Australia’s small business owners are rapidly getting older as the proportion of younger entrepreneurs shrinks, according to research from the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.

Ombudsman Bruce Billson said the most common age of small business owners across Australia is 50 years, compared to 45 years in 2006.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of a review of the effectiveness of the regulatory framework that underpins the positive commercial relationships, fair trade, confidence, and vitality in the Australian franchise economy.

Many small businesses say they feel excluded from the chance to tender for Australian Government procurement contracts because they are not part of the ‘in-crowd’ or find the process too hard to navigate, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson. 

Originally published by The Canberra Times.

WHEN Paul, the proprietor of Zenbar Massage, was setting up his remedial massage business in Dickson last year, one of his early priorities was to promote his service.

After researching online, he engaged a British-based marketing company which, for a commission, sold appointment vouchers.

The promotion appeared to work and, in addition to his other clientele, Paul (who did not want his last name published) was seeing around one customer a day armed with a voucher for his service.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has reached the milestone of helping 40,000 small businesses seeking assistance with a dispute.

Ombudsman Bruce Billson said this was a significant moment for the agency.

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Tom Elliott.

Radio 3AW

Subject: Insolvency figures, small business conditions

Tom Elliott

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Vivienne Ryan.

Small Business Connections TV

Subject: Role of ASBFEO, dispute resolutions, Tax Concierge Service

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Selina Green on ABC Radio SA South East.

Subject: End of Financial Year changes for small business

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Glen Bartholomew.

ABC News Radio

Subjects: Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, Insolvency Figures

New instant asset write-off thresholds, updated tax rules, increased superannuation payments and a rise in the minimum wage are among changes coming into effect on 1 July, says Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.