SME Lending Squeeze (Philippines): Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas says micro, small and medium enterprises got only 4.48% of bank lending in Q2—well below the 10% target—amounting to P572.74B, as both lenders and borrowers pull back amid economic strain. Local Business Relief (Puerto Rico): Puerto Rico’s DDEC is urging eligible SMEs hit by potable water rationing to apply for grants up to $5,000 for qualifying expenses since June 1, with sales caps and documentation required. Community Support for Small Firms (U.S.): Spectrum expanded gigabit internet to 900+ Seminole County homes and small businesses and added a $15,000 digital education grant; meanwhile, United Way of Northeastern Minnesota is taking wildfire-impacted Ely-area small business applications due Aug. 10 (grants $2,500–$10,000). Policy & Payments Watch (India): India’s Lok Sabha cleared an MSME bill aimed at faster supplier payments and easier business, while debates continue over payment rules and digital procurement. Tech for SMBs (Alibaba): Alibaba rolled out new Qwen app features and opened Wan 3.0 public testing, signaling a push to win enterprise and SME budgets with document-to-video tools. Data Center Backlash (Georgia/Texas): Georgia residents are organizing against data centers over power, water, and neighborhood impacts, while Texas announced data center compliance standards meant to keep costs from shifting to families and small businesses. Small Business Legal/Brand Fight (Ohio): Buc-ee’s sued Beaver’s Mini Mart over a beaver logo, adding another reminder that branding disputes can quickly turn expensive for small operators.