Hurricane support for small firms: Verizon is waiving Kaua’i call/text/data charges through Sept. 14 and boosting backup connectivity for consumer and small business customers as Major Hurricane Lowell approaches. Disaster aid squeeze: California fire survivors face earlier-than-planned loss of FEMA Disaster Case Management support, threatening access to recovery resources. Tax relief push: Nigeria’s Kaduna state governor and the Joint Revenue Board say 18 states have adopted harmonised tax rules to cut overlapping levies and ease burdens on micro businesses. Local business protection: Omaha’s Streetcar Impact Alliance hosted a “Rally on the Route” block party to keep foot traffic flowing to streetcar-impacted shops. Trade pressure on SMEs: Thailand’s SME agency warns firms to move up the value chain to beat cheap China imports. Paperwork cut for UK SMEs: UK business secretary plans to simplify corporate reporting and exempt some SMEs from certain form-filling, aiming to save firms £450m. Procurement access: Fort Worth will hold a free Mission-Ready summit to help small and veteran-owned businesses navigate government contracting. Export boost for women-led SMEs: Niger trained 100 women entrepreneurs to secure Halal certification for exports to Middle East markets.