SME Export Push: Sabah’s JOM MALAYSIA Festival 2026 is being framed as a “local to global” engine, linking entrepreneurs, government, finance and buyers to expand market access under the SMJ 2.0 agenda. Farmers & Cooperatives: Kenya’s Trade PS Regina Ombam urged small-scale farmers to join cooperatives to boost bargaining power, production scale and financing access. SME Summit in Baghdad: UN ESCWA and Iraq’s planning ministry announced the 4th Arab SMEs Summit (Baghdad, Nov 18–20, 2026) with $300M+ in partner commitments and open registration for SMEs/startups. Standards Under Fire: Uganda’s Parliament is intensifying its probe into UNBS over alleged weak enforcement, delayed certification and governance issues that SMEs say slow trade and fuel counterfeit complaints. Tariffs vs Small Business: New US Section 301 forced-labor tariffs (10%–12.5%) sparked immediate lawsuits from small importers and broader backlash from trading partners, with experts warning the tariff approach may stay “sticky.” Local Business Hit by Red Tape: New York’s Mamdani is rolling out a 50-policy package to cut paperwork and permits for mom-and-pop shops, arguing red tape is strangling openings. Tourism & Jobs via Decentralization: Zimbabwe’s Parliament is rotating national programs to provinces; Bulawayo officials say it boosts domestic tourism and sales for hotels, transport and small businesses. Community Support for Closures: In Canada, 100 Mile House residents rallied after repeated emergency room shutdowns, pressing Interior Health for stronger support. Retail Disruption: India’s Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar traders report sales down to about 25% during ongoing protests, citing diversions, metro disruptions and payment issues. Business Resilience: Pennsylvania’s JHA Companies opened a new regional office at DuBois airport to serve municipalities and local businesses with engineering, surveying and environmental services.