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.

Originally published in Convenience World Magazine and Business Builders

Over the past few years, Australia has endured an onslaught of natural disasters. Floods, storms, cyclones and bushfires have devastated communities, and the impact on too many small and family businesses has been just as severe.

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Leon Delaney.

Radio 2CC Canberra

Subject: ASBFEO Small Business Pulse

Leon Delaney

Originally published in The Canberra Times

Key highlights: ASBFEO Small Business Pulse November 2025

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Rod Henshaw.

2CC Canberra

Subject: Perils of fringe financiers for small businesses

Rod Henshaw

Originally published in The Canberra Times.

By Bruce Billson.