Resilience, realism and resolve shape the small business outlook

February 2026

Originally published in the Canberra Times.

By Bruce Billson.

Australians value enterprise. We respect people who back themselves, take risks and build something of their own, and provides opportunities and livelihoods for others.

Small business is not a niche interest. It is central to economic dynamism, productivity, living standards, competition, innovation and the strength and vitality of local communities. Yet for many owners, running a small business has become harder than it needs to be.

If you own or run a small business in Australia, chances are you started because you had a passion, a skill, a service, a product, to make a living, pursue a dream, perhaps a sense of contribution to Australia’s economy, doing your bit to add value to your community. You probably didn’t start out dreaming of forms, portals, compliance and reporting obligations, or entering the same information into five different systems.

Originally published in the Canberra Times.

By Bruce Billson.

If you own or run a small business in Australia, chances are you didn't start out dreaming of forms, portals, compliance attestations or uploading the same information into five different systems. You started because you had a passion, a skill, a service, a product, a sense of contribution to Australia's economic prosperity and growth and a community that valued what you do.

Australia’s sole traders — the spirited, self-starting enterprising women and men who power our communities — are far more numerous and diverse than most policy settings recognise. New analysis by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), drawing on customised integrated administrative data in the ABS’ DataLab insights, reveals a vibrant enterprise cohort that has long been hiding in plain sight.

Originally published in The Canberra Times.

By Bruce Billson.

Australia's economic narrative often spotlights big corporates and high-profile startups. Yet, beneath that glare lies a quiet army of sole traders - the smallest of small businesses - who are indispensable to our nation's prosperity and community wellbeing.

Originally published in the Canberra Times.

By Bruce Billson

This summer's reading wasn't consumed at the coast nor did it take me to some exotic location - instead it kept me grounded in Main Street. Esha Chhabra's advice to independent small and family businesses is to not necessarily go big but to go deep - leaning into local relationships, establishing real connections with customers and celebrating how business is a part of and adds vitality to local community. That's her formula for building a profitable small business in 2026.

Originally published in The Canberra Times.

By Bruce Billson.

Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

For many small business owners, they will be happy to put the year behind them. 2025 has seen a myriad of changes impacting small business, on top of a period that tested the resilience of too many, like never before. New and more complex regulatory requirements, rising input costs, margin squeezes, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer behaviours have all taken their toll.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, the Hon Bruce Billson has welcomed the announcement of the Lynda McAlary-Smith as his successor.

Ms McAlary-Smith is the current Victorian Small Business Commissioner and will commence in her new role on 11 March 2026 at the expiration of Mr Billson’s 5-year term.