Small Business (SMB) stories

Avalara opens registration for virtual event Avalara NEXT 2026, spotlighting “agentic” always-on tax and compliance automation for builders.

Decidr and ICON team up to bring AI-driven Procure-to-Pay automation to SAP users across Asia-Pacific, targeting high-volume finance tasks.

Australian-built Sign Customiser says its online design and pricing tools have powered more than USD $75m in global sign sales.

Canva launches Magic Layers beta, using AI to turn flat PNG and JPG images into editable, layered designs across key English-speaking markets.

Entrepreneurs increasingly see AI as a tool for efficiency and cost-cutting, not a springboard to new markets or sustainability goals.

AI 'leaders' in finance rush to pilots but lack rules, data and governance to scale tools into core, high‑accountability workflows.

Mastercard launches Global Commerce Suite in Hong Kong, targeting SME cross-border payments as Asia Pacific digital trade surges.

SMBs are bullish on AI but a new ECI report finds poor data, scarce skills and unclear use cases are stalling real-world results.

AI is speeding up shorter workdays but piling on more tasks, with rising collaboration, multitasking and weekend work, a study finds.

Mastercard launches its Virtual C-Suite AI agents, starting with a Virtual CFO, to give small firms automated executive-style insights.

Late payments are pushing more Australian small firms into debt, draining weeks on chasing invoices and fuelling rising financial stress.

Cohesity debuts sovereign cloud tie-ups, AI-driven threat tools and midsize bundle to harden data protection as enterprises scale AI.

Xero launches AI-driven analytics and cash flow forecasting in ANZ, aiming to help small firms anticipate shocks and plan with richer data.

Ransomware attacks in Asia-Pacific surged 59% in 2025 as rapid digitalisation and AI adoption fuel faster, more targeted cyber extortion.

OpenText rolls out its revamped Secure Cloud in Australia, targeting MSPs with unified security, backup and local AUD $ billing tools.

LastPass launches Secure Access Essentials, a browser-focused suite to secure access to workplace apps, SaaS and unsanctioned AI tools.

IVECO adds AI theft recovery to its connected services, offering 24/7 managed stolen vehicle assistance to boost commercial fleet security.

Nvidia survey finds AI now widely embedded in operations, driving revenue gains, cost cuts and fresh spend as firms move beyond pilots.

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

ShipStation rolls out expanded fulfilment, inventory and returns tools in Australia and New Zealand to unify eCommerce operations.