- Australian SME Manufacturers Report Robust Sales Growth in Q3 2025
In the third quarter of 2025, Australian small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) manufacturers demonstrated notable resilience, achieving a 9% increase in sales compared to the previous quarter. This growth brought the average sales figure to $625,400, marking a significant recovery from the subdued performance observed earlier in the year.
- New Banking Code Strengthens Safeguards for Australian SMEs
Effective 28 February 2025, the Australian Banking Association's revised Banking Code of Practice introduces significant enhancements aimed at bolstering protections for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This update marks the first revision in four years and reflects a concerted effort to address the evolving needs of the SME sector.
- Victoria's 2025-2026 Budget Unveils $150 Million Investment in Key Industries and SME Support
The Victorian government's 2025-2026 budget introduces a $150 million fund designed to stimulate investment in five priority sectors: advanced manufacturing and defence, medical research and health technology, digital technology, the circular economy, and agribusiness. This initiative reflects a strategic effort to bolster economic development and job creation within the state.
- AFCA Advises SMEs to Verify Lender Membership
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently highlighted a critical issue affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): the necessity of verifying a lender's membership status before securing business financing.
- Coalition Proposes Easier SME Loans Without Home Collateral
In a recent policy proposal, the Coalition has advocated for easing lending regulations to facilitate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in obtaining business loans without the necessity of using their homes as collateral.
- ATO's Tax Penalty Reforms: What SMEs Need to Know
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia are facing imminent changes to tax penalty regulations that could significantly impact their financial obligations.
- RBA's Interest Rate Reduction: A Boon for Australian SMEs
The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) recent decision to reduce the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.60% presents a significant opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the nation.
- Australian SMEs Embrace Non-Bank Lenders for Flexible Financing
In a significant shift within Australia's financial landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly opting for non-bank lenders to meet their financing needs. Recent data indicates that demand for non-bank lending among SMEs has reached 55% in 2025, marking a substantial increase from previous years.
- Australian SMEs Benefit from Confirmed $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off
Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have received positive news with the confirmation of the $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off for the 2025-26 financial year. This measure allows eligible businesses to claim immediate tax deductions on asset purchases up to $20,000, providing a significant incentive for investment in business growth.
- ASIC Advocates for Stronger Oversight in Private Lending
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently highlighted the necessity for enhanced regulatory measures within the nation's private lending sector. This call to action stems from findings that reveal inconsistencies and potential risks that could adversely affect both investors and borrowers.
- Australian SMEs Increasingly Opt for Non-Bank Lenders
Recent data indicates a significant shift in the financing preferences of Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a growing number opting for non-bank lenders over traditional banking institutions. This trend underscores the evolving needs and challenges faced by SMEs in the current economic climate.
- RBA's Interest Rate Reduction Boosts SME Lending
The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) recent decision to cut interest rates has led to a notable surge in lending activity among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This development suggests a revitalization of business confidence and a willingness to invest in growth opportunities.
- Addressing the $38 Billion Equity Shortfall in Australian SMEs
Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are pivotal to the nation's economy, representing only 6% of all businesses yet contributing 26% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite their significance, these businesses face a substantial barrier: a $38 billion equity funding gap that stifles their growth potential.
- 20-Fold Increase in Small Business Restructurings to Sustain Operations
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has reported a significant uptick in small business restructurings (SBR), with 3,388 appointments between July 2022 and December 2024.
- AFCA Alerts SMEs to Risks of Unregulated Lenders Amid Complaint Surge
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has issued a warning to small businesses regarding the risks associated with unregulated lenders. This comes in response to a notable increase in complaints that AFCA cannot address due to the lenders' lack of membership in the authority.
- RBA's Interest Rate Cut Fuels SME Lending Boom
In a significant development for Australia's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) recent interest rate cut has led to a substantial increase in business lending.
- Prime Capital Unveils 'Business Jumbo Loans' for SMEs
In response to the growing demand for substantial business financing, Sydney-based non-bank lender Prime Capital has introduced its 'Business Jumbo Loans' program. This initiative offers loans ranging from $5 million to $25 million, with interest rates starting at 8.64% and a loan-to-value ratio of up to 75%.
- NAB Report Identifies Key Challenges Facing Australian SMEs
The National Australia Bank's (NAB) Q2 2025 Economics SME Business Insights report has shed light on the primary concerns confronting Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The report identifies cash flow management, profitability, and navigating government policies and regulations as the most pressing issues for SMEs.
- Extended Loan Terms: A New Strategy for Australian SMEs
In response to ongoing economic challenges, Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly opting for longer-term loans to manage cash flow and sustain operations.
- Australian Businesses Seek Loans as Insolvencies Peak
Recent data reveals a concerning trend among Australian businesses: a 6% increase in business loan applications coinciding with a 21% rise in insolvencies, marking a five-year high. This pattern suggests that many businesses are seeking additional financing not for expansion, but as a means of survival amidst mounting economic pressures.
- Australian SMEs Shift Towards Non-Bank Lenders for Growth Financing
In a notable shift within the Australian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, a recent survey indicates that 57% of SMEs anticipate an average revenue growth of 8% by March 2024.
- Cash Flow Concerns Escalate for Australian SMEs Amid Economic Strains
Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently grappling with significant cash flow challenges, as highlighted by a recent survey commissioned by the Commonwealth Bank.
- KPMG Forecasts Economic Hurdles for Australian SMEs Amid Rising Costs
Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing a challenging economic landscape, as outlined in KPMG's Quarterly Economic Outlook released in July 2024. The report projects sluggish economic growth coupled with rising operational costs, factors that could significantly compress profit margins and impede business expansion for SMEs.
- Cash Flow Crunch: How Rising Costs Are Impacting Australian SMEs
Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently navigating a challenging financial landscape marked by escalating operational costs and constrained access to external financing. This environment has compelled a significant number of business owners to inject personal funds into their ventures to maintain liquidity and sustain operations.
- Funding Divide: Tech Startups Thrive as Traditional SMEs Struggle
The Australian business financing landscape is experiencing a pronounced divergence. On one hand, technology startups are attracting substantial venture capital investments, while on the other, traditional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are encountering increasingly restrictive lending conditions.
- Resilient Growth: Australian SMEs Set to Invest Amid Challenges
Amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty and rising operational costs, Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are demonstrating remarkable resilience.
- Australian Entrepreneurs Embrace Business Acquisitions Over Startups
In recent years, a notable trend has emerged among Australian entrepreneurs: a growing preference for acquiring existing businesses rather than launching new startups. This strategic shift reflects a desire for stability and immediate scalability, reducing the inherent risks associated with starting a business from scratch.
- Call for Government-Backed Loan Guarantee to Support SME Acquisitions
Australian accountants are rallying for the establishment of a government-backed Small Business Loan Guarantee to facilitate the acquisition of existing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative aims to address the financing challenges faced by prospective buyers, particularly in light of the impending retirement of numerous business owners.
- Embracing AI: How Australian SMEs Are Driving Growth and Efficiency
Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations, leading to enhanced efficiency and revenue growth. A recent Salesforce report indicates that 85% of Australian SME leaders are either using or experimenting with AI technologies, surpassing the global average of 75%.