SME Policy Update (Bahrain): Bahrain’s ministry has set new SME bands using staff headcount and yearly turnover, with an online system issuing classification certificates—micro (≤5 workers or BD300k), small (6–50 or BD300k–BD4m), and medium (51–250 or BD4m–BD20m). Funding & Inclusion (Philippines): LANDBANK and PCCI formalized a partnership to expand MSME lending via the LIFTING MSMEs program, aiming to boost financial access plus digital and sustainability support. SME Growth Tech (Malaysia): Sidec launched the Selangor Triple Accelerator Programme 2026, adding a Token-X track for digital assets/Web3 alongside Deep-X and Retail-X for SMEs. Local Business Support (India): Bihar plans a Rs.170 crore MSME Technology Centre in Gaya with CNC, CAD/CAM/CAE, prototyping, and training to help regional manufacturers upgrade. Startup Expansion (Italy/US): Bestie Bite raised €1.5m to scale its AI video-review app for restaurants, targeting a market where most venues are small and under-marketed. Automation for SMBs: A report says small businesses are reclaiming up to 20 hours weekly by automating invoicing and accounting with AI-driven bank reconciliation and OCR. Healthcare Cost Pressure (California): California small firms face rising employer healthcare costs, threatening margins and employer-sponsored coverage stability. Trade & Disruption Risk (Kashmir/AJK): Unrest and communications shutdowns in Azad Kashmir could hit small traders and cart drivers first, raising delays and costs.