Senator Pauline Hanson claimed Australian businesses are "tied" to lazy workers they "can't sack." Employment law experts and small business advocates debated this, with some agreeing the system favors employees and others stating clear processes allow dismissals.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced expanded capital gains tax (CGT) exemptions for small businesses, including startups and testamentary trusts. The government increased the turnover threshold to $10 million, making the exemption "substantially broader and significantly more generous" in response to industry criticism.
Australia will provide "generous" capital gains tax exemptions for nearly all small businesses, with exemptions for startups and testamentary trusts. The annual turnover threshold for concessions will rise to $10m, benefiting 98% of businesses.
Australia's federal government will introduce a capital gains tax discount for startup founders, employees, and early investors, responding to backlash over proposed tax reforms. The measure aims to encourage innovation and support the startup sector.
Australia's Labor government will offer an extra capital gains tax discount to founders, employees, and early investors in startups. The government is also expanding the 50% active asset discount for small businesses to those with up to $10 million in annual turnover and exempting testamentary trusts from a new 30% tax.
One Nation's "treasury spokesman" Barnaby Joyce stated the party is willing to cut worker entitlements, including protections from termination and paid parental leave, to support struggling small businesses facing inflation and high power prices. Senator Pauline Hanson suggested rebalancing workplace laws in favor of businesses, citing issues with worker productivity.
Amazon invested over €40 billion in the EU in 2025, supporting over 1 million jobs and empowering European small businesses. The company highlights its AI innovations for personalization and efficiency, and its efforts to combat counterfeiting, fake reviews, and scams, while advocating for regulatory coherence and smart enforcement.
Premier Cho Jung-tai visited Shuili Township in Nantou County on the 13th to inspect local businesses and discuss plans to support small and medium-sized enterprises. He aims to submit a draft "Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Transformation and Upgrading Development Act" to the Legislative Yuan before the next session to facilitate equipment upgrades and business transformation, contributing to Taiwan becoming a year-round tourist destination.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has implemented a new policy preventing green card holders from accessing its loan programs, a move that disqualifies lawful permanent residents like entrepreneur Sayuri Tsuchitani. This change, criticized by business advisors and lawmakers, aims to prioritize U.S. citizens for taxpayer-funded support, despite historical data showing immigrants' significant role in business creation and job growth.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has introduced a policy change excluding green-card holders (lawful permanent residents) from its loan program, affecting immigrant entrepreneurs who previously relied on these loans to start and grow businesses, despite their tax contributions and significant role in U.S. entrepreneurship.
Nathan River Resources, a Singapore-owned iron ore mine in the NT, has gone into administration owing over $360M, including unpaid wages, royalties, and debts to small businesses, sparking criticism of the NT government for inaction.
A judge has ordered the immediate refund of duties, citing "growing inequity" between large and small businesses. Customs and Border Patrol plans to refund tariffs later, having processed $23 billion of an estimated $166 billion collected.
Kalshi, a prediction market platform, is partnering with a New York City bar, The Jeffery, to demonstrate its hedging strategy for small businesses. The bar placed a $5,000 trade on the Knicks winning their game against the Spurs, aiming to cover customer tabs if they win, or profit from increased business if they lose.
A Russian official stated that 19 million people work in the SME sector, representing one-third of the economically active population. The sector comprises 7 million entities, with an increase in individual entrepreneurs due to structural and tax changes.
Alfiya Kogina, Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee for Small and Medium Business Support, advocates for easing tax conditions for Russian entrepreneurs, emphasizing dialogue with business organizations and evaluating existing support measures before implementing new ones.
China's individual laborer and private enterprise associations have released 10 typical cases highlighting their efforts in supporting individual businesses. These initiatives focus on digital empowerment, brand building, financial services, and AI-driven regulatory support.
Chinese small businesses, particularly in the franchise sector, are expanding nationwide and globally by adopting digital technologies and innovative supply chain models. AI is enabling personalized operations, while unique Chinese flavors are attracting international customers.
Energy bills in parts of Australia will decrease by up to 10% for households and 20% for small businesses from July, driven by record renewable energy and battery storage. Despite this, investment in new wind and solar projects has declined.
Energy bills in South Australia, New South Wales, and southeast Queensland will decrease by up to 10.7% for households and 20.9% for small businesses from July. This follows a record increase in renewables and battery storage in the national grid.
Australian power prices are set to decrease for consumers and small businesses due to increased renewable energy generation and improved reliability of coal-fired power plants. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) will cut the default market offer (DMO) in several states, with benchmark prices falling by up to 10% for consumers and more for businesses.
Australian power prices are set to decrease for consumers and small businesses due to increased renewable energy and improved reliability of coal-fired generators. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) will cut the default market offer (DMO) in several states, with prices falling up to 10% for consumers and more for small businesses.
Benchmark power prices in Australia are set to decrease by up to 10% for consumers and more for small businesses, driven by increased renewable energy and improved reliability of coal-fired generators. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has cut the default market offer (DMO) in several states, with Victoria also seeing a 5% reduction.
Australian power prices are set to decrease for consumers and small businesses, with benchmark prices falling up to 10% for households and significantly more for businesses. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and Essential Services Commission have decided to cut default market offers and benchmark prices in several states, driven by increased renewable energy and better reliability from coal-fired generators.
South Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups reviewed the possibility of revoking a government award given to Starbucks Korea following controversy over marketing slogans allegedly disrespecting the May 18th Gwangju Uprising. The ministry concluded the award would not be revoked as the original grounds for the award were unrelated to the recent incident.
