Australia's 2.7 million small businesses play a vital role in the economy. This page combines Australian Bureau of Statistics data on Australia's small business population with ASBFEO assistance request data, providing insights into the disputes and issues for which small businesses sought assistance in 2025-26.
Australia’s small businesses, based on employment size
There were 2,741,087 actively trading small businesses operating on 30 June 2026, an increase of 84,618 (3.2%) compared to 30 June 2025. Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees accounted for 97% of all actively trading businesses (Source: ABS, Counts of Australian Business including Entries and Exits, July 2022 – June 2026, table 13).
While most Australian businesses have fewer than 20 employees, the issues they face vary considerably. Requests to ASBFEO for assistance provide insight into the challenges experienced by small businesses seeking support.
Key issues raised with ASBFEO, 2025-26
ASBFEO received 8,623 requests for assistance in 2025-26. Of these, 2,314 required support from a dedicated case manager. Disputes with digital platforms were the most common issue, accounting for 40% of cases managed by a dedicated case manager.
The number of digital platform disputes has increased by 192%, from 317 cases in 2024-25 to 925 in 2025-26. Digital platforms are critical to the operations of many small businesses, providing access to customers, marketplaces and advertising services. When disputes arise, small businesses can face difficulties accessing a decision-maker who can review individual circumstances and resolve issues promptly.
Payment disputes remained the second most common type of dispute. Delayed or unpaid invoices places pressure on cash flow and may affect other businesses in the supply chain.
Most common disputes managed by ASBFEO, 2025-26
| Type of dispute | Number of cases received 2025-26 |
|---|---|
| Digital platforms | 925 |
| Payment | 707 |
| Franchise | 230 |
| Contract | 200 |
| Financial services and insurance | 24 |
| Other | 228 |
Dispute types are classified according to the small business owner's description of the dispute. While disputes can be multi-faceted, each case is assigned a single primary dispute type.
Source: ASBFEO case management data, 2025-26.
Together, digital platform and payment disputes accounted for around 70% of cases managed by a dedicated case manager in 2025-26, highlighting the importance of digital markets and timely payment practices for small businesses.