SME Tax Relief (Australia): Australia’s Labor rolled back parts of its tax overhaul after backlash, keeping a 50% capital gains discount for “innovative businesses” and lifting the small-business CGT active-asset concession threshold to $10m turnover (from $2m), potentially covering 98% of existing small firms. SME Lending Pressure (UK): Funding Circle data shows UK SMEs are increasingly borrowing for tax bills, working capital, and debt refinancing, while growth-focused lending loses ground—signaling cash-flow strain rather than expansion. Grants for Main Street Businesses (US): American Express’s Shop Small program awarded a $20,000 grant to Brass & Bronze Foundry Bar in Lorain, Ohio, to boost marketing and improvements. Direct Support for Rural Micro-Enterprises (India): India’s KVIC disbursed Rs 504.68 crore under PMEGP for 22,259 new village artisan projects, with banks sanctioning Rs 1,485 crore in loans and expected job creation for about 244,849 people. Business Costs Squeeze (UK): Research finds two-thirds of small firms have raised prices three-plus times in five years, with energy and supplier costs driving more hikes ahead. SME Growth via Digital Skills (Philippines): UP ISSI and partners ran a Diliman session for MSMEs on content creation, social media marketing, and online safety, backed by PLDT and Smart. Regional Trade & Finance (Africa): Standard Bank says it’s targeting Nigeria plus four markets to capture a $15.4bn SME-driven revenue pool, while Egypt’s CIB Kenya aims to triple its market share in two years by pushing trade finance and cash-flow-based SME lending.