Banking & Credit Access: Ecobank Uganda launched a digital lending facility for merchants that uses transaction history (not collateral) to offer up to Shs70m working capital, with repayment automatically deducted within 30 days. SME Tax Help: The Philippines’ BIR rolled out MS-TAMP, a mentoring and assistance program for micro and small taxpayers aimed at voluntary compliance instead of immediate penalties. Bankruptcy Relief for Small Firms: U.S. lawmakers passed a bill permanently restoring higher debt limits for Subchapter V (small business Chapter 11) and Chapter 13, potentially expanding eligibility for faster, lower-cost restructuring. Labor & Hiring Rules: A new Trump executive order directs agencies to scrutinize H-1B employers that have laid off U.S. workers or plan layoffs, tightening review of petitions and entries. Cost Pressures on Main Street: Rising beef prices are forcing some U.S. restaurants to raise menu prices, while Cairo’s kiosk standardization plan could cost small operators up to 50,000–60,000 Egyptian pounds to upgrade. Local Growth & Retail Platforms: Makers opened a second Saskatchewan store to give artisans retail space while keeping 100% of sales; Pima County is also routing Project Blue land-sale funds into chamber-led small business support. Tech & Payments: India’s UPI is facing new pricing and MDR-related changes that could shift costs to consumers and merchants. Regulation Watch: Pennsylvania’s “skill games” deadline is approaching, with small operators and local businesses pushing for workable rules.