Microfinance & Digital Inclusion: OYA Micro-Credit’s CEO Wycliffe Ochola won “Digitally Fit Microfinance CEO of the Year” for scaling online access and financial education in Kenya, aiming to widen participation beyond traditional banking networks. Township & Rural Competition Gap: A Competition Commission study says licensing, compliance, and limited market access are blocking township and rural micro and small firms—raising costs and shrinking product choice for consumers. Circular Cotton Economy: In Kenya, farmers are selling cotton residue to local buyers who turn it into charcoal briquettes for hotels and schools, creating extra income and new supply chains from “waste.” Flood Fallout in Nepal: Rasuwa’s August flood has damaged hydropower, roads, homes, schools, water projects, and bank branches, with major knock-on effects for energy, tourism, and food production. AI “Slop” on Menus: Restaurants are using cheap AI-generated food images that can mislead customers and damage trust, as regulators and consumers start pushing back. Kenya Crackdown on Foreign Traders: President Ruto ordered foreign-owned small retail and hawking businesses to shut from Sept. 7, with local-content law in the pipeline. SME Financing Boost (Thailand): IFC is considering up to $200m in senior debt for Thai non-bank lender Tidlor, with at least 75% aimed at women microentrepreneurs. Local Loan Program (US): San Diego County approved a revolving fund offering $1,000–$50,000 loans plus Small Business Development Center support for East County small businesses. Workplace Culture for Small Firms: A leadership piece argues small-business owners should build “psychological safety” so employees can answer honestly—before asking “R U OK?” Insurance Push (Nigeria): NAICOM launched a distribution-focused program to expand insurance access for young people, women, and MSMEs via digital channels. Tech & Valuations Watch (Australia): Market coverage highlights renewed selling pressure around Xero after its recovery, keeping attention on software valuations and AI-linked growth themes. Local Business Rules Spark Backlash (US): Salem, Massachusetts, business owners are challenging temporary window-art rules that require frequent removal and limit branding.