HR + M&A Tech: WTW teamed with Sapien Software to bundle HR management, payroll, benefits and deal intelligence for mid-market divestitures and M&A, aiming to speed “day one” readiness. Small-Business Fraud Crackdown: Georgia AG Chris Carr announced 17 convictions tied to nearly $500K in forged PPP loans, with defendants admitting they didn’t own the businesses listed. Local Growth Programs: North Fork Valley Creative Coalition launched a six-month Business Growth Collective for entrepreneurs, pairing workshops on cash flow, pricing, marketing and tech with mentoring and co-working. Digital Skills for Micro-Owners: Malaysia’s Digital Ministry rolled out a community digital literacy push targeting senior citizens, micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses, including scam awareness and safe AI use. Payments Pressure: India’s traders withdrew a “No UPI Day” protest after meeting Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over proposed merchant UPI fees that could hit SMEs. Energy + SME Parks: Kano approved a PPP for a Kano Energy and SME Industrial Park at the AKK pipeline terminal to support energy firms and small businesses. Community Business Support: Emeryville Restaurant Week starts Oct. 1 with 11 days of local dining deals, plus public voting for ImageFIRST’s HeroesFIRST healthcare recognition. Policy + Workforce: New York’s FutureWorks Commission is studying how AI may reshape jobs and how small businesses can benefit, with recommendations due by year-end.