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Could your business be getting a better deal on finance?Competition in Australian business lending is putting downward p...
25/08/2026

Could your business be getting a better deal on finance?

Competition in Australian business lending is putting downward pressure on borrowing margins, according to new research commissioned by the Australian Banking Association.

SMB loan margins fell by almost 39 basis points between 2021 and 2026, while the value of SMB loans increased by 82% since 2020.

For businesses with existing debt or considering borrowing to fund growth, this could be an opportunity to review current financing arrangements and compare what is available.

Even a small reduction in your lending margin can reduce the cost of borrowing and potentially free up cash for other business priorities.

Before refinancing or taking on new debt, compare the total cost, fees, repayment terms and impact on your cash flow.

More businesses are turning to external finance to stay afloatIn concerning news, 18% of businesses sought debt or equit...
06/07/2026

More businesses are turning to external finance to stay afloat

In concerning news, 18% of businesses sought debt or equity finance in the 2024-25 financial year, a sharp rise from 5% in 2021-22, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The top two reasons given for seeking finance were to:

* maintain short-term cash flow or liquidity (42%)
* ensure survival of the business (38%)

In the current economic climate, businesses of all sizes are facing ongoing rising costs that are placing them under greater financial pressure.

If cash flow is becoming a challenge, don't wait until it becomes a survival risk. Speaking to your accountant early can help you understand your main pressure points, explore ways to improve your cash flow position and determine whether external finance is an appropriate solution.

Australia’s $1bn zero-interest loan boost for SMEsAustralian banks have begun rolling out zero-interest loans for small ...
04/05/2026

Australia’s $1bn zero-interest loan boost for SMEs

Australian banks have begun rolling out zero-interest loans for small and medium-sized businesses under the Federal Government’s new $1 billion Economic Resilience Program (ERP), designed to ease pressure from rising fuel costs and global supply-chain disruptions.

Delivered through the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, the scheme offers eligible businesses with annual turnover under $100 million access to loans of up to $5 million, with terms of up to two years. Applications officially opened on 20 April 2026.

The program is focused on critical industries heavily exposed to recent market shocks linked to Middle East conflict and global input cost spikes such as freight, logistics, fuel, fertiliser, plastics and manufacturing sectors.

Major lenders including ANZ, NAB and Bendigo Bank have confirmed participation, with support positioned to help viable businesses manage cash flow without the burden of interest costs. Standard bank fees still apply, and loans must be repaid in full.

Banks are also encouraging businesses under pressure to reach out early, with options such as repayment deferrals, restructuring and temporary working capital support available alongside ERP funding.


SBS Finance Group

Banks brace for bad credit spikeTwo of Australia's major banks are preparing for a possible rise in bad debts amid the o...
30/04/2026

Banks brace for bad credit spike

Two of Australia's major banks are preparing for a possible rise in bad debts amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

National Australia Bank (NAB) has increased expected credit impairment charges to $706 million for the first half of its financial year – around $300 million higher than initially anticipated. Westpac has issued a similar warning. Both expect the energy shock, higher inflation and slowing economic growth to create a challenging environment for borrowers.

This could signal tighter conditions ahead for businesses, with higher input costs, reduced consumer spending and increased lender scrutiny placing pressure on cash flow and debt servicing capacity.

What can you do to mitigate these risks?

* Review cash flow buffers to ensure there’s capacity to absorb rising costs.
* Assess current debt obligations and engage with lenders early to discuss potential repayment adjustments.
* Identify and reduce non-essential expenses.
* Work with your accountant to stress-test your financial position.

Taking early steps can help ease financial pressure and reduce the risk of defaulting on debt.


SBS Finance Group

Are your employees worried about AI taking their jobs?A Finder survey found that nearly 1 in 10 (9%) Australians think t...
14/04/2026

Are your employees worried about AI taking their jobs?

A Finder survey found that nearly 1 in 10 (9%) Australians think their job will 'definitely' be replaced by artificial intelligence, while a further 21% have concerns, but are not sure it will happen.

That's around 4.2 million people who worry that AI will threaten their livelihoods.

Gen Z professionals are the most concerned, with 38% who think they're going to be replaced by AI, followed by 34% of millennials.

But the concern isn’t just about machines eliminating jobs, it's also about roles slowly shrinking, hours being cut and fewer opportunities in the job market.

If your business is considering AI technology to improve cost efficiency, taking a transparent approach can help prepare employees for changes and potentially ease job security anxiety.


SBS Finance Group

02/04/2026

Spreading a message of Love & Hope.
Happy Easter Everyone! 🐣😍

Rising interest rates: What small businesses need to know in 2026As of March 2026, the Reserve Bank of Australia has ado...
31/03/2026

Rising interest rates: What small businesses need to know in 2026

As of March 2026, the Reserve Bank of Australia has adopted a more aggressive stance, lifting interest rates to 4.10%, with further increases expected going forward.

For small businesses, this means preparing for sustained financial pressure throughout the year.

Higher borrowing costs will impact loans, overdrafts and profitability. At the same time, consumers facing mortgage strain are likely to cut back on discretionary spending, slowing revenue growth.

Add rising energy, wage and insurance costs, and margins may feel increasingly tight. Ongoing global conflict is also pushing up fuel prices, increasing transport and supply chain costs.

Lenders are becoming more cautious, placing greater emphasis on cash flow and affordability.
To beat the odds: review your debt structure, streamline operations, and prioritise strong cash flow management.


SBS Finance Group

Fraudulent chargebacks are rising. This is what small businesses need to knowSmall business owners are increasingly repo...
30/03/2026

Fraudulent chargebacks are rising. This is what small businesses need to know

Small business owners are increasingly reporting losses from fraudulent chargebacks, where customers dispute legitimate online transactions to claim refunds.

Even when businesses provide proof of purchase and delivery, some transactions are still reversed, resulting in lost revenue and unrecovered goods.

With “card-not-present” e-commerce transactions expected to surpass in-store purchases next year, the risk is growing.

This shift is driving renewed calls for stronger protections against online shopping fraud.

What can you do?

Ensure clear transaction records, use verified payment gateways, implement delivery confirmation systems and regularly review dispute processes.

Prevention and documentation are your strongest tools.

Review your internal controls now to protect cash flow and minimise risk in an evolving digital marketplace.


SBS Finance Group

Small business confidence edges higher, but pressure remainsConfidence among small business owners has lifted slightly, ...
05/03/2026

Small business confidence edges higher, but pressure remains

Confidence among small business owners has lifted slightly, with the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman reporting a 0.1% rise in its Small Business Pulse in the three months to February 2026. The index has now recorded its fourth consecutive quarterly increase and sits 1.2% higher than the same time last year.

Despite the modest improvement, operating conditions remain demanding. Margin pressure, high costs and regulatory complexity continue to shape cautious decision-making. Many owners are exploring ways to grow, including expanding products and services, improving marketing reach and researching technology and artificial intelligence to boost productivity.

Demand for practical, tailored support also remains elevated. Enquiries show strong interest in hands-on guidance around employing staff, contracts, compliance and managing risk. There has also been a slight uptick in businesses seeking early advice on financial stress and restructuring.

The data suggests resilience is holding, but cost pressures and compliance demands continue to weigh on day-to-day operations.


SBS Finance Group

Australia at “tipping point” as inflation stays high and productivity lagsWesfarmers CEO Rob Scott has warned that Austr...
01/03/2026

Australia at “tipping point” as inflation stays high and productivity lags

Wesfarmers CEO Rob Scott has warned that Australia may be at a “tipping point” as inflation remains elevated and productivity growth is weak, following the group’s latest results.

He said persistent cost pressures and slow efficiency gains are weighing on business conditions across the economy.

For small businesses, these conditions can translate into higher input costs (such as stock, rent, energy and wages) alongside tighter margins and more cautious consumer spending.

Navigating this environment often means closely managing cash flow, reviewing pricing and costs, and prioritising practical productivity improvements within day-to-day operations.

The comments reflect broader economic headwinds affecting businesses of all sizes in 2026, including those operating within retail and supply chains connected to major corporates.

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