AI for SME lending (Philippines): DICT and Land Bank of the Philippines signed an MoU to build AI-enabled digital tools for micro, small and medium businesses, aiming to improve creditworthiness and streamline loan applications under an ASEAN push for AI-powered MSME growth. Local business support (Tanzania): Equity Bank Tanzania trained 200 blue-economy entrepreneurs (including seaweed farmers and fishers) on financial management, modern farming and cutting post-harvest losses, targeting better access to finance and value addition. SME-friendly policy debate (US): New state proposals to ban “surveillance pricing” could also restrict some personalized discounts, with New York and New Jersey taking a broader approach. SME dealmaking and growth (Australia): Ascentium Australia added Melbourne advisory firm MGI Dobbyn Carafa, expanding integrated support for SMEs and mid-market clients across tax, strategy, M&A and valuations. Community business rights (San Francisco): A city proposal would let small businesses unionize to negotiate rents and costs, alongside a plan to help workers buy businesses. Energy for households (India): Uttar Pradesh surged to 2nd place in rooftop solar installs under PM Surya Ghar, showing how faster approvals and coordination can accelerate SME-adjacent clean-energy adoption. Mobility in emerging markets (Liberia): Bajaj’s authorized importer launched the RE 236-4V keke in Monrovia, highlighting affordable transport as a jobs and entrepreneurship driver. Blue-economy entrepreneurship (Zanzibar): Seaweed and fisheries entrepreneurs are being pushed toward stronger financial skills and sustainable practices to unlock more value from marine resources.