Small Business (SMB) Stories

Global Stories

Small Business (SMB) stories

Worth launches real-time decisions for small firms

Small business borrowers could get approvals in minutes as the platform cuts manual checks for banks and lenders processing applications.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Today

Data Protection

Heelr launches verified cybersecurity marketplace for firms

Growing compliance pressure is pushing firms to hire external security specialists as Heelr opens a verified marketplace for project work.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Yesterday

Cloud Security

Barracuda names ANZ winners of 2026 partner awards

Regional channel partners in Australia and New Zealand are gaining more support as Barracuda steps up tools, training and marketing to win share.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Yesterday

Data Protection

Sage adds AI fraud checks to Intacct finance tools

Finance teams could spot suspicious invoices earlier as Sage Intacct gains AI fraud checks, alongside new billing and reporting tools.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Yesterday

Fintech

Detected flags US$10.4 billion SMB onboarding cost

Businesses dropping out of onboarding are driving most of the burden, with a new report putting North American SMB merchant checks at USD $10.4 billion a year.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • 3 days ago

Digital Transformation

Helcim raises CAD $53 million at CAD $250 million valuation

Valued at CAD $250 million, the Calgary payments firm will use fresh capital to expand its platform and court more small business merchants.

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

Data Protection

Australian tech leaders urge cyber recovery planning

Rising AI-driven attacks are forcing businesses to test recovery plans before breaches hit, executives say, as minutes now matter.

By Sean Mitchell • 6 min read • 3 days ago

Stories from Other Regions

Small Business (SMB) stories

Software-as-a-Service

Passpack launches iOS app & Chrome password extension

Mobile and browser access should cut risky workarounds for small businesses still sharing logins through texts, notes and spreadsheets.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Today

Data Protection

UK small firms lack cover for social media legal claims

Many UK small firms are exposed to copyright and confidentiality claims online, with fewer than two in five carrying insurance cover.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Yesterday

Software-as-a-Service

Nearmap builds AI moat from 20 years of aerial data

Property insurers and planners are tapping recurring aerial captures as Nearmap turns 20 years of imagery into AI-driven property data.

By Sean Mitchell • 7 min read • Yesterday

Data Protection

Everyone read 'EU Delays AI Act' wrong, here's the actual timeline

High-risk AI obligations have been pushed back, but transparency, GPAI and banned-practice rules remain in force for many firms.

By Graham Melville • 5 min read • Yesterday

Data Protection

AIBUILD launches AI verifier to fight scam messages

Rising scam losses in Australia are pushing businesses to verify texts, images and voice notes before paying or acting on urgent requests.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • Yesterday

Data Protection

Ricoh Australia launches new A3 black-and-white printers

Businesses can cut training and security risks as the new monochrome range matches Ricoh colour fleets and offers faster scanning and lower running costs.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 3 min read • Yesterday

Data Protection

Qualcom lifts Northern Ireland revenue 30% on retail demand

Retailers' shift to secure digital payments and ordering systems helped lift annual revenue in Northern Ireland by 30%, with five jobs added.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • 2 days ago

Data Protection

Starling launches AI assistant for small business customers

Small firms using the app can now automate tax set-asides and invoice checks as banks race to curb fraud and cut admin.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • 2 days ago

Digital Transformation

Global Payments launches Genius World in Las Vegas

Merchants may gain a clearer view of how Global Payments links hardware, software and payments as it takes Genius on a 40-stop US tour.

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

Data Protection

AI fuels targeted scams against Australian small firms

Targeted fraud is inflicting bigger losses on small firms as AI helps criminals forge convincing invoices and impersonations in Australia.

By Mark Tarre • 6 min read • 2 days ago

Software-as-a-Service

The most positive question: How will your tech upgrade fail?

Businesses risk costly disruption if they upgrade systems for flashier features without testing integrations, compliance and day-to-day workflows first.

By Dev Punjani • 5 min read • 2 days ago