BRICS for Main Street: At the 18th BRICS summit, leaders backed an SME-focused cooperation portal plus a startup network linking incubators, an innovation fund, and early-warning plans for outbreaks—aimed at the wider Global South. Workplace costs & tax relief: Malaysia’s private-sector safety group is urging Budget 2027 to add targeted incentives for occupational safety, health, and mental wellness—especially for SMEs adopting basic standards. Fuel subsidy debate hits MSMEs: Nigeria’s CPPE warns that bringing back petrol subsidies is fiscally unsustainable and would keep squeezing transport and production costs for micro, small, and medium firms. Health insurance squeeze (US): Connecticut regulators approved 2027 health rate hikes that hit small businesses harder, with double-digit increases despite some savings from the review. SME finance access gap (women-led): A conference highlights that women-led MSMEs struggle with “business legibility” and financing tools that don’t match their realities. Digital payments for merchants (Qatar): MoCI says Ooredoo Money is now available through its Single Window for merchant wallet access during registration. Tax scrutiny after shutdown (China): Reports say tax authorities are reactivating registrations and auditing closed small businesses. Local business resilience: A UK grant helped a vintage lighting maker expand equipment and cut commission time. Cyber/AI push: An Indiana AI firm offers free 30-minute AI roadmap sessions for small businesses.