SME Growth Push (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka’s deputy minister says more expansionary measures are coming in 2027, with SMEs expected to drive exports and GDP growth after recent fiscal and stability gains. Power Reliability Watch (Canada): Manitoba Hydro told regulators its Brandon gas turbines have failed during peak demand in multiple winters, raising pressure on maintenance and backup plans. Social Protection as a Launchpad (South Africa): Sassa grants are framed as a “bridge” to resilience, citing how small relief funding helped one woman build multiple businesses. Conflict Strains Business Conditions (Sudan/Colombia): Sudan’s army gains ground in Kordofan, threatening roads, farming, and food systems; Colombia’s hardline security plan is warned to risk more violence against vulnerable communities. AI Funding Surge (Global): Accel raised $3.5B for early-stage AI investing, while Team8 added $365M for AI-native enterprise startups. Data Center Risk Shift (Insurance/Infrastructure): Allianz warns the data center boom is creating new construction, climate, and insurance risks as investment accelerates. SME Cost Pressure (UK): Iran-linked borrowing costs are expected to hit UK SME margins and investment plans. SME Digital Skills (Pakistan): Meta and Pakistan’s IT ministry launch an AI and digital tools training program for 1,000+ SMEs across nine cities. Export Deadline (UK): Tees Valley’s export fund still has August funding available for firms seeking overseas expansion.