SME Finance Boost (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Federal Government backed the National Credit Guarantee Company’s GuaranteeHer plan, aiming to unlock over ₦100bn for 20,000 women-led MSMEs and support 150,000 jobs. Rural Enterprise Support (India): KVIC says it’s helping rural entrepreneurs turn traditional skills into businesses via training, tools, and market support under schemes like KVY, GVY and PMEGP, including beekeeping and herbal products. Local Business Dispute (South Africa): Ngcobo taxi operators met officials to push back against Intercape bus operations, escalating a fight over routes and competition while residents also protested municipal leadership. Visa Rules Tightened for Traders (Kenya): Kenya warned foreigners that visa-free entry doesn’t allow running small businesses without work permits, setting a deadline for unlicensed activity and raising tensions with local traders. Main Street Pressure (UK): Leicestershire council angered independent retailers after granting Sports Direct a year of free rent, reigniting debate over preferential treatment. Tech + Jobs Angle (US): A Labor Day push highlights how AI tools are changing hiring and preparation, with an AI practice-interview initiative aimed at job seekers. Infrastructure for Growth (Qatar): Qatar’s transport ministry opened an autonomous e-mobility forum, framing electric and self-driving tech as a competitiveness and quality-of-life driver. Data Center Spillover (US): A Louisiana taco business shows how big AI data center investment can create recurring local catering work for small operators.