SME Credit Crunch (Philippines): Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data shows MSMEs got just 4.48% of bank lending in Q2 (P572.74B of P12.8T), far below the 10% quota—highlighting how small firms still struggle to access credit even as they drive most business activity and jobs. Immigration & Small Business Risk (US): NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani says Haitians losing Temporary Protected Status will be separated from work authorization, threatening long-running community stability and the small businesses TPS holders have built. UPI Payment Costs Fight (India): Congress leader Jairam Ramesh challenges Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the Taxation and Other Laws bill and Merchant Discount Rate changes, arguing MDR costs will hit merchants and consumers and that “zero MDR” helped small shops adopt UPI. Local Relief for Water Disruptions (Puerto Rico): Puerto Rico’s DDEC is urging eligible SMEs affected by potable water rationing to apply for grants up to $5,000 for qualifying expenses since June 1, with an Aug. 10 deadline for a funding round. Data Center Backlash (Georgia/Texas/US): Georgia residents are organizing against data centers over water, power, noise, and historic sites; meanwhile Texas is setting statewide data center standards (Abbott says firms must pay their own way), and Rep. Ro Khanna pushes a “Data Center Bill of Rights” to keep local control and protect community costs. Small Business Survival Under Rising Costs (Australia): A Queensland family mushroom farm is closing after decades in business as input and price pressures—linked to broader cost shocks—make the operation unprofitable. Trademark Clash (US retail): Buc-ee’s sued Beaver’s Mini Mart over a similar beaver logo, while the mini mart owner disputes Buc-ee’s claims and says the sign predates the chain’s arrival.