Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Small Business Optimism Up, But Uncertainty Remains High
The good news out of the nation’s capital today showed an improving small business economy, but will the Oregon Legislature’s upcoming special session tamp down Main Street’s improved outlook? Release of the monthly Small Business Optimism Index...

Small Business Bootcamp Powers Up Women Entrepreneurs Across Cayman
George Town, Cayman Islands –14 August – In a landmark year marking its 60th anniversary and the 30th anniversary of its Training Centre, the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce is doubling down on its commitment to local business with a powerful...

Challenging the media bigotry on Latin American machismo
MISOGYNY is “a very serious problem for Latin America,” reports the Guardian, reeling off the attacks on feminism by Argentina’s ultra-right president, Javier Milei. “Of course, Latin women continue to learn from those in the West,” it says,...

NFIB: Small business optimism rose 1.7 points in July
In July, the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.7 points to 100.3, slightly higher than the 52-year average of 98, while the Uncertainty Index spiked eight points from June to 97. © Shutterstock Survey respondents reported better business...

WATCH: Small business group: Pritzker-signed bills are wrong move
(The Center Square) − Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation that he says will protect workers, but a small business advocate says small towns and Main Streets will suffer. The governor signed two bills Thursday morning at the Illinois AFL-CIO...

Maryland small business optimism rises despite persistent labor and regulatory challenges
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased by 1.7 points in July, reaching 100.3 and moving above its 52-year average of 98. The improvement was driven mainly by more business owners reporting better conditions and viewing it as a good time...

Joint statement on Jobs and Skills Australias generative AI report
This joint statement is on behalf of: Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australian Industry Group Business Council of Australia Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia Australia’s leading business representatives have...

HC asks SMB to submit details of licenced vendors at Laitumkhrah
SHILLONG, Aug 14: The High Court of Meghalaya on Thursday directed the Shillong Municipal Board to file a report on the number of vending licences issued for the purpose of street vending along with the names of the licensees in Laitumkhrah area....

Darwinbox Bags $40 Million from Ontario Teachers' Fund to Power Global HR...
Darwinbox raises $40M from Ontario Teachers’ Venture Growth, pushing total funding to $320M. Focus on North America with 3x year-on-year growth since 2022 entry; clients include Zara, Adidas, Starbucks. Backed by marquee investors like Microsoft,...

Sen. Bolick is a champion for Arizona’s small businesses
Danny Mazza As a small business owner, one of my top priorities is providing quality health benefits to my employees while keeping costs manageable. But rising health care costs are taking a toll on families, including increases at the pharmacy...

Small Business Owner Wonders If Tariffs Bring In Billions A Month Why Is Washington Still Asking for 'Gifts' Instead Of Paying Down The Debt?
President Donald Trump's tariffs poured billions into U.S. coffers in July, setting yet another monthly record for customs duty collections. Treasury Department data released Tuesday shows $27.7 billion in duties came in last month — up from $26.6...

What Does a Branding Consultant Do for Small Business?
A branding consultant helps small businesses define their unique identity in the market. They assess your core values and target audience to create a brand strategy that stands out. This includes conducting market research and competitor analysis...

Visa presents its 2025 Money Travels remittances report for the Asia-Pacific
Global digital payments platform Visa announced the results of its annual Money Travels: 2025 Digital Remittances Adoption Report on Wednesday, 13th August. The report is based on responses from 44,000 senders and receivers across 20 countries and...

How Small Businesses Can Use AI To Scale Smarter
By Olanrewaju Babalola It's no longer the case that only major firms with vast finances can use AI. getty Starting a small business is tough but making it past the first few years is even tougher. Those that survive often remain in a precarious...

NFIB Small Business Optimism Index sees slight uptick
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.7 points in July to 100.3, slightly above the 52-year average of 98. Contributing most to the rise in the index were respondents’ reports of better business conditions and a promising environment for...

eTranzact MD Highlights Critical insights on ‘AI Readiness for Nigerian SMEs’ at Report Launch
Advertisements eTranzact International Plc, in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre at Pan-Atlantic University, today launched a groundbreaking report on “AI Readiness of Nigerian SMEs.” Speaking on the report during the launch, the...

State equity fund boosts cannabis small businesses with $27M amid uphill battle with larger firms
The state fund designed to help entrepreneurs from communities disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition saw a major infusion of money over the past year, bringing in more than $29 million in new funding while doling out $26.5 million in...

Association of Independent Nonprofit Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania releases economic impact report
A new report from the Association of Independent Nonprofit Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) was released Monday, in which the association highlighted the economic impact of its more than 80 independent nonprofit schools in the...

Zoho vs Microsoft 365: Which is Best for Small Business Operations in 2025?
Advertisements Heard the phrase “work smart, not hard”? If you’re still drowning in browser tabs—CRM, email, accounting, spreadsheets, HR system, marketing dashboard—and juggling them like a circus act without the applause, you’re not alone. In...

Absa Bank beats 22 others with lowest lending rates for small businesses in Ghana
The Annualised Percentage Rates (APRs) for banks' loans to households, SMEs, and corporates show that Absa Bank offered the lowest interest rates for small and medium enterprises as of the end of June 2025. According to the Bank of Ghana, the APR...