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).
There were 842,233 small businesses in New South Wales (NSW) on 30 June 2022. These accounted for 34% of all Australian small businesses (compared to 32% of the population that live in NSW). In NSW, the number of small businesses increased by 6% in the year to June 2022.
Chart 1: Small business in NSW, 30 June 2022
“Currently Unknown” is comprised of a small number of businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
Greater Sydney
There were 591,274 small businesses in Greater Sydney on 30 June 2022, representing 70% of all small businesses in NSW. The number of small businesses in the greater capital city area increased by 30,806 (representing an increase of 5.5%) over the year to June 2022, up from the previous increase of 4% in the year to June 2021.
The Greater Sydney areas with the highest number of small businesses on 30 June 2022 were:
- Sydney Inner City (73,656 small businesses). Of these, 49% were in Sydney (North) – Millers Point.
- Eastern Suburbs – North (22,395 small businesses). Of these, 20% were in Bondi Junction – Waverly.
- Bankstown (20,805 small businesses). Of these, 13% were in Condell Park.
- Baulkham Hills (19,097 small businesses). Of these, 29% were in Baulkham Hills (West) – Bella Vista.
- Merrylands – Guildford (18,352 small businesses). Of these, 16% were in Granville – Clyde.
Regional New South Wales
There were 245,113 small businesses in the rest of NSW, accounting for 29% of NSW small businesses on 30 June 2022. The number of small businesses in the rest of the state increased by 13,671 (up 5.9%) in the year to 30 June 2022, a significant increase from the previous year (Chart 2).
The areas with the highest number of small businesses were:
- Newcastle (14,878 small businesses). Of these, 18% were in Newcastle – Cooks Hill.
- Richmond Valley – Coastal (10,801 small businesses). Of these, 35% were in Ballina and Surrounds and 20% were in Byron Bay.
- Wollongong (10,511 small businesses). Of these, 25% were in Wollongong – East.
- Wagga Wagga (9,232 small businesses). Of these, 72% were in Wagga Wagga and Surrounds. An additional 9% were in Temora.
- Lake Macquarie – East (8,684 small businesses). Of these, 23% were in Charlestown – Dudley.
Table 1: Businesses in NSW by size, 30 June 2022
Number of employees |
Number of businesses Greater Sydney |
Number of businesses in the rest of NSW |
Total number of businesses in NSW1 |
Non-employing |
346,629 |
143,693 |
494,210 |
1-4 employees2 |
196,354 |
75,384 |
273,227 |
5-19 employees |
48,291 |
26,036 |
74,844 |
Small businesses (0-19 employees)3 |
591,274 |
245,113 |
842,281 |
20-99 employees |
11,649 |
5,127 |
17,201 |
100-199 employees |
1,141 |
288 |
1,680 |
200+ employees |
596 |
130 |
1,648 |
Total |
604,660 |
250,658 |
862,769 |
1 Includes businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
2 This includes a small number of businesses which have income tax withholding roles for purposes other than withholding amounts from wages and salaries (and as such have zero employment).
3Calculated by the ASBFEO based on the ABS definition of small business of 0-19 employees.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
Chart 2: Annual change in the number of small businesses in NSW
Total includes a small number of businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
The number of small businesses in NSW increased by 6% over the year to 30 June 2022. They increased by 30,806 (5%) in Greater Sydney. The areas with the largest increase in the number of small businesses were:
- Sydney Inner City (increased by 2,981 small businesses)
- Merrylands – Guildford (increased by 1,973 small businesses)
- Bankstown (increased by 1,938 small businesses).
The areas with the largest percentage increase in the previous year were:
- St Marys (increased by 17%)
- Mount Druitt (increased by 15%)
- Blacktown North (increased by 14%).
The number of small businesses in the rest of NSW increased by 13,671 (6%) over the year to 30 June 2022. The areas with the largest increase in the number of small businesses were:
- Newcastle (increased by 828 small businesses)
- Kiama – Shellharbour (increased by 630 small businesses)
- Richmond Valley – Coastal (increased by 594 small businesses).
The areas with the largest percentage increase in the previous year were:
- Dapto – Port Kembla (increased by 12%)
- Kiama – Shellharbour (increased by 11%)
- Lake Macquarie West (increased by 10%).
There were 710,455 small businesses in Victoria on 30 June 2022, representing 28% of all Australian small businesses (compared to 25% of the population that lives in Victoria). This is an increase of 71,030 small businesses or 11% from the previous financial year.
Chart 1: Small business in Victoria, 30 June 2022
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
Greater Melbourne
There were 560,467 small businesses in Greater Melbourne on 30 June 2022, representing 79% of all small businesses in Victoria. The areas of Greater Melbourne with the highest number of small businesses were:
- Melbourne City (41,012 small businesses). Of these, 35% were in Melbourne CBD – West.
- Wyndham (32,294 small businesses). Of these, 23% were in Tarneit and surrounds.
- Boroondara (25,625 small businesses). Of these, 26% were Hawthorn and 22% were in Balwyn.
- Dandenong (23,394 small businesses). Of these, 42% were in Dandenong and 13% were in Springvale.
- Monash (23,073 small businesses). Of these, 14% were in Oakleigh – Huntingdale and 13% were in Mount Waverley – South.
Regional Victoria
There were 147,432 small businesses in the rest of Victoria on 30 June 2022, accounting for 21% of all Victorian small businesses. The areas with the highest number of small businesses were:
- Geelong (17,190 small businesses). Of these, 18% were in Geelong, 10% were in Geelong West – Hamlyn Heights and 10% were in Highton.
- Ballarat (9,546 small businesses). Of these, 27% were in Ballarat and 12% were in Ballarat North – Invermay.
- Surf Coast – Bellarine Peninsula (7,734 small businesses). Of these, 32% were in Torquay.
- Gippsland – South West (7,500 small businesses). Of these, 31% were in Wonthaggi – Inverloch.
- Wodonga – Alpine (7,342 small businesses). Of these, 33% were in Wodonga and West Wodonga, and 16% were in Bright – Mount Beauty.
Table 1: Businesses in Victoria by size, 30 June 2022
Number of employees |
Number of businesses in Greater Melbourne |
Number of businesses in the rest of Victoria |
Total number of businesses in Victoria1 |
Non-employing |
368,103 |
91,121 |
460,916 |
1-4 employees2 |
149,776 |
41,753 |
192,114 |
5-19 employees |
42,588 |
14,558 |
57,425 |
Small businesses |
560,467 |
147,432 |
710,455 |
20-99 employees |
10,649 |
2,853 |
13,817 |
100-199 employees |
972 |
196 |
1,343 |
200+ employees |
548 |
100 |
1,238 |
Total |
572,636 |
150,581 |
726,839 |
1 Includes businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
2 This includes a small number of businesses which have income tax withholding roles for purposes other than withholding amounts from wages and salaries (and as such have zero employment).
3Calculated by ASBFEO based on the ABS definition of small business of 0-19 employees.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
Changes in small business numbers for Victoria
Chart 2: Annual change in the number of small businesses in Victoria
Total includes a small number of businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
A national rise in business entries was the main reason for the rise in the number of businesses in 2021–22. Although this rise occurred in all states and territories, the Australian Bureau of Statistics observed that the increase in the business entry rate was particularly high in Victoria[1]. The national small business entry rate increased from 16% in 2020–21 to 20% in 2021–22.
The number of small businesses increased by 60,517 (12%) in Greater Melbourne. Non-employing businesses increased 18% from 2020-21.
The areas with the largest increase in the number of small businesses were:
- Wyndham (increased by 8,305 small businesses)
- Tullamarine – Broadmeadows (increased by 5,155 small businesses)
- Casey – South (increased by 4,587 small businesses).
The areas with the largest percentage increase from the previous year were:
- Wyndham (increased by 35%)
- Melton – Bacchus Marsh (increased by 33%)
- Casey – South (increased by 31%).
The number of small businesses in the rest of Victoria increased by 10,424 (8%) over the year to 30 June 2022. The areas with the largest increase in the number of small businesses were:
- Geelong (increased by 1,768 small businesses)
- Ballarat (increased by 858 small businesses)
- Bendigo (increased by 751 small businesses).
The areas with the largest percentage increase from the previous year were:
- Latrobe Valley (increased by 15%)
- Bendigo (increased by 12%)
- Geelong (increased by 11%).
[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics, Counts of Australian Businesses, including Entries and Exits methodology, Reference period June 2018 to June 2022
There were 473,038 small businesses in Queensland on 30 June 2022, representing 19% of all Australian small businesses (compared to 20% of Australia’s population who are Queenslanders).
Chart 1: Small business in Queensland, 30 June 2022
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
As shown above, 46% of Queensland’s small businesses were in the Greater Capital City region. This aligns with the population distribution, as half of Queensland’s population (51%) resides outside of Greater Brisbane.
Greater Brisbane
In Greater Brisbane, there were 217,137 small businesses on 30 June 2022, representing 46% of all small businesses in Queensland. The areas with the highest number of small businesses were:
- Brisbane Inner (21,016 small businesses). Of these, 45% were in Brisbane City.
- Brisbane Inner – North (12,330 small businesses). Of these, 26% were in Newstead – Bowen Hills.
- Mt Gravatt (8,720 small businesses). Of these, 28% were in Eight Mile Plains.
- Brisbane Inner – West (8,200 small businesses). Of these, 36% were in Paddington – Milton.
- Holland Park – Yeronga (7,866 small businesses). Of these, 23% were in Coorparoo.
Regional Queensland
There were 253,900 small businesses in the rest of Queensland on 30 June 2022. These accounted for 54% of Queensland’s small businesses. The areas with the highest number of small businesses were:
- Ormeau – Oxenford (14,983 small businesses). Of these, 15% were in Hope Island and 15% were in Helensvale.
- Toowoomba (13,557 small businesses). Of these, 36% were in Toowoomba.
- Townsville (12,032 small businesses). Of these, 11% were in Townsville City – North Ward.
- Broadbeach – Burleigh (10,813 small businesses). Of these, 26% were in Burleigh Heads and 25% were in Mermaid Beach – Broadbeach.
- Southport (10,077 small businesses). Of these, 64% were in Southport and 15% were in Ashmore.
Table 1: Businesses in Queensland by size, 30 June 2022
Number of employees |
Number of businesses in Greater Brisbane |
Number of businesses in rest of Queensland |
Total number of businesses in Queensland1 |
Non-employing |
131,959 |
156,020 |
289,306 |
1-4 employees2 |
64,370 |
72,719 |
137,529 |
5-19 employees |
20,808 |
25,161 |
46,203 |
Small businesses (0-19 employees)3 |
217,137 |
253,900 |
473,038 |
20-99 employees |
5,202 |
5,827 |
11,217 |
100-199 employees |
456 |
403 |
953 |
200+ employees |
227 |
192 |
784 |
Total |
223,022 |
260,322 |
485,971 |
1 Includes businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
2 This includes a small number of businesses which have income tax withholding roles for purposes other than withholding amounts from wages and salaries (and as such have zero employment).
3Calculated by ASBFEO based on the ABS definition of small business of 0-19 employees.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
Changes to small businesses numbers for Queensland
Chart 2: Annual change in the number of small businesses in Queensland
Total includes a small number of businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
The number of small businesses in Queensland increased 5% over the year to 30 June 2022. They increased by 10,810 (5%) in Greater Brisbane. The areas with the largest increase in the number of small businesses were:
- Brisbane Inner (increased by 1,099 small businesses)
- Browns Plains (increased by 653 small businesses)
- Springfield – Redbank (increased by 640 small businesses).
The areas with the largest percentage increase from the previous year were:
- Springfield – Redbank (increased by 14%)
- Browns Plains (increased by 13%)
- Beenleigh (increased by 12%).
The number of small businesses in the rest of Queensland increased by 13,465 (6%) over the year to 30 June 2022. The areas with the largest increase in the number of small businesses were:
- Ormeau – Oxenford (increased by 1,320 small businesses)
- Broadbeach – Burleigh (increased by 804 small businesses)
- Caloundra (increased by 621 small businesses).
The areas with the largest percentage increase from the previous year were:
- Ormeau – Oxenford (increased by 10%)
- Hervey Bay (increased by 9%)
- Broadbeach – Burleigh (increased by 8%).
There were 153,810 small businesses in South Australia on 30 June 2022, representing 6% of all Australian small businesses (compared to 7% of the population living in South Australia).
Chart 1: Small business in South Australia, 30 June 2022
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
Greater Adelaide
Over three quarters (76%) of South Australian small businesses were in Greater Adelaide on 30 June 2022. This is consistent with South Australia’s population distribution, as 78% of South Australians live in the Greater Adelaide area.
The Greater Adelaide areas with the highest number of small businesses were:
- Adelaide City (11,787 small businesses). Of these, 87% were in Adelaide.
- Onkaparinga (9,905 small businesses). Of these, 10% were in McLaren Vale.
- Charles Sturt (9,668 small businesses). Of these, 20% were in Hindmarsh – Brompton.
- Salisbury (8,461 small businesses). Of these, 15% were in Mawson Lakes – Globe Derby Park and 12% were in Salisbury.
- Adelaide Hills (7,231 small businesses). Of these, 25% were in Aldgate – Stirling.
Regional South Australia
There were 36,064 small businesses in the rest of South Australia, accounting for 23% of South Australia’s small businesses on 30 June 2022. The highest number of small businesses were in:
- Limestone Coast (7,493 small businesses). Of these, 30% were in Mount Gambier and 14% were in Tatiara.
- Murray and Mallee (6,553 small businesses). Of these, 15% were in Murray Bridge and 11% were in The Coorong.
- Eyre Peninsula and South West (4,940 small businesses). Of these, 32% were in Port Lincoln.
- Fleurieu – Kangaroo Island (4,660 small businesses). Of these, 22% were in Victor Harbor and 20% were in Strathalbyn Surrounds.
- Barossa (3,553 small businesses). Of these, 26% were in Light.
Table 1: Businesses in South Australia by size, 30 June 2022
Number of employees |
Number of businesses in Greater Adelaide |
Number of businesses in the rest of South Australia |
Total number of businesses in South Australia1 |
Non-employing |
78,309 |
22,457 |
101,146 |
1-4 employees2 |
28,072 |
9,583 |
37,789 |
5-19 employees |
10,782 |
4,024 |
14,875 |
Small businesses (0-19 employees)3 |
117,163 |
36,064 |
153,810 |
20-99 employees |
2,704 |
682 |
3,485 |
100-199 employees |
207 |
37 |
295 |
200+ employees |
127 |
10 |
234 |
Total |
120,201 |
36,793 |
157,813 |
1 Includes businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
2 This includes a small number of businesses which have income tax withholding roles for purposes other than withholding amounts from wages and salaries (and as such have zero employment).
3Calculated by ASBFEO based on the ABS definition of small business of 0-19 employees.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
Changes in small businesses numbers for South Australia
Chart 2: Annual change in the number of small businesses in South Australia
Total includes a small number of businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
There was a 6% increase in the number of small businesses in South Australia in the year to 30 June 2022. They increased by 7,123 (6%) in Greater Adelaide. The areas with the largest increase in the number of small businesses were:
- Salisbury (increased by 882 small businesses).
- Onkaparinga (increased by 732 small businesses)
- Port Adelaide – East (increased by 717 small businesses).
The areas with the largest increase by percent from the year prior were:
- Playford (increased by 17%)
- Port Adelaide – East (increased by 12%)
- Salisbury (increased by 12%).
The number of small businesses in the rest of South Australia increased by 1,009 (3%) over the year to 30 June 2022. The areas with the largest increase in the number of small businesses were:
- Limestone Coast (increased by 209 small businesses)
- Fleurieu – Kangaroo Island (increased by 174 small businesses)
- Murray and Mallee (increased by 150 small businesses).
The areas with the largest percentage increase from the previous year were:
- Outback – North and East (increased by 8%)
- Lower North (increased by 4%)
- Fleurieu – Kangaroo Island (increased by 4%).
There were 235,050 small businesses in Western Australia on 30 June 2022, representing 9% of all Australian small businesses and in proportion with 11% of Australians living in the west.
Chart 1: Small businesses in Western Australia, 30 June 2022
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, provided in 2022.
Greater Perth
There were 187,446 small businesses in Greater Perth on 30 June 2022, representing 80% of Western Australia’s small businesses. Similarly, 80% of Western Australians live in Perth and its surrounds.
The Greater Perth areas with the highest number of small businesses were:
- Perth City (25,161 small businesses). Of these, 38% were in Perth (West) – Northbridge.
- Stirling (21,095 small businesses). Of these, 11% were in Osborne Park Industrial and 11% were in Stirling – Osborne Park.
- Wanneroo (14,223 small businesses). Of these, 20% were in Madeley – Darch.
- Joondalup (12,450 small businesses). Of these, 11% were in Joondalup – Edgewater and 10% were in Duncraig.
- Swan (11,431) small businesses. Of these, 16% were in Malaga.
Regional Western Australia
There were 46,795 small businesses in the rest of Western Australia on 30 June 2022. These accounted for 20% of Western Australia’s small businesses. The highest number of small businesses were in:
- Bunbury (7,006 small businesses). Of these, 23% were in Bunbury South and 12% were Harvey.
- Albany (6,999 small businesses). Of these, 23% were in Albany and 13% were in Kojonup.
- Wheat Belt – North (6,540 small businesses). Of these, 17% were in Gingin – Dandaragan.
- Augusta – Margaret River – Busselton (6,211 small businesses). Of these, 66% were in Busselton and its Surrounds.
- Mid West (4,689 small businesses). Of these, 58% were in and around Geraldton.
Table 1: Businesses in Western Australia by size, 30 June 2022
Number of employees |
Number of businesses in Greater Perth |
Number of businesses in rest of Western Australia |
Total number of businesses in Western Australia1 |
Non-employing |
121,231 |
28,445 |
150,121 |
1-4 employees2 |
48,403 |
12,985 |
61,616 |
5-19 employees |
17,812 |
5,365 |
23,313 |
Small businesses |
187,446 |
46,795 |
235,050 |
20-99 employees |
4,719 |
1,252 |
6,112 |
100-199 employees |
389 |
55 |
520 |
200+ employees |
229 |
33 |
474 |
Total |
192,783 |
48,135 |
242,139 |
1 Includes businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
2 This includes a small number of businesses which have income tax withholding roles for purposes other than withholding amounts from wages and salaries (and as such have zero employment).
3Calculated by ASBFEO based on the ABS definition of small business of 0-19 employees.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
Changes in small businesses numbers for Western Australia
Chart 2: Annual change in the number of small businesses in Western Australia
Total includes a small number of businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
The number of small businesses in Western Australia increased 5% and increased by 9,487 (5%) in Greater Perth over the year to 30 June 2022. The areas with the largest increase in small businesses numbers were in:
- Wanneroo (increased by 1018 small businesses)
- Stirling (increased by 938 small businesses)
- Swan (increased by 843 small businesses).
The areas with the largest percentage increase from the previous year were:
- Kwinana (increased by 13%)
- Rockingham (increased by 10%)
- Armadale (increased by 9%).
The number of small businesses in the rest of Western Australia increased by 1,745 (4%) over the year to 30 June 2022. The largest increase in the number of small businesses were in:
- Bunbury (increased by 372 small businesses)
- Augusta – Margaret River – Busselton (increased by 307 small businesses)
- Albany (increased by 263 small businesses).
The areas with the largest increase by percent from the year prior were:
- West Pilbara (increased by 11%)
- East Pilbara (increased by 9%)
- Bunbury (increased by 6%).
There were 41,334 small businesses in Tasmania, representing 2% of Australian small businesses on 30 June 2022. This is in proportion to the 2% of Australians living in Tasmania.
Chart 1: Small businesses in Tasmania, 30 June 2022
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
As shown above, 57% of Tasmania’s small businesses were in the rest of Tasmanian areas on 30 June 2022. This aligns with the population distribution, with 56% of the population living outside the greater capital city area of Tasmania.
Greater Hobart
There were 17,740 small businesses in Greater Hobart, representing 43% of all small businesses in Tasmania on 30 June 2022. The highest number of small businesses were in:
- Hobart (3,025 small businesses)
- Sandy Bay (1,299 small businesses)
- Kingston – Huntingfield (898 small businesses)
- Cambridge (887 small businesses)
- Kingston Beach – Blackmans Bay (732 small businesses).
Regional Tasmania
There were 23,473 small businesses in the rest of Tasmania on 30 June 2022. These accounted for 57% of Tasmania’s small businesses. The areas with the highest number of small businesses were:
- Launceston (1,908 small businesses)
- Devonport (973 small businesses)
- Scottsdale – Bridport (867 small businesses)
- Deloraine (688 small businesses)
- Huonville – Franklin (639 small businesses).
Table 1: Businesses in Tasmania by size, 30 June 2022
Number of employees |
Number of businesses in Greater Hobart |
Number of businesses in rest of Tasmania |
Total number of businesses in Tasmania1 |
Non-employing |
10,717 |
14,197 |
25,001 |
1-4 employees2 |
4,943 |
6,397 |
11,372 |
5-19 employees |
2,080 |
2,879 |
4,961 |
Small businesses |
17,740 |
23,473 |
41,334 |
20-99 employees |
478 |
623 |
1,096 |
100-199 employees |
31 |
42 |
63 |
200+ employees |
18 |
26 |
75 |
Total |
18,267 |
24,164 |
42,614 |
1 Includes businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
2 This includes a small number of businesses which have income tax withholding roles for purposes other than withholding amounts from wages and salaries (and as such have zero employment).
3Calculated by ASBFEO based on the ABS definition of small business of 0-19 employees.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
Changes in small businesses numbers for Tasmania
Chart 2: Annual change in the number of small businesses in Tasmania
Total includes a small number of businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
The number of small businesses in Tasmania increased 5% over the year to 30 June 2022. They increased by 678 (4%) in Greater Hobart. The areas with the largest increase in the number of small businesses were:
- Dodges Ferry – Lewisham (increased by 61 small businesses)
- Sandy Bay (increased by 57 small businesses)
- Kingston Beach – Blackmans Bay (increased by 41 small businesses).
The areas with the largest percentage increase from the previous year were:
- Risdon Vale (increased by 26%)
- Berriedale – Chigwell (increased by 16%)
- Rokeby (increased by 16%).
The number of small businesses in the rest of Tasmania increased by 1,127 (5%) over the year to 30 June 2022. The areas with the largest increase in the number of small businesses were:
- Newnham – Mayfield (increased by 89 small businesses)
- Devonport (increased by 62 small businesses)
- Newstead (increased by 45 small businesses).
The areas with the largest percentage increase from the previous year were:
- Ravenswood (increased by 50%, to 72 small businesses)
- Newnham – Mayfield (increased by 33%, to 361 small businesses)
- Acton – Upper Burnie (increased by 18%, to 90 small businesses).
There were 15,152 small businesses in the Northern Territory, representing 1% of Australian small businesses on 30 June 2022. This is consistent with the 1% of Australians living in the Northern Territory.
Chart 1: Small businesses in Northern Territory, 30 June 2022
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
Greater Darwin
Although only 60% of the Northern Territory’s population lived in the greater Darwin area, 74% (11,182) of the Territory’s small businesses were in Greater Darwin on 30 June 2022. The areas with the highest number of small businesses were:
- Darwin City (1,267 small businesses)
- Woolner – Bayview – Winnellie (962 small businesses)
- Humpty Doo (789 small businesses)
- Weddell (444 small businesses)
- Berrima (431 small businesses).
Regional Northern Territory
There were 3,642 small businesses in the rest of the Northern Territory on 30 June 2022. These accounted for 24% of the Northern Territory’s small businesses. The highest number of small businesses were in:
- Charles (851 small businesses)
- Katherine (803 small businesses)
- Alligator (287 small businesses)
- East Side (225 small businesses)
- Larapinta (216 small businesses).
Table 1: Businesses in Northern Territory by size, 30 June 2022
Number of employees |
Number of businesses in Greater Darwin |
Number of businesses in the rest of the Northern Territory |
Total number of businesses in Northern Territory1 |
Non-employing |
6,824 |
2,088 |
9,105 |
1-4 employees2 |
3,006 |
956 |
4,047 |
5-19 employees |
1,352 |
598 |
2,000 |
Small businesses |
11,182 |
3,642 |
15,152 |
20-99 employees |
369 |
160 |
560 |
100-199 employees |
18 |
8 |
26 |
200+ employees |
9 |
4 |
21 |
Total |
11,578 |
3,814 |
15,796 |
1 Includes businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
2 This includes a small number of businesses which have income tax withholding roles for purposes other than withholding amounts from wages and salaries (and as such have zero employment).
3Calculated by ASBFEO based on the ABS definition of small business of 0-19 employees.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
Changes in small businesses numbers for the Northern Territory
Chart 2: Annual change in the number of small businesses in the Northern Territory
Total includes a small number of businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
The number of small businesses in the Northern Territory increased 5% over the year to 30 June 2022. They increased 6% (647) in Greater Darwin. The areas with the largest increase in the number of small businesses were:
- Humpty Doo (increased by 73 small businesses)
- Darwin City (increased by 60 small businesses)
- Berrimah (increased by 55 small businesses).
Bakewell had the highest increase in percentage terms. The number of small businesses increased by 27% (124) over the year to 30 June 2022.
The number of small businesses in the rest of the Northern Territory increased by 117 (3%) over the year to 30 June 2022. The highest increase occurred in regions around Alice Springs, where the number increased by 6% (112 small businesses). These regions included Flynn, Larapinta and Charles.
There were 32,866 small businesses in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) on 30 June 2022, representing 1% of all Australian small businesses. This is consistent with the Australian proportion living in the ACT (2%).
Chart 1: Small businesses in the ACT, 30 June 2022
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
The areas in the ACT with the highest number of small businesses were:
- Fyshwick (1,474 small businesses)
- Civic (1,406 small businesses)
- Kingston (894 small businesses)
- Deakin (789 small businesses)
- Gungahlin (750 small businesses).
Table 1: Businesses in ACT by size, 30 June 2022
Number of employees |
Total number of businesses in Australian Capital Territory1 |
Non-employing |
18,561 |
1-4 employees2 |
10,865 |
5-19 employees |
3,440 |
Small businesses |
32,866 |
20-99 employees |
910 |
100-199 employees |
79 |
200+ employees |
52 |
Total |
33,918 |
1 Includes businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
2 This includes a small number of businesses which have income tax withholding roles for purposes other than withholding amounts from wages and salaries (and as such have zero employment).
3Calculated by ASBFEO based on the ABS definition of small business of 0-19 employees.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
Changes in small businesses numbers for the ACT
Chart 2: Annual change in the number of small businesses in the ACT
Total includes a small number of businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, provided in 2021 and 2022.
The number of small businesses in the ACT increased by 2,318 (8%) over the year to 30 June 2022. The areas with the largest increase were:
- Civic (increased by 117 small businesses)
- Belconnen (increased by 112 small businesses)
- Gungahlin (increased by 82 small businesses).
The areas around Molonglo had the largest percentage increase from the previous year, rising 28% to 150 small businesses. These areas include Denman Prospect, Coombs and Wright.
Other Territories incorporates Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Jervis Bay and Norfolk Island.
Table 1: Small businesses in Other Territories, 30 June 2022
Number of employees |
Total number of businesses in Other Territories1 |
Non-employing |
1,841 |
1-4 employees2 |
199 |
5-19 employees |
18 |
Small businesses |
2,058 |
20-99 employees |
7 |
100-199 employees |
3 |
200+ employees |
0 |
Total |
2,041 |
1 Includes businesses where information is only available at the state/territory level.
2 This includes a small number of businesses which have income tax withholding roles for purposes other than withholding amounts from wages and salaries (and as such have zero employment).
3Calculated by ASBFEO based on the ABS definition of small business of 0-19 employees.
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data, 2022.
There were 2,058 small businesses in Other Territories on 30 June 2022. Of these, 89% were non-employing businesses.
Changes in small businesses numbers for Other Territories
Chart 2: Annual change in the number of small businesses in Other Territories
Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, customised data.
The number of small businesses in Other Territories increased by 310 (18%) over the year to 30 June 2022.
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.