SME Lending Gap: Philippines banks are still steering only a small slice of credit to micro, small and medium enterprises—MSMEs got 4.48% of banks’ total lending in Q2, far below the 10% target, even as the BSP keeps monitoring compliance. Local Community Banking: Midwest BankCentre’s “Give Joy” event in De Soto handed out $500 in cash to local business owners and shoppers, highlighting how small-town banks build goodwill. Immigration Shock for Small Business: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded after the Trump administration ended Haitian TPS, warning the move threatens workers and small business owners who’ve built long-running local operations. Payments Policy Fight: India’s Jairam Ramesh pushed back hard on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over proposed UPI Merchant Discount Rate changes, arguing “zero MDR” was key for small shops and street vendors. Data Center Backlash: Georgia’s data center boom is drawing organized resident opposition over power, water, and neighborhood impacts, with some cities pausing new applications. Cyber/Creator Tools for SMBs: Facebook’s Professional Mode is back in focus as a potential growth and income lever—along with privacy pitfalls for small business owners. Business Safety & Costs: Central Arizona College food trucks reported generator thefts, while Puerto Rico’s DDEC is urging water-rationing-hit SMEs to apply for grants up to $5,000. Tech & Training Grants: Bank of Hawai‘i opened Saipan small business revitalization grants (up to $5,000), and Western Wyoming College earned a Military Friendly Schools designation—both signals of targeted support for local operators.