Workplace Safety Rule Fight: WorkSafeBC’s proposed changes would force employers to manage “psychosocial hazards,” with critics warning it could treat normal job conditions as hazards and let workers challenge everything from workloads to how bosses speak. Startup Defense Access: The Defense Innovation Unit says some venture-backed firms get stuck in a “chicken-and-egg” security-clearance loop and plans a new solicitation so selected companies can start facility clearance before the Pentagon buys their tech. Local Contract Push: Erie County legislators are weighing a bill to give small local businesses priority on county bids for public works up to $35,000 and purchases up to $20,000. Small-Business Grants: Flagstaff opened a $45,000 Business Retention and Expansion grant pool (awards $2,500–$30,000) with a 1-to-1 match, targeting areas like health care, clean energy, R&D, and software. Financing Relief for SMEs: MBf Bank and Business Link Pacific launched a NZ$1M lending facility in Tonga cutting rates to 5.50% (from 10.50%) for women-led SMEs. Hiring Skills Shift: A survey finds many small-business leaders are rejecting candidates over weak practical AI skills, with AI fluency increasingly showing up in everyday work. Trade Shock Warning: UNCTAD warns disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could permanently exclude SMEs from global supply chains as freight, insurance, and financing costs spike. Regulatory Headwinds for Operators: Pennsylvania’s skill game machines face enforcement after a state Supreme Court ruling, threatening revenue and jobs for bars and convenience stores. Venture Capital for Growth: Galen Weston Jr.’s Wittington Ventures launched a new $180M fund focused on Series A and B rounds across commerce, health care, consumer, climate, and food.