Tax & Compliance Pressure: Nigeria’s Tax Ombud warned that overlapping taxes, levies, and fees are piling up costs and complexity for businesses, urging simpler digital tax administration and stronger taxpayer trust. Election & Local Business Climate: California’s “Protect Our Polls Act” bars arrests near polling places, a reminder that election rules can affect local operations and community safety. Export Support for SMEs: Guam’s Guam STEP is now accepting applications, offering export training, financial help, and market access for small businesses aiming to sell internationally. Rent Relief & Shop Vacancies: New Zealand’s Green Party proposes letting market rent reviews cut rents (not just raise them) and empowering councils to auction long-empty shop leases to bring foot traffic back to city centres. Fraud & Loan Oversight: A U.S. inspector general report says the SBA made potentially improper payments on failed 7(a) loans after overruling its own staff, raising concerns for small-business lending safeguards. Disaster Risk for Small Firms: Nepal’s flash-flood toll is expected to reach 10,000 deaths, with traders and small businessmen among those hit. Energy Access for SMEs: Ondo State launched the “Lucky Light” solar initiative to power 1,000 small businesses with reliable electricity. Data Centers & SME Security: Pearl Technology toured a Bloomington data center built to keep client data secure, including for local small businesses. Local Market Boosters: Jackson’s “Craft on Main” and the Holiday Market of Jackson are back, giving small vendors a direct sales runway.