SME Credit Access: Pakistan’s finance push is translating stability into more lending, with Apna Ghar housing approvals up 84% and agriculture and SME credit programs also expanding. SME Debt Relief: South Korea is rolling out aggressive debt restructuring for self-employed and small business borrowers hit by COVID-era loans, aiming to ease repayment pressure as rates rise. Local Spending Boost: South Korea’s Yongin is offering 10% Chuseok cashback on local-currency payments (capped per person) to help small retailers recover sales. Tariffs & Affordability Pressure: Canada says tariff support for affected businesses will last “as long as necessary,” while Toronto candidates debate how to protect local firms during the U.S.-Canada trade fight. Data Privacy Risks for SMBs: Class-action investigations are underway after breaches involving a healthcare MSO (names and Social Security numbers) and a federal credit union (potential exposure of sensitive personal data). Reputation & Trust: A new take on online reputation warns small businesses that AI-assisted brigading, fake reviews, and algorithm amplification mean owners can’t fully control what customers see. Business Growth & Hiring: California’s Jobs First grants are funding 18 projects tied to 20,000 jobs, targeting sectors like aerospace, advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, and quantum. Cyber/AI Hiring Guidance: OPM is encouraging federal agencies to use AI more in hiring—keeping humans central—signaling more AI adoption across government processes.