Business support Stories

Global Stories

Business support stories

Harmonic unveils AI tools for fibre network operations

Rural fibre roll-outs could become cheaper and easier to manage as the new kit targets faults, deployment hurdles and system integration.

By Catherine Knowles • 4 min read • Last month

Stories from Other Regions

Business support stories

Fintech

Xero warns of stress crisis for Australian small businesses

More than a quarter of owners fear the economy will worsen their strain as tax time and compliance pressures erode productivity and sleep.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last week

Artificial Intelligence

British Business Bank backs Antler UK fund with GBP £25m

The commitment should widen pre-seed funding for British founders as policymakers seek to keep more venture capital at home.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month

Data Protection

BT launches AI cyber tools for UK SMEs as attacks soar

With one in three firms still lacking basic protection, smaller UK businesses are facing a sharper threat and higher breach costs as attacks rise.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last month

Smart Cities

Ishan Technologies picks Oracle for billing overhaul

The overhaul should speed new service launches and improve billing accuracy as Ishan Technologies expands its digital infrastructure business.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • Last month

Network Infrastructure

Vodafone tightens control of VodafoneThree after merger

Control of the merged UK mobile venture gives Vodafone a freer hand as regulators monitor competition safeguards and network investment promises.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • Last month

Malware

Optus launches free cyber readiness programme for SMEs

Survey data showing 35% of small firms hit by cyberattacks has prompted a free Optus scheme to help businesses prepare and respond.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 3 min read • Last month

Partner Programmes

Canadian small business sales fall 4% in March quarter

Cash flow is tightening for Canadian small businesses as March sales improved only slightly, while payment times lengthened and late bills rose.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Fri, 1st May 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Guinness Enterprise Centre start-ups generate €140m

The Dublin hub's resident firms supported 13,225 jobs and €2.5 billion in revenue over 25 years, a new report found.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Wed, 29th Apr 2026

Fintech

CFIT says financial health tools could unlock GBP £5 billion

Wider use of new financial health tools could help 200,000 more UK SMEs a year secure lending, CFIT said after testing prototypes.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Tue, 21st Apr 2026

Manufacturing

Edmonton SMBs get CAD $8.4M in tariff aid for trade automation

More than 150 Alberta jobs are set to be supported as federal cash helps local manufacturers automate production and diversify exports.

By Jake MacAndrew • 3 min read • Tue, 21st Apr 2026

Supply Chain

Fuel costs push NSW firms to review staffing levels

Almost half of surveyed employers are weighing shorter hours or fewer staff as higher fuel bills squeeze margins and weaken demand across NSW.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Mon, 13th Apr 2026

Manufacturing

Most UK firms now use AI as SMEs see roles unchanged

Most UK companies now use AI, but a major survey finds small and mid-sized firms report little impact on headcount or job roles so far.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Fri, 20th Mar 2026

Digital Transformation

Sage data shows UK SMEs grow profits but slash investment

UK SMEs lifted revenues and profits in 2025 but cut capital spending for a 17th straight quarter, Sage data shows, signalling wary growth.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Thu, 19th Mar 2026

Software-as-a-Service

Superloop picks Aria for unified cloud billing push

Superloop chooses Aria Billing Cloud to replace fragmented in-house systems and unify billing across its growing telecoms services.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • Fri, 13th Mar 2026

Digital Transformation

'Imbosster Syndrome' hits confidence of sole traders

'Imbosster Syndrome' is eroding the confidence of Australian sole traders, with self-doubt stalling key decisions and slowing business growth.

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Tue, 10th Mar 2026

Risk & Compliance

SMEs bullish on growth but stuck in strategic advice gap

Australian SMEs are upbeat on 2026 growth but say they are “flying blind”, lacking strategic advisers and facing a sharp regional advice gap.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Fri, 6th Mar 2026

Clean technologies

EASI launches 2026 social impact awards for UK founders

EASI opens applications for its 2026 awards, offering a GBP £10,000 grant and year-long support to UK founders driving social impact.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Thu, 5th Mar 2026

Payment Technologies

Mastercard fund backs Canadian women small businesses

Mastercard opens 2026 fund in Canada, offering CAD $10,000 grants and support to help women-owned small firms grow amid economic uncertainty.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Thu, 5th Mar 2026

Productivity

Female founders place peer support as top priority amidst funding strain

UK female founders say peer networks and mentors matter most as they battle funding barriers, burnout and a gender gap in investment.

By Catherine Knowles • 4 min read • Sat, 28th Feb 2026