SME Finance & Payments: Payoneer renewed its Etsy partnership through 2029, keeping cross-border payouts available for Etsy sellers in 16 markets across Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East—aimed at reducing friction and cost for small merchants selling internationally. SME Lending & Tokenisation: DIFC-based WiserGates kicked off a pre-seed round at a US$30m valuation, pitching “nano capital” to let everyday investors take fractional stakes in small cash-generating businesses, with a focus on financial education and SME access to global funding. Digital Hiring for MENA: Workable launched native WhatsApp integration, letting recruiters message candidates directly from within the platform—targeting markets including the Middle East and North Africa where WhatsApp is a primary channel. Entrepreneurship & Jobs (Kurdistan): Three unemployed ag graduates in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region opened the first vermicompost plant in the region, using red earthworms to turn local waste into bio-fertilisers to tackle soil salinity and support farm livelihoods. Agri-Trade Deal: StoneX agreed to acquire Colombia coffee trader Integra, adding certified origination and processing capacity—an example of how commodity supply chains are consolidating to serve global buyers. AI Adoption (Türkiye): TÜİK reported AI use among individuals and enterprises in Türkiye doubled in 2026, with firms using AI mainly for marketing and sales, while small businesses lag larger firms. Business Cost Pressure (Context): Rising diesel prices tied to Middle East conflict are squeezing motorists and small businesses, with UK pump prices hitting record levels.