Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

The first half of this year has been characterised as a test of endurance for many small businesses, but I'm encouraged by the enduring optimism and the promise of improvement.

A greater focus on the exceptional grit of small businesses that are our economic foundation is essential.

Courageous and committed small business owners have been contending with a prolonged challenging operating environment. It is essential we recover lost ground.

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Nick Rheinberger.

ABC Radio Illawarra

Subject: Insolvency figures, small business pulse, ASBFEO assistance

Nick Rheinberger

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, urges all Australians to recognise the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of the people driving our 2.5 million small businesses on World Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day. 

Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

What's going on for small business right now? We have seen the first quarterly improvement since August 2022, suggesting that conditions might be stabilising and the most difficult days are possibly behind us.

But we need to do more to make sure we get the best out of the small business economy for both our national wellbeing and community benefit.

Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

ASBFEO recently released our fourth Small Business Pulse - a health-check on the small business operating environment.

It recorded a microscopic improvement of 0.1 per cent this quarter. This is the first quarterly increase since August 2022 after a significant deterioration that occurred in the post-COVID period.

Originally posted in the Canberra Times

It is pleasing to see so much recent attention on what is needed to bolster our economic resilience and to restore living standards at a time of uncertainty and disruption. International economic uncertainty is exacerbating existing and persistently strong pressures on many small and family businesses.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the returning Government’s new Ministry with the Hon Dr Anne Aly appointed to Cabinet as the Minister for Small Business.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has welcomed Dr Anne Aly to the small business portfolio and the important retention of the Minister for Small Business as a Cabinet-level appointment.

Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

As we return to business as usual after the election, I am hopeful that the incoming government will have a very strong and prominent focus on small and family businesses. It is urgent and necessary.

Published in the Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

The small business landscape looks different from 30 years ago, but what hasn't changed is the passionate and hard-working small business owners and entrepreneurs who are building businesses across the country to delight their customers and clients.

Originally Published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

Vibrant, culturally and linguistically diverse small businesses are essential to growing our economy.

WE ALL depend on the small and family-run businesses in our lives - from your local café to your dog groomer, GP or landscaper.

The more than 2.6 million small businesses around the country are a vibrant and diverse group of passionate people who are carving out small business livelihoods and making significant contributions to workplaces, communities and the economy.