SME Growth & AI Training (Malaysia): Meta and Malaysia’s entrepreneurship ministry launched a free Small Business Growth Academy for MSMEs, teaching AI-enabled advertising, Instagram Reels, and WhatsApp for Business (plus a Meta Business Agent for 24/7 customer replies). Local Business Relief (Philippines): Cebu City Councilor Sisinio Andales urged landlords to defer or suspend rent hikes as inflation stays elevated and fuel/transport costs keep squeezing tenants, including small businesses. Energy Costs Pressure (Philippines): Consumer, labor and climate groups renewed calls for Energy Secretary Sharon Garin to resign over the Visayas power crisis, citing months of brownouts and rising electricity costs. Worker Ownership (US): North Carolina’s Employee Ownership Center helped a Durham music retailer convert to employee ownership after banks resisted financing the buyout. Tax Deadlines (UAE): The UAE Federal Tax Authority set Sept. 30, 2026 as the deadline to file and pay 2025 corporate tax via EmaraTax, including for small business relief claimants. Local Services & Cash Access (UK): The UK government highlighted expansion of face-to-face banking hubs to keep cash services available as branches close. Community Markets (US): A new flea market debuts in LA’s Koreatown, building on the team behind Maum Market. Tourism & Jobs (NC): North Carolina Commerce reported major Helene recovery progress, including housing rebuilds, tourism spending, and business support tied to thousands of jobs.