SME Finance Access: Togo plans an SME financing portal with its Credit Information Bureau (BIC), aiming to guide loan applications and connect small businesses directly with banks and microfinance firms by end-2026. Banking Beyond Funding: South Africa’s Standard Bank leadership says banks must use their expertise and infrastructure to help SMEs survive—moving from just lending to better decisions, analytics, and market expansion support. Trade War Pressure: US-Canada tariff escalation is raising costs and squeezing small businesses across the supply chain, with owners warning margins are getting hit from multiple directions. Diesel Shock on Main Street: Record-high diesel prices tied to the Iran conflict are forcing businesses to absorb costs or pass them on—raising pressure on trucking, construction, and farms. Local Business Survival After Disruption: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore asked the SBA for Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Anne Arundel County businesses affected by the Empire Towers structural emergency. Payments Policy Watch: India’s proposed UPI MDR on certain merchant transactions above Rs 2,000 is worrying Kashmir traders about added costs, even as the Finance Ministry says cash use and inflation impacts should be limited. AI for Operations: Primare AI launched Primare P1, a client-owned appliance “staffed” by eight virtual employees, positioning it as an owned-data alternative to rented AI services. Retail Closures: Australia’s Cue/Veronika Maine is closing five stores after voluntary administration and receivership, with no concessions but buyer interest reported. Governance & Jobs: Daejeon appointed new heads for its Job and Economy Promotion Agency and Credit Guarantee Foundation, signaling continued support for local employment and SME credit. Antitrust Oversight: A US judge kept Google’s ad tech intact but ordered behavioral changes to loosen its control over ad systems—important for small publishers and advertisers relying on ad markets.