This data presents Australia’s small businesses according to their areas of operation, focusing on each state and territory.

Key findings

  • The number of small businesses increased nationally by 7% and in all states and territories over the year to 30 June 2022. The largest increases in percentage terms were in Victoria (11%) and the Australian Capital Territory (8%).
  • The main driver for this increase was a rise in business entries from 16% in the year ending June 2021 to 20% in the year ending June 2022. Small business entry rates increased in all states and territories compared to 2021-22.
  • The top five regions with the highest number of small businesses on 30 June 2022 were all in Greater Capital City areas: Sydney Inner City (NSW), Melbourne City (Vic), Wyndham (Vic), Boroondara (Vic), and Perth City (WA). 
  • The non-capital city areas with the highest number of small businesses on 30 June 2022 were Geelong (Vic), Ormeau – Oxenford (Qld), Newcastle (NSW), Toowoomba (Qld) and Townsville (Qld).

Data notes:

Businesses can operate across multiple geographic locations. To prevent double counting, this data attributes them to one geographical location. For this reason, the business counts may not reflect the full extent of business activity in each location.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) defines small businesses as those with less than 20 employees for this data. The data is classified using the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS).

This data excludes businesses not registered for GST. Cells may not add up to totals due to the Australian Bureau of Statistics adjusting cells to avoid releasing confidential information.  Exercise care when analysing small numbers for this reason. For further information see Australian Bureau of Statistics, Counts of Australian Businesses, Including Entries and Exits methodology.

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