Each week, we deliver a clear, credible wrap of Australian small business news — policy changes, tax and compliance updates, economic trends, technology shifts, grants, and standout industry stories. Expect plain-English context, key takeaways, and what it means for your operations. Stay informed in minutes, stay ahead of change, and start the week organised. We highlight major headlines from government, regulators, and trusted business outlets, summarised with practical context you can use.
This Week:
Weekly wrap for Australian SMEs: payday super starts 1 July 2026 with a likely July cash flow pinch; a new tax proposal would cut the CGT discount and change family trust taxation, so plan but dont panic; NSW opens grants of up to $2 million for deep tech founders with applications due 29 April; and resilience investment principles were released as SME insurance costs keep rising—avoid underinsurance and plan premiums into cash flow. For loan comparisons and fast eligibility checks, visit small-business-finance.com.au.
EPISODE 1401 | Small Business Finance SME Newscast | Sat, 14th Mar 2026
20 Mar 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Hello and welcome to the Small Business Finance SME Newscast, Im Paige Estritori, and its Saturday, 14 March 2026.
First up, payday super is almost here. From 1 July, superannuation must be paid with each pay run, not quarterly. July will bite because youll still owe the April–June quarter by 28 July while payday super starts from day one, so about four months super flows out in that first month. Model the impact now, tighten debtor terms where you can, and if a buffers needed, explore working capital options and compare lenders for cost and flexibility.
Next, a fresh tax proposal is stirring debate in Canberra. An independent MP has floated cutting the capital gains tax, or CGT, discount to about 30 per cent and replacing income splitting from family trusts with a flat 27.5 per cent tax on distributions. Its not government policy, but if you use trusts or expect an exit in coming years, talk to your accountant and keep your finance settings flexible so you can move as rules evolve.
Meanwhile, New South Wales opened a $20 million program for deep tech founders. Grants between roughly half a million and two million dollars target that tough “valley of death” stage; applications close 10am AEST, 29 April. Most applicants need co-funding, so line up your capital stack early and consider bridging finance only after youve stress‑tested repayments against realistic milestones.
And to insurance, two signals this week matter for risk and cash flow. A national update on resilience investment principles aims to link mitigation — like flood levees and cyclone‑resistant standards — to pricing over time, but theres no promised percentage discount. At the same time, a new SME survey shows about six in ten businesses saw premium rises in the past year, and some have trimmed cover to save cash. Avoid underinsurance: map your risks, phase upgrades, and budget premiums into a rolling cash flow so youre not forced into expensive short‑term credit after a shock.
Thats the wrap. For tailored business loan comparisons, quick eligibility checks, and support from independent experts, visit small-business-finance.com.au. Im Paige Estritori, thanks for listening and have a productive week.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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