SME Survival & Banking: Standard Bank’s Luthando Vuba says South Africa’s SME failure rate is ~60% and urges banks to do more than lend—using their expertise, tech and advisory to help owners make smarter expansion decisions. Supply Chain & Costs: Diesel prices hit record highs in Michigan after the Iran conflict, squeezing trucking, construction and farming—analysts warn costs will eventually flow to consumers. Trade War Pressure: US-Canada tariffs are again raising costs for small firms caught in cross-border supply chains, with procurement and product bans adding uncertainty. Payments Policy: India’s Finance Ministry says the new UPI MDR (0.4% above Rs 2,000) shouldn’t drive more cash use or inflation, but Kashmir traders fear margin damage. SME Credit Access: Togo plans an SME financing portal via its credit bureau (with IFC support) to help businesses submit better loan applications to banks and microfinance. Local Business Disruption: UMass Chan disputes a $117K tools bill with a vendor over purchasing-process rules, while Australia’s Cue/Veronika Maine prepares to close five stores after receivership. Regulatory Burden: CPA Australia warns Australia’s proposed 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts could cost $2.8B mainly in professional advice as owners scramble to restructure. Compliance-First Marketing: Peptides SEO launches a compliance-screened SEO service for regulated industries, aiming to reduce the risk of penalties from “non-compliant” optimization. Chesapeake Bay Order: A new Trump executive order revokes Obama-era restoration coordination and targets stormwater fees as “rain taxes,” raising concerns for small businesses in the watershed.