Small Business (SMB) Stories

Global Stories

Small Business (SMB) stories

Acronis names Prakash Panjwani as Chief Executive Officer

The change puts Acronis's MSP strategy at the centre of its next growth phase, as more than 21,000 service providers use its products worldwide.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Today

Robotics

EU enlists Nvidia to boost AI research across Europe

Researchers and startups could gain easier access to AI tools, training and European computing power as the Commission teams up with Nvidia.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Yesterday

Malware

Identity-led intrusions drive cyber extortion tactics

Attackers are exploiting trusted identities and collaboration tools to steal data and extort victims, leaving defenders with only brief windows to react.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • 2 days ago

AI Security

Codenotary launches AgentMon Start for small businesses

The cloud-free tool gives smaller firms visibility into AI agent activity, helping them curb hidden token costs and security risks.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 3 min read • 4 days ago

Human Capital Management

Personio becomes certified B Corp after five-year effort

The certification caps a five-year review of Personio's social and environmental practices, adding external scrutiny to its HR software business.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • 4 days ago

Risk & Compliance

Cynomi names winners of 2026 cyber advisory awards

Recognition of service providers underscores the growing reliance on outsourced cyber advice as smaller firms seek stronger resilience without in-house teams.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • 4 days ago

Stories from Other Regions

Small Business (SMB) stories

Financial Systems

US small businesses grapple with software fragmentation

Most owners are now juggling six or more platforms, turning basic bookkeeping into manual reconciling as adoption of digital tools accelerates.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Yesterday

Auckland Council

Piha domain to reopen for summer despite council recommendations

The move secures jobs and keeps a key Piha business open, even as council staff warn flooding could make the site unsafe in future.

By Ross McNaughton • 4 min read • Yesterday

Small Business

How has the new CRL affected Auckland hospo? It's a mixed bag

Hospitality around Auckland's new rail stations is seeing only modest gains so far, with some cafes busier and others still waiting for a real lift.

By Serena Solomon • 5 min read • Yesterday

Small Business

UK SMEs fear closure as costs bite, Flagstone finds

Energy bills and wider cost pressures are pushing many UK SMEs to the brink, with 43% fearing they may not last beyond two years.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • 2 days ago

AI Security

Anthropic opens Singapore office & signs AI safety pact

The deal expands Anthropic's Asia-Pacific footprint and gives Singapore closer access to its AI safety and model-testing expertise.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • 2 days ago

Agricultural Technology

Australian SME hiring slows as MYOB data shows July fall

The latest figures point to weaker demand and tighter margins, with employment across Australian small businesses down 0.6% in July.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • 2 days ago

Financial Systems

Intuit launches AI tools for Australian QuickBooks users

Australian small businesses and accountants will get more automated bookkeeping help as Intuit rolls out its AI platform in QuickBooks and Accountant Suite.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • 3 days ago

Software-as-a-Service

Oracle NetSuite launches free QuickStart for startups

Eligible US startups can now use NetSuite's accounting tools free, as Oracle pushes founders to adopt finance software before spreadsheets start to fail.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 3 min read • 3 days ago

Supply Chain

Diamond Logistics warns brands on peak season planning

Late planning could leave smaller online retailers facing higher delivery costs and scarce warehouse space during Black Friday and Christmas trading.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • 3 days ago

Manufacturing

Evos lands USD $9 million to automate industrial work

The funding will help Evos expand autonomous operators across manufacturing and freight, after it passed USD $1 million in annual revenue within four weeks.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • 3 days ago

Financing

UK SMEs miss growth as cash flow bites, study finds

A survey of 500 financial decision-makers found cash flow pressures stopped 39% of UK B2B SMEs from pursuing growth last year.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • 3 days ago

Robotics

LinkedIn ranks Australia's top startups as AI booms

Health tech and AI firms took most of LinkedIn's 2026 Australian startup ranking, signalling where hiring and investor attention are shifting.

By Mara Sugue • 5 min read • 3 days ago

Artificial Intelligence

Shopify says AI-referred sessions convert 80% better

AI-referral is becoming a meaningful sales channel for merchants, with Shopify saying such sessions converted 80% better than organic search between April and June 2026.