SME Tech & Productivity: Epicor says Budget 2027 should judge technology spending by measurable outcomes—productivity, quality, downtime reduction, waste cuts, and stronger supply chains—rather than just adoption, with extra focus on SMEs turning digital investments into long-term competitiveness. Workforce & Cost Pressure: A softer-than-expected U.S. labor report showed job growth slowing while wages lag inflation, reinforcing a “stable but not picking up” mood that hits small employers and workers alike. AI for Small Business: Stony Brook University wrapped its LIA-AI Growth Academy, giving 49 Long Island businesses $5,000 grants and training to build practical AI plans across marketing, customer engagement, finance, and workflow automation. Local Business Access to Big Deals: Prince George’s County is negotiating Sphere’s arrival with a community benefits push for at least 50% county-based small business work and 40% for county-based minority business enterprises. Housing That Stays Affordable: Common Roots Housing Trust broke ground on seven cottage homes in Walla Walla using a community land trust model to keep prices affordable for future buyers. Payments Policy Impact: Australia’s card surcharge ban and lower interchange caps take effect, changing merchant payment economics and competitive dynamics for retailers. Regulation Watch: SEBI is building a second surveillance system to flag “bad elements” among listed companies and identify small IPOs that may harm retail investors.