Small Business (SMB) Stories

Global Stories

Small Business (SMB) stories

OpenTable launches AI tools to help restaurants fill seats

AI search and automation are helping restaurants win more bookings as OpenTable expands tools aimed at cutting staff workload and boosting covers.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last week

Space

Fuel Transport appoints Freddy Beltran as Data AI Director

The Montreal logistics group is overhauling its data governance as it seeks better forecasting, automation and operational visibility across North America.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Last week

Data Analytics

Airties launches Aura AI engine for telecoms support

Turknet is first to use the system as operators seek to cut support costs, reduce engineer visits and fix broadband faults faster.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 5 min read • Last week

Risk & Compliance

Merchants unaware of Visa VAMP compliance thresholds

Many retailers could face penalties in the Golden Quarter without realising they are near Visa's revised dispute and fraud limits.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last week

Stories from Other Regions

Small Business (SMB) stories

Software-as-a-Service

Sembly 3.0 aims to cut weeks off client document work

The software could save teams two to three weeks on client reports and presentations as rivals race to automate final document production.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last week

Software-as-a-Service

Bank of Ireland expands Stripe deal on AI & payments

The bank aims to speed up customer payments and back-office tasks as it deepens use of Stripe's systems across its group.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Last week

Payment Technologies

Visa, ONDC explore tourism discovery tie-up in India

Travellers could soon find more local experiences and itineraries online as the two firms assess an open network approach for India's tourism sector.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last week

Software-as-a-Service

Xero apologises after two incidents upset advisers

Accountants and bookkeepers were left frustrated after an influencer post and an automated analytics email sparked concerns over Xero's adviser ties.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 5 min read • Last week

Small Business

Auckland CBD business owner eager for CRL opening after years of disruption

After years of disruption, Auckland CBD traders are banking on Sunday's City Rail Link opening to bring steadier footfall and custom.

By RNZ • 3 min read • Last week

Digital Transformation

Australia innovation activity hits record high in 2023-24

Business innovation has stalled in the latest two years, even as a new index puts Australia at a record high in 2023-24.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last week

Data Protection

Cybersecurity experts raise alarm after back-to-back data breaches

Schools and payroll users face heightened phishing and identity-theft risks after breaches exposed sensitive data at multiple firms.

By RNZ • 4 min read • Last week

Data Protection

QBE: Mooted critical infrastructure penalties hint at cyber regulatory future

Proposed fines of up to $5 million pushes more New Zealand firms to consider cyber cover as regulatory certainty emerges.

By Donovan Jackson • 4 min read • Last week

Artificial Intelligence

EY names New Zealand Entrepreneur Of The Year winners

Businesses spanning education, engineering and retail have been shortlisted for EY's New Zealand final, with the overall winner heading to Monaco in 2027.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Last week