Small Business (SMB) stories

New Zealand’s AI productivity promise will falter unless firms simplify systems, curb shadow AI and strengthen cybersecurity foundations.

Xero launches global beta of JAX-powered bank reconciliation, promising to auto-match over 80% of statement lines in real time.

Canon has broadened its imageFORCE line in Australia, adding new A3 and compact A4 printers aimed at evolving hybrid office needs.

Synology bundles three-year Acronis True Image Essentials licences with every Bee series device, adding full-system backup and ransomware defence.

Digimune and MY CYBER GUARD have teamed up to launch an Australian identity protection service for households and small businesses.

Cyber-extortion incidents rose 44.5% to 19,000 victims, with small firms targeted most amid a fragmented, global cybercrime landscape, warns Orange Cyberdefense.

Hyvä has made its Magento front-end solution free and open source, aiming to help smaller retailers worldwide access advanced eCommerce technology.

CommBank launches a national programme to boost AI and cybersecurity skills for over one million Australian small businesses, aiming to enhance productivity and resilience.

QuickBooks Payments launches in the UK to help SMBs cut late invoices, aiming to tackle a GBP £2.5 billion annual payment delay problem.

Brevo has raised EUR €500 million, reaching unicorn status to boost AI capabilities and expand its US presence, targeting EUR €1 billion revenue by 2030.

Australia unveils a National AI Plan, investing AUD $29.9m in safety and AUD $460m in programs to boost skills, industry adoption, and workforce confidence.

Australia's National AI and Data Centre Plan sparks calls for enforceable energy standards amid rising power demands and concerns for small businesses.

Australian firms face a rising cyber threat as AI and expanding digital footprints fuel ransomware attacks, with risks expected to surge up to 40% in 2024.

Canadian SMEs prioritise sustainability but face challenges in accessing green finance and formal reporting, with only 5% securing funding despite high ambition.

Australian SMEs show growing confidence into 2026, with rising revenue and increased digital adoption helping them tackle soaring energy costs and economic challenges.

Thryv has launched an AI marketing tool in Australia and New Zealand to help home service businesses automate sales and boost their online presence.

Canadian businesses can boost holiday sales by combining digital with impactful print marketing like signage and personalised gifts to stand out locally.

SonicWall unveils the TZ80 firewall, delivering enterprise-level security and easy management for small and remote offices amid growing network complexity.

Singapore launches a government-backed pilot to boost productivity by pairing firms with flexible, fractional executive hires for short-term leadership roles.

Canadian businesses and partners are embracing agentic AI to deliver trusted, industry-specific solutions that drive real productivity gains and measurable outcomes.