SME Finance Push: Access Financial targets a bigger SME loan book, aiming to grow its portfolio toward $7B and leaning on products for women entrepreneurs plus green lending. Cross-Border Dealmaking: QFC and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce signed an MoU to help U.S. firms expand into Qatar, focusing on fintech, digital assets and enterprise tech. SME-Friendly Procurement: Kuwait amended its public tenders law, raising thresholds, boosting SME bid preference, and setting a faster grievance process—plus more local sourcing expectations. Workforce & HR Practice: A guide on annual employee evaluations stresses continuous feedback, specific coaching, self-review, and measurable follow-ups. Local Cost Relief: Cebu City is considering a resolution asking landlords to defer rent hikes amid higher living costs, explicitly tying pressure to families, small businesses and workers. Business Succession Policy: France’s “Papin pact” proposal would make it easier for employees to buy SMEs, modeled on family-business transfer rules. SMB Growth via Events & AI: Local chambers and business groups are rolling out AI and resilience sessions for small firms, while Nepal and other tourism markets debate how to prepare for the AI economy. Entrepreneur Spotlight: Finnginuity turns heavy steel into “forever” kitchen tools, and Mr. Handyman Greater Jacksonville hands leadership to a new owner team built on service-industry hiring experience.