SBA Oversight: A U.S. inspector general report says the Small Business Administration may have made $11.5M in improper payments after overruling staff on 16 failed 7(a) loans, while another $5.4M was lost to review delays. Retail Rent Pressure: New Zealand’s Green Party proposes letting councils auction long-vacant shop leases and changing rent reviews so rents can fall too—aimed at helping small retailers survive downturns. Credit & Collections Stress: India’s Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry pressed Jammu & Kashmir Bank for a Special One-Time Settlement for stressed borrowers, plus concerns over credit deployment, rates, recruitment, and recovery notices. Digital Payments Costs: Australia’s card surcharge ban is set to remove checkout add-ons, but merchants warn bank processing fees still squeeze margins. Energy for SMBs: Ondo State (Nigeria) launched the “Lucky Light” solar initiative to supply clean power to 1,000 small businesses, cutting one of their biggest operating costs. Export Support: Guam’s STEP program is opening applications, offering export training, financial help for first-time exporters, and market access. Fraud & Grants: Minnesota’s Hennepin County shut down a small business recovery grant after finding widespread fraudulent applications.