Energy Policy Watch (Philippines): Lawmakers urged a broader, more “measured” review of EPIRA’s system loss charges, warning the debate can’t focus only on Meralco because small businesses and consumers nationwide in Visayas and Mindanao are seeing higher bills. Payments & SME Costs (India): India’s Lok Sabha passed a bill that would allow banks and payment providers to levy charges on UPI and other notified digital payments, removing the current MDR exemption—an issue that could directly affect merchant costs. Regulatory Shift (Virginia, US): Virginia’s SCC ordered data centers to pay for transmission infrastructure built for their load, aiming to stop ratepayers—including small businesses—from footing “hundreds of millions” in costs. Workforce Funding (US): The SBA is offering up to $10M for manufacturing workforce training via tribal colleges and tribal-serving institutions, targeting rapid reskilling for 8(a)/HUBZone-eligible small businesses. Local Business Support (US): Cleveland launched a weekly downtown farmers market starting Sept. 1, pairing local producers with community programming and multiple nutrition benefits. Trademark Pressure (US): In Ohio, Buc-ee’s sued Beaver’s Mini Mart over a similar beaver logo; the case is drawing community backlash and a fast response deadline. SME Growth & Training (US): Thurston County’s EDC promoted Ashley Whitley to expand business innovation and training programs, including ScaleUp for Washington state firms. Digital Skills for AI Era (Philippines): A private-sector council backed a National AI Implementation Taskforce to turn AI plans into real education and upskilling actions for workers and businesses.