factors, or global warming potentials (GWPs) are applied incorrectly or inconsistently.

• Energy unit conversion mistakes: Converting activity data units into the functional unit required by an emission factor (for example, gallons of fuel to MMBtu) is a frequent source of errors.
• Inconsistent emission factor selection: Publicly available databases provide factors by geography, fuel specification, year, and methodology. Selecting the appropriate factors is critical for accurate results.
• Refrigerant miscalculations: Blended refrigerants often include chemical components that are not covered by the Kyoto Protocol, which defines the gases required for accounting under the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard. Refrigerant emission factors that do not take this into account and treat every component as reportable can overstate emissions.
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report (AR) version mismatches for GWPs: Each AR version provides updated GWPs, which convert constituent gases (e.g., CH₄ and N₂O) into CO₂e. Scope 1 and 2 calculations should use a consistent AR version whenever possible. Different emission factor sources embed different AR versions, which require correction to keep emissions quantification comparable across sources and reporting periods.

How to Prevent Carbon Accounting Errors

There are many straightforward steps you can take to avoid the common errors above.

1. Boundary setting: align early, document often

• Engage internal stakeholders early: Connect with site managers, operations leaders, finance teams, and other relevant parties to confirm operated assets and identify data owners. Explaining the purpose of the exercise will help identify nuance and prevent errors early.
• Estimate rather than exclude: Especially in early years, it’s acceptable and expected to use a documented estimate for an emission source or asset you can’t directly measure yet. Work with site teams to choose an approach and capture assumptions.
• Maintain an Inventory Management Plan (IMP): Document included entities/sites/assets, boundary decisions, and assumptions so year-over-year efforts are consistent and defensible.

2. Data collection: reduce manual handling and add simple quality assurance

• Collect on a monthly or quarterly cadence (not all at once): More frequent data collection cycles can reduce rushed work, identify data gaps early, enable follow-up while invoices are accessible, and prevent missing data from early in the reporting period.
• Use a centralized software system (but still validate): Automated invoice ingestion can reduce transcription errors, but build in manual checks for missing periods, duplicate entries, and unusual spikes or drops.
• Standardize required fields and units: Develop a data dictionary (what to capture from each invoice, in which units of measure) and require service dates so usage is assigned to the correct period.
• Check energy-use intensity of sites: A simple calculation, dividing the site’s energy use by square footage, site output, or other relevant metrics, can quickly identify unit-of-measure and other data collection errors.

3. Calculation: control conversion and emission factors

• Use recognized guidance and keep it consistent: Follow applicable regulatory guidance (e.g., the EPA in the US or DEFRA in the UK) and accepted industry methodologies (e.g., The Global GHG Accounting and Reporting Standard for the Financial Industry or the Beverage Industry GHG Emissions Sector Guidance). When in doubt, consult practitioners with deep GHG Protocol expertise.
• Create a controlled “factor library”: Document emission factors, conversion factors, sources, applicability (geography/year/fuel), and the AR version used for GWPs in your IMP.
• Add conversion guardrails: Require the factor’s functional unit to be explicit (e.g., kg CO₂e/kWh) and include reasonableness checks (e.g., typical energy use intensity or kWh per square foot).

When the stakes are high: consider third-party assurance

Third-party assurance is one of the most effective ways to test the entire process and ensure accuracy. Third-party assurance involves an independent assessment of an emissions inventory against defined criteria, evaluating boundary setting, data completeness, methodological alignment, and calculation accuracy. It serves as a critical control to identify material misstatements and improve confidence in disclosures, particularly in regulated, public-facing, or other high-scrutiny contexts.

Why Rigor Matters

Carbon accounting errors lead to misstated environmental impact, which can strain trust with customers, investors, and other stakeholders, and in some cases result in “greenwashing” legal risk. They can also trigger assurance findings, restatements, inconsistent year-over-year trends, and misdirected reduction investments based on the wrong hotspots. More practically, low quality data forces teams to spend time and effort correcting inventories instead of planning and executing emissions reductions.

A rigorous, documented approach means you can trust the numbers behind public disclosures and make informed decisions on target-setting, energy-efficiency investments, and renewable energy procurement. As the saying goes, “what gets measured gets managed”, and accurate measurement enables effective management.

Whether you are just beginning your carbon accounting journey, or have a well-established inventory process, Antea Group can help ensure you are audit-ready. Reach out to our Greenhouse Gas and Climate Change Advisory team to learn more.

 

FAQ: Carbon and GHG Accounting

What is the GHG Protocol?

The GHG Protocol Corporate Standard is the most widely used framework for measuring greenhouse gas emissions of a company. Developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), it establishes the principles, definitions, and methodology used in corporate carbon accounting.

What is the difference between operational and financial control boundaries?

Organizational boundaries define which entities, sites, and assets are included in your GHG inventory. Defined within the GHG Protocol, an operational control boundary includes all activities where the organization introduces and implements operating policies (or has the authority to). The operational control boundary is most common. A financial control boundary includes operations over which the organization directs financial and operating policies with an intention for economic benefits. Operational and financial control boundaries account for all of the emissions associated with each included asset. Companies holding a share of operations may consider using the equity share approach, which accounts for emissions proportionate to their share, although this is less common.

What are functional units?

A functional unit is the standardized unit of measurement by which an emission factor is expressed (e.g. an emission factor expressed in MTCO₂e/kWh uses a “kWh” functional unit). Activity data and emission factors need matching units of measure before they can be multiplied to calculate emissions. If your gas invoices are in cubic feet but your emission factor requires MMBtu, you need to convert first. Getting these unit conversions right is essential, because mismatches can produce order-of-magnitude errors that are easy to overlook.

What is an Inventory Management Plan (IMP)?

An Inventory Management Plan is a living document that records your organization’s boundary decisions, emission sources, data collection methods, conversion factors, and estimations and assumptions. It serves as an instruction manual for your GHG inventory, ensuring consistent processes over time. Building and maintaining an IMP is one of the most practical steps a company can take to improve the quality and repeatability of its carbon accounting. IMPs are also critical for third-party assurance of a GHG inventory.

What are greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases are chemical compounds that absorb infrared radiation, trapping heat in the atmosphere. The Kyoto Protocol identified seven types of gases for active management that are included in GHG accounting today. The three most common are emitted from combustion, fuel extraction, and electricity production: carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O). Fluorinated gases, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs), are emitted primarily from refrigerant leakage. Finally, sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃) are typically emitted as process emissions from specific manufacturing and electricity applications.

What are Global Warming Potentials (GWPs)?

Different greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere at different rates (e.g., methane traps approx. 30 times more heat than carbon dioxide over a 100-year time period). Global Warming Potentials are conversion factors that translate different greenhouse gases into a common unit (CO₂-equivalent or “CO₂e”) so that they can be added together into a single emissions total.

How long does it take to complete a GHG inventory?

It depends on the size and complexity of your organization, but first-year inventories can take several months from boundary setting through to final calculation. The most time-intensive phase is usually data collection because it involves multiple internal teams and steps: tracking down invoices, aligning with site managers, resolving gaps, and more. Organizations that collect data on a monthly or quarterly basis, rather than all at once at year-end, tend to complete the process more efficiently and with fewer errors. In subsequent years, the process becomes faster as data flows, boundaries, and methods are already established.

What is third-party assurance, and when do I need it?

Third-party assurance, also known as verification or validation, is an independent review of your GHG inventory conducted by a qualified external firm that confirms it aligns with criteria outlined by the GHGP and other frameworks. Assurance is increasingly required for regulated disclosures (such as California SB 253) and can be requested by investors and customers making decisions based on emissions data. Outside of formal requirements, assurance is one of the most effective ways to identify errors before they become public, and to build credibility with stakeholders who rely on your reported numbers.

SWORDS, Irlande, May 20, 2026 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE : TT), un innovateur mondial dans le domaine du climat, a dévoilé aujourd’hui le BrainBox AI Trane Technologies Labo IA et salle de montre à Montréal, au Canada. Cette inauguration marque une nouvelle étape importante dans la stratégie de l’entreprise visant à accélérer le développement de solutions de nouvelle génération basées sur l’IA qui réduisent considérablement la consommation d’énergie et les émissions de carbone dans l’environnement bâti.

Situé dans l’un des principaux pôles d’innovation en IA au monde, ce site montréalais rassemble des chercheurs de haut niveau, des ingénieurs logiciels, des scientifiques des données et des technologues afin de façonner l’avenir du CVC autonome et de la réfrigération de transport. La salle de montre adjacente offre un environnement immersif où les clients et les visiteurs peuvent découvrir comment l’IA agentique et les modèles prédictifs sont déjà en train de redéfinir l’exploitation des bâtiments, de transformer la consommation d’énergie et de réduire les émissions à l’échelle mondiale.

« Grâce au laboratoire d’IA, nous réunissons des talents de classe mondiale et une technologie de pointe pour façonner la prochaine génération d’innovations en matière de climatisation », a déclaré Riaz Raihan, vice-président senior et directeur numérique de Trane Technologies. « La demande des clients ne cesse de croître pour des technologies qui réduisent la consommation d’énergie, les émissions et les coûts d’exploitation. Ce laboratoire d’IA de premier plan constitue une étape importante dans notre stratégie visant à fournir à grande échelle des solutions numériques et basées sur l’IA qui ont un impact significatif pour nos clients et favorisent un avenir plus durable. »

Le laboratoire d’IA, lancé en août 2025, s’appuie sur l’acquisition de BrainBox AI par Trane Technologies et renforce le leadership de l’entreprise dans l’application de l’IA pour des bâtiments et des transports frigorifiques plus intelligents et plus résilients. En tirant parti de la puissance de la collaboration ainsi que de tests et de validations rigoureux en conditions réelles, le laboratoire d’IA contribuera à accélérer le rythme auquel les découvertes révolutionnaires passent du concept à des solutions concrètes et prêtes à l’emploi pour les clients, tout en soutenant une innovation responsable et éthique en matière d’IA.

« La technologie de l’IA progresse rapidement, créant des opportunités extraordinaires pour résoudre certains des plus grands défis de l’humanité », a déclaré Jean-Simon Venne, fondateur, président et directeur de la technologie chez BrainBox AI et responsable du laboratoire. « Le laboratoire d’IA contribuera à dynamiser la collaboration, à traduire les idées en applications pratiques et à garantir que les innovations soient développées de manière responsable et durable. C’est là que les idées audacieuses peuvent avoir un impact concret. »

Le laboratoire d’IA bénéficie du soutien d’un réseau croissant de leaders technologiques et universitaires de renom, notamment AWS, IVADO et l’Université Concordia. 

Regardez l’événement de lancement

Rejoignez la diffusion en direct sur YouTube de l’événement de lancement du BrainBox AI Trane Technologies Labo IA le 20 mai 2026 à 10 h 00 (heure de l’Est) pour découvrir les perspectives des dirigeants d’entreprises, d’industries et de gouvernements qui façonnent l’avenir de l’innovation climatique. Une rediffusion sera disponible après l’événement.

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À propos de Trane Technologies
Trane Technologies est un innovateur mondial dans le domaine de la climatisation. Grâce à nos marques stratégiques Trane® et Thermo King®, ainsi qu’à notre gamme de produits et services respectueux de l’environnement, nous proposons des solutions de climatisation efficaces et durables pour les bâtiments, les habitations et les transports. Pour en savoir plus sur Trane Technologies, rendez-vous sur www.tranetechnologies.com.
 

Déclarations prospectives
Ce communiqué de presse contient des « déclarations prospectives » au sens des lois sur les valeurs mobilières, c’est-à-dire des déclarations qui ne constituent pas des faits historiques, y compris des déclarations relatives aux initiatives d’innovation en IA de la société et aux avantages attendus du BrainBox AI Trane Technologies Labo IA et des technologies associées. Ces déclarations prospectives sont fondées sur nos attentes actuelles et sont soumises à des risques et incertitudes, qui pourraient entraîner des résultats réels sensiblement différents de nos attentes actuelles.

Les facteurs susceptibles d’entraîner de telles différences figurent dans notre formulaire 10-K pour l’exercice clos le 31 décembre 2025, ainsi que dans nos rapports ultérieurs sur le formulaire 10-Q et dans d’autres documents déposés auprès de la SEC. De nouveaux risques et incertitudes apparaissent de temps à autre, et il nous est impossible de prédire ces événements ou la manière dont ils pourraient affecter la Société. Nous n’assumons aucune obligation de mettre à jour ces déclarations prospectives.

by Allison Stowell

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

Perimenopause and menopause have become a more open and widely discussed life stage, with many women seeking practical, evidence-based guidance and support. Declining estrogen, the marker of this transition, influences a woman’s health in several ways that go beyond hot flashes. (That’s not to say hot flashes aren’t impactful, and there are some helpful tips to manage them below.) With the right approach and guidance, health outcomes can improve and menopausal symptoms can lessen.

Bone Health

Bone is active tissue that is constantly regenerating, and estrogen is a key player in this. When women are in their teens and twenties, the rate of bone growth outpaces the rate of decline. This means bones are strong and mineralize well. However, with the start of perimenopause, and declining estrogen, this balance shifts. The rate of growth slows, and bone mineralization lessens. The result is an increased risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis. Women over 50 should consume at least 1200mg of calcium per day (1000mg for women under 50). Engaging in weight-bearing exercises (like walking and yoga) also support better bone health.

Muscle Health

With aging, women naturally begin to lose muscle mass, increasing risk of sarcopenia (declining muscle mass and strength). The rate of loss increases as estrogen declines in perimenopause/menopause. This means that if women aren’t working to sustain (and hopefully build) muscle mass, they’re losing it. Muscle mass decline leads to general weakness, worsens balance, and increases risk of falling. It also makes it harder to maintain the same body weight because less muscle contributes to slower metabolism. This is far from ideal at a time when there is already an unfavorable metabolic shift. As a result, it’s so important for women to consistently strength train and support their activity with adequate protein.

Cardiovascular Health

Declining estrogen changes our heart health picture. Women may see a negative change in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cardiovascular risk also increases if you gain weight or don’t maintain an active lifestyle. It’s well known that diet plays a significant role in heart disease prevention. And this has always been a marker of the Guiding Stars guidance program. Choose Guiding Stars-earning foods to ensure your diet is low in saturated fat, trans fats, and sodium. These are three key attributes that could increase your risk of heart disease.

Diabetes Risk

Menopause also impacts carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar control, which increases risk for insulin resistance and type two diabetes. And this potential grows if a woman experiences declining muscle mass or weight gain. A nutritious diet low in added sugar, as recommended by Guiding Stars, is a great idea. Regular physical activity, which assists with blood sugar control, is also very beneficial.

Managing Menopause Symptoms

Perimenopause and menopause symptoms vary and can be quite impactful on daily living. For example, changes in body temperature are very common. One way to regulate body temperature is to consume cooling, hydrating produce like cucumbers, watermelon, celery, and leafy greens. To lessen hot flashes, avoid caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol. Research suggests that following a Mediterranean diet can also significantly lessen hot flashes and night sweats. This includes fewer processed foods, limited sugar, lower fats, and an emphasis on soy-based protein and phytoestrogens. Lastly, mediation, yoga, and regular physical activity are key to lowering stress and improving mental health.

Looking for more support? Join Allison Stowell, RD, Guiding Stars Dietitian and Retail Dietitian for Hannaford Supermarket for a free online class—Women’s Health: Hot Flashes & Cool Meals. All classes are live and feature an interactive Q&A with the host dietitian. Learn more and register here.

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores, in Circana’ Attribute Marketplace, and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

Image by Freepik

by Allison Stowell

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

Perimenopause and menopause have become a more open and widely discussed life stage, with many women seeking practical, evidence-based guidance and support. Declining estrogen, the marker of this transition, influences a woman’s health in several ways that go beyond hot flashes. (That’s not to say hot flashes aren’t impactful, and there are some helpful tips to manage them below.) With the right approach and guidance, health outcomes can improve and menopausal symptoms can lessen.

Bone Health

Bone is active tissue that is constantly regenerating, and estrogen is a key player in this. When women are in their teens and twenties, the rate of bone growth outpaces the rate of decline. This means bones are strong and mineralize well. However, with the start of perimenopause, and declining estrogen, this balance shifts. The rate of growth slows, and bone mineralization lessens. The result is an increased risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis. Women over 50 should consume at least 1200mg of calcium per day (1000mg for women under 50). Engaging in weight-bearing exercises (like walking and yoga) also support better bone health.

Muscle Health

With aging, women naturally begin to lose muscle mass, increasing risk of sarcopenia (declining muscle mass and strength). The rate of loss increases as estrogen declines in perimenopause/menopause. This means that if women aren’t working to sustain (and hopefully build) muscle mass, they’re losing it. Muscle mass decline leads to general weakness, worsens balance, and increases risk of falling. It also makes it harder to maintain the same body weight because less muscle contributes to slower metabolism. This is far from ideal at a time when there is already an unfavorable metabolic shift. As a result, it’s so important for women to consistently strength train and support their activity with adequate protein.

Cardiovascular Health

Declining estrogen changes our heart health picture. Women may see a negative change in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cardiovascular risk also increases if you gain weight or don’t maintain an active lifestyle. It’s well known that diet plays a significant role in heart disease prevention. And this has always been a marker of the Guiding Stars guidance program. Choose Guiding Stars-earning foods to ensure your diet is low in saturated fat, trans fats, and sodium. These are three key attributes that could increase your risk of heart disease.

Diabetes Risk

Menopause also impacts carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar control, which increases risk for insulin resistance and type two diabetes. And this potential grows if a woman experiences declining muscle mass or weight gain. A nutritious diet low in added sugar, as recommended by Guiding Stars, is a great idea. Regular physical activity, which assists with blood sugar control, is also very beneficial.

Managing Menopause Symptoms

Perimenopause and menopause symptoms vary and can be quite impactful on daily living. For example, changes in body temperature are very common. One way to regulate body temperature is to consume cooling, hydrating produce like cucumbers, watermelon, celery, and leafy greens. To lessen hot flashes, avoid caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol. Research suggests that following a Mediterranean diet can also significantly lessen hot flashes and night sweats. This includes fewer processed foods, limited sugar, lower fats, and an emphasis on soy-based protein and phytoestrogens. Lastly, mediation, yoga, and regular physical activity are key to lowering stress and improving mental health.

Looking for more support? Join Allison Stowell, RD, Guiding Stars Dietitian and Retail Dietitian for Hannaford Supermarket for a free online class—Women’s Health: Hot Flashes & Cool Meals. All classes are live and feature an interactive Q&A with the host dietitian. Learn more and register here.

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores, in Circana’ Attribute Marketplace, and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

Image by Freepik

AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., May 20, 2026 /3BL/ – The global regulatory landscape for sustainability reporting and corporate due diligence is becoming increasingly complex as governments worldwide continue shifting from voluntary guidance to mandatory requirements. To help companies in the consumer goods value chain navigate these developments, Cascale has released a new 2026 Global Due Diligence and Sustainability Reporting Legislation Report, analyzing the most relevant adopted and emerging laws related to human rights and environmental due diligence and sustainability reporting.

The report examines 21 legislations across Europe, the United States, the broader Americas, and Asia-Pacific, offering companies a region-by-region overview of current and upcoming obligations. It also identifies where the Higg Index suite of tools may help companies strengthen data, governance systems, and performance measurement practices that are increasingly expected by regulators, investors, business partners, and consumers.

Key Takeaways

• New report analyzes 21 sustainability reporting and due diligence legislations across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.
• The report outlines where the Higg Index may help companies prepare for evolving regulatory expectations.
• Analysis highlights growing momentum toward mandatory due diligence, climate disclosures, and transparent sustainability reporting.
• Guidance is designed for apparel, footwear, and adjacent consumer goods companies navigating increasingly complex global requirements.
• Report identifies where legislation aligns with Cascale’s strategic pillars on decent work, climate action, purchasing practices, and environmental performance.

Navigating a Rapidly Evolving Regulatory Environment

While some regulatory frameworks have narrowed in scope in recent years, including revisions to the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the broader global trajectory continues toward greater transparency, more rigorous sustainability disclosures, and stronger due diligence obligations.

At the same time, countries including Canada, Australia, and jurisdictions across the United States and Asia-Pacific continue strengthening climate reporting, human rights due diligence, and supply chain transparency requirements, often aligning with international standards such as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct.

For companies operating global value chains, these changes are creating growing pressure to understand not only what is mandatory today, but also where regulation is heading and how expectations differ across markets.

“The regulatory landscape is no longer moving in one direction — we’re seeing the EU narrow parts of CSRD and CSDDD at the same time as markets like Canada, Australia, and parts of Asia-Pacific continue strengthening sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements. That creates a genuinely complex operating environment for companies managing global value chains,” said Gabriele Ballero, manager, public affairs, Cascale. “What this report makes clear is that companies cannot approach this through fragmented, jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction compliance strategies alone. The real challenge is building governance systems, data capabilities, and due diligence practices that work across multiple frameworks at once. Companies that invest early in that kind of operational readiness will be far better positioned to absorb what’s coming next.”

Supporting Readiness Through Credible Data

The report emphasizes that while the Higg Index tools are not compliance instruments, they may help companies access credible, standardized, and scalable data that supports preparedness for emerging legal obligations and broader sustainability strategies.

The analysis maps legislative requirements against relevant sections of the Higg Index, helping companies identify where they may already have access to information that can support due diligence processes, risk assessments, governance practices, environmental performance tracking, and sustainability disclosures.

“Companies increasingly need robust data that can support both operational improvements and external disclosure expectations,” said Maravillas Rodriguez Zarco, vice president, tools & data, Cascale. “By helping organizations connect regulatory expectations with practical implementation tools, this report highlights how standardized approaches and credible data systems can support continuous improvement across complex global value chains.”

Key Findings Across Global Markets

The report identifies several major trends shaping the future of corporate sustainability regulation:

• Mandatory due diligence obligations are expanding globally, with growing expectations for companies to identify, prevent, mitigate, and address risks across their value chains.
• Climate disclosure requirements are becoming more detailed, standardized, and enforceable, with many markets aligning with TCFD and IFRS S2 frameworks.
• Even where legislative thresholds have narrowed, stakeholder expectations for transparent environmental, social, and governance data remain high.
• Companies investing early in structured governance systems, data collection, and continuous improvement processes are likely to be better positioned for future regulatory requirements.

The report also assesses how legislation aligns with Cascale’s strategic pillars and core areas of work, including fair purchasing practices, streamlined audits, supply chain decarbonization, and foundational environmental performance.

Helping the Industry Prepare for What’s Next

Designed for both Cascale members and non-members, the report serves as a practical reference guide for apparel, footwear, textiles, and adjacent consumer goods companies seeking to better understand evolving sustainability obligations across jurisdictions.

The report also clarifies that the Higg Index overlap assessment is intended to identify where relevant information may exist within the tools and does not constitute legal advice or guarantee compliance.

“Asia-Pacific is home to some of the most complex and critical nodes in global apparel and footwear supply chains, and the regional regulatory landscape is becoming significantly more demanding. Major markets, including Japan and several others, are adopting mandatory climate disclosure frameworks aligned with TCFD and ISSB standards like IFRS S2 — and that’s just one part of a broader shift. What we’re hearing from members across regions is that policy ambition needs to be matched with practical implementation pathways, ” said Howard Kwong, senior manager, public affairs APAC, Cascale. “The direction is clear worldwide: expectations for transparency, accountability, and measurable sustainability performance continue to grow. Companies that begin strengthening governance, data systems, and risk-based due diligence practices now will be better equipped to respond — wherever they operate.”

About the Report

Cascale’s 2026 Global Due Diligence and Sustainability Reporting Legislation Report focuses on adopted and mandatory legislation, or legislation expected to become mandatory in the near future, related to sustainability reporting and human rights and environmental due diligence. Legislative proposals, voluntary frameworks, and international guidelines are referenced separately to provide additional context.

The analysis focuses primarily on apparel, footwear, textiles, and adjacent consumer goods sectors, where the Higg Index is most established, while also recognizing broader relevance across global value chains.

Media Contact: Forster Communications, cascaleforster@forster.co.uk

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering pre-competitive collaboration to combat climate change and support decent work in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale stewards and governs the Higg Index frameworks, modules, and methodologies, while Worldly delivers the technology platform through which they are implemented globally. Cascale also recently acquired the Better Buying and Sustainable Furnishings Council tools. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

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AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., May 20, 2026 /3BL/ – The global regulatory landscape for sustainability reporting and corporate due diligence is becoming increasingly complex as governments worldwide continue shifting from voluntary guidance to mandatory requirements. To help companies in the consumer goods value chain navigate these developments, Cascale has released a new 2026 Global Due Diligence and Sustainability Reporting Legislation Report, analyzing the most relevant adopted and emerging laws related to human rights and environmental due diligence and sustainability reporting.

The report examines 21 legislations across Europe, the United States, the broader Americas, and Asia-Pacific, offering companies a region-by-region overview of current and upcoming obligations. It also identifies where the Higg Index suite of tools may help companies strengthen data, governance systems, and performance measurement practices that are increasingly expected by regulators, investors, business partners, and consumers.

Key Takeaways

• New report analyzes 21 sustainability reporting and due diligence legislations across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.
• The report outlines where the Higg Index may help companies prepare for evolving regulatory expectations.
• Analysis highlights growing momentum toward mandatory due diligence, climate disclosures, and transparent sustainability reporting.
• Guidance is designed for apparel, footwear, and adjacent consumer goods companies navigating increasingly complex global requirements.
• Report identifies where legislation aligns with Cascale’s strategic pillars on decent work, climate action, purchasing practices, and environmental performance.

Navigating a Rapidly Evolving Regulatory Environment

While some regulatory frameworks have narrowed in scope in recent years, including revisions to the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the broader global trajectory continues toward greater transparency, more rigorous sustainability disclosures, and stronger due diligence obligations.

At the same time, countries including Canada, Australia, and jurisdictions across the United States and Asia-Pacific continue strengthening climate reporting, human rights due diligence, and supply chain transparency requirements, often aligning with international standards such as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct.

For companies operating global value chains, these changes are creating growing pressure to understand not only what is mandatory today, but also where regulation is heading and how expectations differ across markets.

“The regulatory landscape is no longer moving in one direction — we’re seeing the EU narrow parts of CSRD and CSDDD at the same time as markets like Canada, Australia, and parts of Asia-Pacific continue strengthening sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements. That creates a genuinely complex operating environment for companies managing global value chains,” said Gabriele Ballero, manager, public affairs, Cascale. “What this report makes clear is that companies cannot approach this through fragmented, jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction compliance strategies alone. The real challenge is building governance systems, data capabilities, and due diligence practices that work across multiple frameworks at once. Companies that invest early in that kind of operational readiness will be far better positioned to absorb what’s coming next.”

Supporting Readiness Through Credible Data

The report emphasizes that while the Higg Index tools are not compliance instruments, they may help companies access credible, standardized, and scalable data that supports preparedness for emerging legal obligations and broader sustainability strategies.

The analysis maps legislative requirements against relevant sections of the Higg Index, helping companies identify where they may already have access to information that can support due diligence processes, risk assessments, governance practices, environmental performance tracking, and sustainability disclosures.

“Companies increasingly need robust data that can support both operational improvements and external disclosure expectations,” said Maravillas Rodriguez Zarco, vice president, tools & data, Cascale. “By helping organizations connect regulatory expectations with practical implementation tools, this report highlights how standardized approaches and credible data systems can support continuous improvement across complex global value chains.”

Key Findings Across Global Markets

The report identifies several major trends shaping the future of corporate sustainability regulation:

• Mandatory due diligence obligations are expanding globally, with growing expectations for companies to identify, prevent, mitigate, and address risks across their value chains.
• Climate disclosure requirements are becoming more detailed, standardized, and enforceable, with many markets aligning with TCFD and IFRS S2 frameworks.
• Even where legislative thresholds have narrowed, stakeholder expectations for transparent environmental, social, and governance data remain high.
• Companies investing early in structured governance systems, data collection, and continuous improvement processes are likely to be better positioned for future regulatory requirements.

The report also assesses how legislation aligns with Cascale’s strategic pillars and core areas of work, including fair purchasing practices, streamlined audits, supply chain decarbonization, and foundational environmental performance.

Helping the Industry Prepare for What’s Next

Designed for both Cascale members and non-members, the report serves as a practical reference guide for apparel, footwear, textiles, and adjacent consumer goods companies seeking to better understand evolving sustainability obligations across jurisdictions.

The report also clarifies that the Higg Index overlap assessment is intended to identify where relevant information may exist within the tools and does not constitute legal advice or guarantee compliance.

“Asia-Pacific is home to some of the most complex and critical nodes in global apparel and footwear supply chains, and the regional regulatory landscape is becoming significantly more demanding. Major markets, including Japan and several others, are adopting mandatory climate disclosure frameworks aligned with TCFD and ISSB standards like IFRS S2 — and that’s just one part of a broader shift. What we’re hearing from members across regions is that policy ambition needs to be matched with practical implementation pathways, ” said Howard Kwong, senior manager, public affairs APAC, Cascale. “The direction is clear worldwide: expectations for transparency, accountability, and measurable sustainability performance continue to grow. Companies that begin strengthening governance, data systems, and risk-based due diligence practices now will be better equipped to respond — wherever they operate.”

About the Report

Cascale’s 2026 Global Due Diligence and Sustainability Reporting Legislation Report focuses on adopted and mandatory legislation, or legislation expected to become mandatory in the near future, related to sustainability reporting and human rights and environmental due diligence. Legislative proposals, voluntary frameworks, and international guidelines are referenced separately to provide additional context.

The analysis focuses primarily on apparel, footwear, textiles, and adjacent consumer goods sectors, where the Higg Index is most established, while also recognizing broader relevance across global value chains.

Media Contact: Forster Communications, cascaleforster@forster.co.uk

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering pre-competitive collaboration to combat climate change and support decent work in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale stewards and governs the Higg Index frameworks, modules, and methodologies, while Worldly delivers the technology platform through which they are implemented globally. Cascale also recently acquired the Better Buying and Sustainable Furnishings Council tools. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

When it comes to running a successful business, many people think it’s a simple matter of offering a product or service customers are willing to spend money on and generating profits. Those who run businesses will tell you it’s much more nuanced. If you really want to succeed, you need to have a plan for managing every aspect of your operations, especially your finances.

This is particularly true for small business owners who want to grow. Growth, whether purchasing a building, expanding operations, buying equipment, or opening a second location, eventually requires capital that goes beyond what cash flow alone can support.

Having the ability to access credit when your business is growing can be the difference between staying stagnant and moving forward. One of the most powerful and often misunderstood resources to do this is the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Common SBA loan options for growing businesses

When exploring a credit facility for business growth, talk with a banker. SBA loans are not issued by the federal government directly. They are made by participating banks and lenders and, with the exception of the 504 loan, partially guaranteed by the SBA. This reduces risk for these banks and lenders and helps some businesses qualify for financing they might not otherwise obtain. KeyBank offers SBA loan amounts up to $5 million. KeyBank has been designated as an SBA Preferred Lender for more than 20 years¹.

Understanding how SBA loans work, and how to prepare for them, can significantly improve a business owner’s chances of loan application approval. For business owners looking to grow through expansion or real estate ownership, two SBA loan programs are particularly relevant: SBA 7(a) Loans and SBA 504 Loans.

The SBA 7(a) program is the most flexible and widely used SBA loan. It can be used for a broad range of business needs, including:

• Real Estate: Purchasing, constructing, or renovating owner-occupied commercial buildings and land.
• Working Capital: Managing day-to-day operations, inventory, and short-term cash flow needs.
• Equipment: Purchasing or installing new or used machinery, equipment, furniture, and fixtures.
• Business Acquisitions: Financing the purchase of an existing business or partnership buyouts.
• Debt Refinancing: Refinancing existing business debt to improve cash flow.

When real estate is included, loan terms may extend up to 25 years, helping to keep monthly payments manageable. This flexibility makes the 7(a) loan well‑suited for businesses that need a single financing solution to support multiple growth objectives at once.

The SBA 504 program is designed specifically for long‑term, fixed‑asset investments, such as buying or constructing commercial property or purchasing major equipment. These loans typically offer long repayment terms and fixed interest rates, which can provide predictability for growing businesses. The 504 program is commonly used when a company wants to transition from leasing space to owning its own facility, helping stabilize occupancy costs while building long‑term equity.

Both the SBA 7(a) and 504 programs require the business to occupy a majority of the commercial space being financed, reinforcing the SBA’s mission of supporting operating businesses rather than real estate speculation.

Why SBA loans matter for local economic growth
From an economic development perspective, SBA loans play an important role in strengthening local communities. When small businesses invest in property, expand their workforce, or modernize operations, the impact extends well beyond the business itself. These investments support job creation, stabilize neighborhoods, and contribute to the overall vitality of regional economies, particularly in rural and small‑town markets.

For business owners, SBA financing can also provide a path to greater financial resilience. Owning a building rather than leasing space can protect against rent volatility, while longer loan terms can free up cash flow for hiring, marketing, and innovation.

How to position your business for SBA loan success

While SBA loans are designed to improve access to capital, they are still credit products that require preparation and discipline. Lenders look for evidence that a business is well‑managed, financially sound, and capable of repaying the loan.

1. Know the numbers. Business owners should have at least two to three years of financial statements readily available, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports. Lenders want to see consistent revenue, reasonable margins, and enough cash flow to support debt repayment.
2. Prepare a clear business plan. A strong business plan explains how the loan will be used and how it supports growth. For real estate purchases, this includes explaining why ownership makes sense for the business, how the space will be used, and how the investment supports long‑term operations.
3. Maintain strong personal and business credit. Personal credit is a financial resource. Lenders will look at an owner’s personal credit history when they consider extending a loan or a line of credit to a business. Know what your credit score is, and if necessary, talk with your bank about taking it from good to excellent.
4. Build a professional support network. Accountants, attorneys, and SBA‑experienced lenders can all play critical roles in structuring a successful loan application. Their insight can help anticipate questions, avoid pitfalls, and ensure the financing aligns with the business’s growth strategy.

Also, be prepared to invest alongside the lender. In fact, SBA loans typically require an equity contribution from the borrower. Demonstrating a willingness to invest personal or business capital into the project signals commitment and reduces risk.

Planning today for tomorrow’s growth
SBA loans are not a quick fix, but for businesses thinking strategically about growth, they can be a powerful tool. By understanding available loan options and preparing thoughtfully in advance, small business owners may be able to position themselves to access capital that supports expansion, stability, and long‑term success.

For communities across the nation, thoughtful use of SBA financing helps ensure that local businesses remain competitive, resilient, and deeply rooted in the places they serve.

About the author: James Fliss is Senior Vice President, National SBA Manager for KeyBank. He can be reached at james_fliss@keybank.com.

¹Source: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) KeyBank has been designated as an SBA Preferred Lender since August, 1997

This is designed to provide general information only. All credit products are subject to collateral and/or credit approval, terms, conditions, availability and subject to change. ©2026 KeyCorp. All rights reserved. CFMA #260513-4464028 

When it comes to running a successful business, many people think it’s a simple matter of offering a product or service customers are willing to spend money on and generating profits. Those who run businesses will tell you it’s much more nuanced. If you really want to succeed, you need to have a plan for managing every aspect of your operations, especially your finances.

This is particularly true for small business owners who want to grow. Growth, whether purchasing a building, expanding operations, buying equipment, or opening a second location, eventually requires capital that goes beyond what cash flow alone can support.

Having the ability to access credit when your business is growing can be the difference between staying stagnant and moving forward. One of the most powerful and often misunderstood resources to do this is the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Common SBA loan options for growing businesses

When exploring a credit facility for business growth, talk with a banker. SBA loans are not issued by the federal government directly. They are made by participating banks and lenders and, with the exception of the 504 loan, partially guaranteed by the SBA. This reduces risk for these banks and lenders and helps some businesses qualify for financing they might not otherwise obtain. KeyBank offers SBA loan amounts up to $5 million. KeyBank has been designated as an SBA Preferred Lender for more than 20 years¹.

Understanding how SBA loans work, and how to prepare for them, can significantly improve a business owner’s chances of loan application approval. For business owners looking to grow through expansion or real estate ownership, two SBA loan programs are particularly relevant: SBA 7(a) Loans and SBA 504 Loans.

The SBA 7(a) program is the most flexible and widely used SBA loan. It can be used for a broad range of business needs, including:

• Real Estate: Purchasing, constructing, or renovating owner-occupied commercial buildings and land.
• Working Capital: Managing day-to-day operations, inventory, and short-term cash flow needs.
• Equipment: Purchasing or installing new or used machinery, equipment, furniture, and fixtures.
• Business Acquisitions: Financing the purchase of an existing business or partnership buyouts.
• Debt Refinancing: Refinancing existing business debt to improve cash flow.

When real estate is included, loan terms may extend up to 25 years, helping to keep monthly payments manageable. This flexibility makes the 7(a) loan well‑suited for businesses that need a single financing solution to support multiple growth objectives at once.

The SBA 504 program is designed specifically for long‑term, fixed‑asset investments, such as buying or constructing commercial property or purchasing major equipment. These loans typically offer long repayment terms and fixed interest rates, which can provide predictability for growing businesses. The 504 program is commonly used when a company wants to transition from leasing space to owning its own facility, helping stabilize occupancy costs while building long‑term equity.

Both the SBA 7(a) and 504 programs require the business to occupy a majority of the commercial space being financed, reinforcing the SBA’s mission of supporting operating businesses rather than real estate speculation.

Why SBA loans matter for local economic growth
From an economic development perspective, SBA loans play an important role in strengthening local communities. When small businesses invest in property, expand their workforce, or modernize operations, the impact extends well beyond the business itself. These investments support job creation, stabilize neighborhoods, and contribute to the overall vitality of regional economies, particularly in rural and small‑town markets.

For business owners, SBA financing can also provide a path to greater financial resilience. Owning a building rather than leasing space can protect against rent volatility, while longer loan terms can free up cash flow for hiring, marketing, and innovation.

How to position your business for SBA loan success

While SBA loans are designed to improve access to capital, they are still credit products that require preparation and discipline. Lenders look for evidence that a business is well‑managed, financially sound, and capable of repaying the loan.

1. Know the numbers. Business owners should have at least two to three years of financial statements readily available, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports. Lenders want to see consistent revenue, reasonable margins, and enough cash flow to support debt repayment.
2. Prepare a clear business plan. A strong business plan explains how the loan will be used and how it supports growth. For real estate purchases, this includes explaining why ownership makes sense for the business, how the space will be used, and how the investment supports long‑term operations.
3. Maintain strong personal and business credit. Personal credit is a financial resource. Lenders will look at an owner’s personal credit history when they consider extending a loan or a line of credit to a business. Know what your credit score is, and if necessary, talk with your bank about taking it from good to excellent.
4. Build a professional support network. Accountants, attorneys, and SBA‑experienced lenders can all play critical roles in structuring a successful loan application. Their insight can help anticipate questions, avoid pitfalls, and ensure the financing aligns with the business’s growth strategy.

Also, be prepared to invest alongside the lender. In fact, SBA loans typically require an equity contribution from the borrower. Demonstrating a willingness to invest personal or business capital into the project signals commitment and reduces risk.

Planning today for tomorrow’s growth
SBA loans are not a quick fix, but for businesses thinking strategically about growth, they can be a powerful tool. By understanding available loan options and preparing thoughtfully in advance, small business owners may be able to position themselves to access capital that supports expansion, stability, and long‑term success.

For communities across the nation, thoughtful use of SBA financing helps ensure that local businesses remain competitive, resilient, and deeply rooted in the places they serve.

About the author: James Fliss is Senior Vice President, National SBA Manager for KeyBank. He can be reached at james_fliss@keybank.com.

¹Source: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) KeyBank has been designated as an SBA Preferred Lender since August, 1997

This is designed to provide general information only. All credit products are subject to collateral and/or credit approval, terms, conditions, availability and subject to change. ©2026 KeyCorp. All rights reserved. CFMA #260513-4464028