Originally published in The Canberra Times.
By Bruce Billson
Franchising, when done well, is one of the most dynamic and scalable models of entrepreneurship available to small business owners. It offers a unique blend of independence and support, allowing franchisees to leverage proven systems, established brand awareness and customer loyalty while contributing their own energy, capital, and local market insights.
Originally published in The Canberra Times
By Bruce Billson
Justice. The word itself carries weight. It has responsibility. It implies things will be fair, and if wronged, justice will serve, and things will be right.
But for many small businesses, access to justice remains out of reach.
Published in Convenience World's October 2025 edition.
By Bruce Billson
Some of Australia’s most prominent and successful businesses are family businesses. They are also some of the most enduring, over generations, building a legacy in name and value to the Australian community. And for some of Australia’s largest businesses that once started out as a family business, their business success is also part of Australia’s economic fabric.
Originally published in The Canberra Times
By Bruce Billson
Welcome to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to remind ourselves of the steps we can take to prevent an unwelcome cyber event that can be highly damaging to small and family-owned businesses.
The many activities over October remind us that we are not on our own in tackling the scourge and threat posed by cyber criminals.
Help is available, and there are simple and important steps we need to take ourselves to maximise protection.
Originally published in The Canberra Times
By Bruce Billson
The Treasurer has released the agenda for the much-vaunted three-day Economic Reform Roundtable he is hosting in just a few short days (August 19 to 21), and there is feverish activity on many fronts in the lead-up.
Submissions aplenty and roundtables hosted by Ministers to capture input from those not in the impressive core group of 23 attendees that will participate in all sessions over the three days.
The public release of some submissions has helped generate lead-up discussion.
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand
Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are urged to educate themselves on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions measurement, as climate-related financial disclosures requirements for large businesses and some government entities, could see SMEs asked for their GHG emissions if they are a supplier.
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Leon Delaney.
2CC
Subject: Right-sized regulation
Leon Delaney
Published in the Canberra Times.
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Leon Delaney.
2CC Canberra
Subject: National Family Business Day
Leon Delaney
Family owned businesses play a crucial role in the economy and our communities. Some of Australia’s most successful businesses are family businesses. They are also some of the most enduring, over generations, building a legacy in name and value to the Australian community. And for some of Australia’s largest businesses that once started out as a family business, their business success is also part of Australia’s economic fabric.