SME Funding Boost: FNB Eswatini says it’s raised SME lending access to E1.5 million after listening to entrepreneurs at its SME Growth Forums, aiming to expand loan reach and improve merchant devices. Digital Inclusion & Livelihoods: Grab won DICT’s “Bayani sa Last-Mile” award for advancing digital access and expanding earning opportunities for delivery partners and MSMEs. Fintech for Growth: Moniepoint’s 2025 Impact Report frames the platform as more than payments—citing improved operations and earnings for merchants and growth-linked loan outcomes. AI for Startups: Northern Virginia students launched LaunchBridge, an AI “business launcher” that helps users get an LLC, ID numbers, a website, and a Stripe account in days. Agentic Banking: DBS rolled out upgraded AI assistants for over 10 million users, letting corporate/SME clients complete selected banking tasks via chat. Biotech Speed-Up: Twig Bio launched Hazel, an AI research intelligence platform meant to cut biomanufacturing and market feasibility research timelines from weeks to minutes. SME Capital Marketplace: Zimbabwe’s ZEEX exchange is set to connect entrepreneurs with investors and support brokers, accountants, lawyers, and regulators to widen access to funding. Policy Pressure on SMEs: Business groups in Cebu welcomed Marcos’ SONA tax relief and anti-corruption pledges but urged Congress to turn promises into implementable reforms. Cybersecurity for Business: Zscaler and Schwarz Digits partnered to deliver a sovereign Zero Trust SASE offering across Europe, targeting regulated sectors and data-sovereignty needs. Local Business Support: North Carolina’s Rural Rise NC initiative brought the state’s top elections official to meet rural small business owners on hurdles like insurance costs, hiring, and local spending.