Fuel Shock on Main Street (UK/Europe): A diesel shortage is pushing UK forecourt prices toward £2 a litre, squeezing small traders and drivers and forcing higher prices across the supply chain. Energy Costs Hit Small Makers (France): French baguette bakers say soaring heating-oil bills are turning energy spend into lost earnings, with many small shops facing margin pressure. Local Business Survival vs. Policy (Scotland): Highland Council’s proposed short-term let control areas are being challenged by the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers as “unevidenced,” warning of court risk and added costs for small operators. SME Finance Boost (Africa): Ecobank says it will build a $2.6B loan portfolio for women-led SMEs and agricultural businesses by 2030, combining lending with training and digital tools. Digital Access for Vendors (Uganda): Free internet at Oyam’s daily market is helping traders access online services without paying for data bundles. Tourism Tech Push (Oman/Global): Oman marks World Tourism Day with a theme on using digital and AI to redesign tourism, aiming to improve visitor experience and sector resilience. Last-Minute Funding for Small-Business Support (US): Treasury released about $289M withheld from CDFIs after a legal challenge, protecting lending to small businesses in underserved areas. Skills-to-Jobs Pipeline (Guyana): A $6.5M youth skills programme will train participants in practical trades plus small-business management, with possible job placement.