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 begins 1 July 2026 and many businesses arent ready; cash reserves are thin, so test payroll and consider cash‑flow buffers. Retail stress deepens as Barbeques Galore is wound up, reinforcing the need for tight forecasts when seeking funding. A strong El Niño is likely, which could lift insurance costs and interruption risk—review cover and plan buffers. Parliament will probe Budget proposals on CGT and trusts on 15–16 June; not law yet, but potential 2027 changes could affect exits and restructures. Visit small-business-finance.com.au for comparisons and eligibility.
EPISODE 2095 | Small Business Finance SME Newscast | Sat, 13th Jun 2026
14 Jun 2026 | Paige Estritori
00:00:00
00:00:00
1x
Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Small Business Finance SME Newscast, Im Paige Estritori, with your weekly wrap for Saturday, 13 June 2026.
First up, payday super is just weeks away, and new research this week shows many SMEs still arent ready. From 1 July 2026, superannuation must be paid each payday, not quarterly, under the superannuation guarantee, or SG. Confidence has slipped and average cash reserves are only about two and a half months, with roughly one in seven businesses holding none. Run a payroll and super ‘dry run now, lock in payment workflows, and if tighter, more frequent outflows could pinch, compare working‑capital options early so wages and super stay on track.
Meanwhile, another sign of the discretionary slowdown: Barbeques Galore will be wound up, with company‑owned stores to close after efforts to restructure fell over this week. Its a reminder that weaker demand and higher costs can bite even well‑known brands. If you trade in retail or supply it, keep forecasts and inventory plans current, and be ready to show lenders how youll manage margin pressure; that makes any top‑up funding conversation faster.
Next up, forecasters say a strong El Niño is likely this winter, with a high chance of a very strong event later in the year. That can mean more heat, bushfire and storm risks in parts of Australia, which often flows through to insurance pricing and conditions. Review cover well before renewal, budget for potential premium rises, and factor interruption risk into your cash‑flow plan; if a buffer is prudent, check eligibility for flexible facilities before peak season.
And finally, Parliament next week will examine the Budgets proposed changes to capital gains tax, or CGT, and discretionary trusts, with hearings on 15 and 16 June. These measures are not law yet, but if enacted from 1 July 2027 they would replace parts of the CGT discount with indexation and apply a minimum 30 per cent tax to many trust distributions. For owners planning a sale or restructure, timing and valuations could affect after‑tax outcomes; keep finance plans flexible and speak with your adviser so your funding and exit timelines still stack up.
Thats the wrap. For quick eligibility checks, comparisons and expert support on business loans, visit small-business-finance.com.au. Thanks for listening, and Ill catch you next 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.
Starting a business is a formidable venture, and securing the necessary capital to transform a vision into reality is often one of the first major hurdles that Australian entrepreneurs face. With a myriad of financing options available, it is essential to navigate the startup financing landscape in Australia with a keen understanding of not only the opportunities but also the challenges it presents. - read more
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, especially startups. It represents the total amount of money moving in and out of your business, and its management is essential for ensuring that your company can pay its bills and invest in future growth. Proper cash flow management helps to identify when money is needed, allowing businesses to make informed decisions and avoid potential crises. - read more
Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are demonstrating a notable shift in their financing strategies, moving from survival-focused borrowing to growth-oriented loan applications. Data from OnDeck Australia indicates a 42% year-on-year increase in loan applications during the December quarter of 2025, with a significant portion of these applications aimed at business expansion. - read more
Pallas Capital has recently introduced a substantial $380 million loan facility aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Australia. This initiative is backed by one of the country's major banks, underscoring the growing collaboration between non-bank lenders and traditional financial institutions to meet the diverse financing needs of SMEs. - read more
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We
respect your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Personal Loan: A Personal Loan is a means of obtaining finance from a financial institution or financial product provider and the lending criteria usually depends on criteria such as personal income and expenses, assets and liabilities, employment status and previo