Small Business (SMB) stories - Page 8

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

Stratus Consulting Group sweeps top honours at the 2025 MYOB Acumatica Partner Awards, leading a strong field of ANZ partners in Melbourne.

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.

New Zealand AI startup Contented raises AUD $4.1m seed round to speed UK and US expansion and triple headcount in coming months.

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.

Trans-Tasman small firms are upbeat and boosting tech and marketing, yet consumers report patchy service and missing digital basics.

Spark and Icehouse will run free nationwide AI and productivity workshops to help New Zealand SMEs lift performance and overcome tech barriers.

Stress is surging for New Zealand's small business owners, with nearly half considering closing as rising costs and tax shocks take their toll.

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.

Xero is boosting its Analytics tool with AI cash flow forecasts, behavioural insights and operational metrics on shareable visual dashboards.

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

Deel launches The Pitch, a global contest offering up to USD $15m in SAFE funding to seed start-ups, with APAC entries closing 21 April.

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.

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.