Small Business (SMB) stories

Kalaam adopts Luminance AI to centralise contract data, cut review times and standardise legal work across its Middle East and UK markets.

Google will expand AI R&D, cloud engineering, health projects and skills training in Singapore, deepening a USD $5 billion tech presence.

Malaysia banks on AI, chips and data centres to sustain 4-5% growth in 2026, as SME adoption and workforce skills emerge as key tests.

Sage sees four senior leaders named 2026 CRN Channel Chiefs as it leans on partners to drive AI-led growth for SMB finance and HR.

Constant Contact doubles down on AI-driven tools while keeping email the core link between small businesses and their customers.

AI bookkeeping startup Botkeeper shuts after 11 years, citing rapid client consolidation, lost revenue and an unsustainable path forward.

In 2026, business tech shifts from “digital first” to “frictionless flow”, as connected ecosystems quietly power work across every sector.

UKG appoints veteran HR tech executive Paul Broughton as Asia Pacific managing director to spearhead regional growth and customer expansion.

Australian workplaces brace for 2026 as AI, hybrid models and security demands converge to reshape how, where and why people work.

ClearCourse names new CFO, COO, AI and M&A heads to unify its software brands and accelerate growth towards 2026 ambitions.

North West mid-sized firms plan to ramp up apprentice hiring in 2026 after GBP £725 million reforms scrap training costs for under-25s.

Cowbell and Zurich roll out Prime One cyber cover for Australian SMEs, targeting firms up to AUD $100 million turnover with rapid broker access.

Airwallex launches an AI assistant in its web app, promising to simplify onboarding and day-to-day finance tasks for multi-currency businesses.

Indosat’s AI spam shield blocked 2bn risky contacts in six months, averting scam losses of about USD $500m for Indonesian users.

Revolut passes 1m Australian customers and vows nearly AUD $400m investment, stepping up its challenge to local digital banking rivals.

ARM Hub launches Propel-AIR 2.0 with MassRobotics visit, linking Australian startups to Boston mentors, investors and global robotics networks.

Canada is investing CAD $2,815,999 to boost digital skills and AI adoption across Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.

Identity Digital names CRO Matt Overman to CRN’s 2026 Channel Chiefs list, spotlighting its growing domain partner ecosystem and strategy.

Open ECX wins PEPPOL access point status as the UK edges towards mandatory e-invoicing, expected to be introduced by 2029.

Grab Finance taps FICO data tech to automate credit checks across six Southeast Asian markets and boost eligibility by nearly 50%.