SME Finance Boost: The EBRD launched a $100m financing facility with KCB Bank Kenya to expand credit for SMEs, with 30% earmarked for women-led firms and 30% for eligible green investments, plus monitoring and advisory support to help smaller businesses become more bankable. Carbon Tax Compliance for Exporters: India’s EU FTA talks include a dedicated CBAM annexure and work plan aimed at easing carbon-border compliance for SMEs, including flexibility if EU rules change and mechanisms to account for carbon pricing already paid in India. Trade Barriers Hit MSMEs: ECOWAS MPs pushed to dismantle regional trade bottlenecks after visits and hearings in Benin, where entrepreneurs described border harassment and bureaucracy that stall growth for micro, small and medium firms. UK High Street Pressure: UK fashion retail is warning that new PM Andy Burnham’s early support may not go far enough, as research links administrations to more empty high-street units and job losses. Local Business Disruption: Spain’s Ceuta border crisis is escalating fast, with tens of thousands crossing in a day and protests disrupting local life—raising fresh uncertainty for small traders and hospitality. Digital Infrastructure Fight: London’s Brick Lane plans include a data centre and offices, approved despite campaigners warning it will damage the area’s character and hurt local businesses.