SME Finance & Growth: LANDBANK and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) formalized a stronger partnership to expand credit access for micro, small, and medium enterprises through the LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program, with added focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and financial capability. SME Tech Acceleration: Malaysia’s Sidec launched the Selangor Triple Accelerator Programme 2026, adding a Token-X track for digital assets, blockchain, and Web3 startups alongside Deep-X (deep tech) and Retail-X (digital tools for consumer-facing SMEs). Manufacturing Capacity Boost: Bihar plans a Rs. 170 crore Technology Centre in Gaya to help MSMEs with advanced machinery, CNC/CAD-CAM support, rapid prototyping, and training across engineering and textiles. Local Business Support: Duke Energy Foundation is funding North Carolina nonprofits to run microgrants (up to $5,000) for small businesses to buy equipment, upgrade tech, and expand inventory. Energy Costs on the Campaign Trail: Wisconsin governor candidates are spotlighting utility rates and how the Public Service Commission should balance reliability with lower bills. Regulation That Hits the Bottom Line: Illinois signed new hemp-derived delta-8 rules, aiming to bring products under tighter licensing as a federal ban looms. Community Commerce: North End Farmers Market is moving to a new location at GROW by NECIC, with more programming and easier access for vendors and shoppers.