BRICS SME push: The 18th BRICS summit backed a BRICS portal for SMEs plus a startup network, a proposed Startup Innovation Fund, and a digital agriculture push using AI and geospatial tools—aimed at helping businesses across the Global South. Rural business grant wins: In the UK, Jewel Street Lighting expanded after a Tees Valley Rural Prosperity Fund grant, buying new tools to cut production time and broaden product range. AI for Main Street (free): Indiana’s NevTech AI launched free 30-minute AI Roadmap sessions to map which workflows to automate, estimate savings, and outline implementation costs. Traditional trade under pressure: Malaysia’s veteran locksmith Poh Kim Tong says modernisation and electronic locks are squeezing demand, even as he keeps a decades-old machine running to preserve key-cutting skills. Healthcare cost squeeze: Connecticut regulators approved 2027 health insurance rate hikes—small businesses face a larger jump than individuals. SME capital gap for women: A conference highlights that women-led MSMEs struggle with “business legibility” and funding instruments that don’t fit their realities. Tax scrutiny after shutdown: China reports show tax authorities are reactivating registrations and auditing closed small businesses, raising fear of new bills after deregistration. Competition lawsuit: New York independent grocers sued to block city-backed supermarkets offering 30% cheaper staples, arguing subsidised rivals distort the market. Fuel cost pressure: Sri Lanka fuel distributors are asking for higher prices, warning current pricing can’t sustain supply chains.