Small Business (SMB) stories - Page 8

Stop wasting budget on grunt work: use agentic automation to handle competitor intel, reporting, SEO and lead routing so marketers drive revenue.

Canopy to launch AI-powered bookkeeping module in 2026, unifying ledger visibility, month-end workflows and client collaboration tools.

ECI opens registration for its 2026 Connect conference in Las Vegas, promising hands-on, practical AI guidance for everyday business use.

Tailor Brands now lets founders open business bank accounts as they form US LLCs, promising faster launches and integrated money tools.

AI-fuelled ransomware hit record levels in 2025, with BlackFog warning that around 86% of attacks worldwide are never publicly disclosed.

Newo raises USD $25m to grow AI voice agents that answer calls for small businesses, after revenue doubled late 2025 amid rising demand.

Emburse launches AI-powered Assurance tool to spot expense errors and fraud earlier, easing audit workloads and speeding reimbursements.

Virtual Spotter makes US its biggest market as lean direct debit model cuts gym admin by 65 hours and AUD $1.4k a month per client.

Xero is axing its app store billing by June 2026, forcing developers onto new API-based tiers and their own subscription systems.

While most slept through Christmas dawn, SonicSentry analysts foiled a 3am brute-force cyber attack on a French client's firewall.

Christchurch AI startup Contented raises NZD $4.1m seed round to grow its meeting-minutes platform and push into Australia, UK and US.

Belfast tech firm SciLeads will create 60 fully remote roles over three years as it scales its life sciences market intelligence platform.

Object First posts 183% bookings surge as demand soars for immutable on-premises backup storage to combat escalating ransomware threats.

Late payments now make up 37% of global pay cycles, with firms waiting 51 days on average to be paid, Sidetrade data reveals.

Collage appoints co-founder Ross Durbin as chief executive to spearhead AI-driven digital asset management growth from its Denver base.

Exactly.com and GP Solutions team up to embed streamlined payments into travel platforms, targeting simpler, cheaper options for smaller firms.

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.

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

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

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