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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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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Government extends support, targets faster payments for small businessAustralia’s 2.66 million small businesses are set ...
26/02/2026

Government extends support, targets faster payments for small business

Australia’s 2.66 million small businesses are set to benefit from extended mental health and financial support, alongside stronger action on late payments from large companies.

From 1 July, additional funding will extend free, confidential support services for small business owners and expand access to independent financial counselling for those under pressure.

The aim is to help owners manage cash flow, negotiate with lenders and suppliers, and make informed decisions when times are tough.

The federal government is also tightening accountability around payment times.

New data shows Commonwealth entities are paying small business invoices significantly faster than the national average, while hundreds of large companies have been chased for missing payment reports.

Now, new enforcement powers will target the slowest payers, and a streamlined reporting portal is set to reduce red tape for businesses doing the right thing.

With cash flow still one of the biggest risks for SMEs, these reforms highlight the importance of strong financial systems.

If late payments or rising costs are affecting your business, a trusted accountant can help you plan, manage risk and protect your growth.


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Rate rise adds fresh pressure on small businessesAustralian small businesses are facing renewed strain following Februar...
17/02/2026

Rate rise adds fresh pressure on small businesses

Australian small businesses are facing renewed strain following February’s interest rate rise, with CPA Australia warning the impact will be significant for already stretched operators.

CPA Australia says while the decision was widely expected, inflation remains stubborn in parts of the economy, prompting further action from the Reserve Bank of Australia at a time when many believed the toughest phase of the rate cycle had passed.

CPA Australia’s business and investment lead, Gavan Ord, says small businesses continue to grapple with high borrowing costs, rising prices and subdued consumer confidence, leaving few easy options.

As operating costs climb, the flow-on effects may be felt by consumers. Many small businesses will have little choice but to pass on some increases at the checkout, while others may delay investment or scale back growth plans to protect cash flow.

CPA Australia argues that lasting support must come from long-term reform, including reducing red tape and improving the business environment so owners can focus on growth and employment.

With financial pressure building, businesses are being encouraged to seek professional advice to manage risk and navigate ongoing economic uncertainty.


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