SME Financing Pressure: Malaysia’s ACCCIM says MSMEs still struggle to get affordable, timely, cash-flow-matched funding, with only 33.3% of micro firms accessing banking facilities. Local Business Growth: Backspin Social is opening a second location in Leland with a three-day grand opening, expanding a husband-and-wife indoor golf and community venue. Hospitality Tax Relief: UK hospitality operators are welcoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues, while some urge further VAT relief. Cross-Border Payments Push: Ant International raised about US$1.2B in Series A funding to expand merchant payments and embedded finance for SMEs. AI for SMB Operations: ANNA Money is buying UK Business Forums and Business Data Group to build an AI platform that covers company formation through bookkeeping, tax and compliance. Cyber & Payments Security: Verifone won a U.S. patent for wireless tamper detection to help prevent card skimming at unattended terminals. Community & Resilience: Rochester Pride Festival canceled due to storms will issue refunds, including to small businesses and vendors that registered tables. SMB Risk From Crime: A South African tuckshop owner describes extortion threats tied to gun offers, warning that intimidation is crushing township businesses. Federal Contracting for MedTech: Lovell Government Services and Micro-Tech Endoscopy partner to expand access to advanced endoscopic devices across VHA, MHS and IHS.