SME Tech Funding: North Carolina’s Perfusio Corp. won a $75,000 state grant to build a handheld burn-imaging device and AI-enhanced software for faster, more objective point-of-care decisions, adding to a prior $349,000 NIH SBIR award. AI Security for Small Firms: Microsoft says scammers are using invisible Unicode tricks to hide instructions in spam by splitting words like “funding,” a reminder for SMBs to tighten filters and staff training. AI Skills Access: University of Hawaiʻi launched a free, open-access “AI for Hawaiʻi” course for everyone, aiming to boost AI literacy and responsible use across the workforce. SMB Policy & Access: The U.S. SBA proposed a major overhaul of small business size standards—simplifying NAICS codes and raising thresholds—to expand eligibility for federal support. Business Growth & Capital: Stripe is acquiring OpenRouter to help businesses route AI requests across many models more efficiently, targeting lower costs and less complexity for SMBs. Local Business Pressure: Methuen’s mayor proposed a one-year moratorium on new data centers while the city updates zoning, citing strain on electricity, water, and infrastructure. Entrepreneurship & Youth: A PDP candidate in Dutse/Kiyawa pledged skills training, starter kits, and access to small-business financing for youth and women. Trade & SME Visibility: The Philippines’ SME sponsor rules at the PSE may be loosened to cut sponsor costs and widen advisers, potentially making IPOs more reachable for smaller firms.