August 2025 Small Business Pulse - Cautious optimism amid modest improvements in small business conditions
August 2025
Small business conditions show modest improvement for first time since 2022
May 2025 Small Business Pulse
Key highlights:
Right to Disconnect Law for Small Business
TRANSCRIPT
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Ben Fordham.
2GB Sydney
Subject: Right to Disconnect Law for Small Business
Ben Fordham
Small business owners are already facing a stack of issues when it comes to running their companies. And this morning, they're waking up to new workplace regulations.
I'm optimistic this roundtable will produce positive and real outcomes. It needs to
Originally published in The Canberra Times
By Bruce Billson
The government's Economic Reform Roundtable kicks off tomorrow, and I am optimistic that real outcomes with positive and lasting impact on small and family businesses are in reach.
And they need to be.
Operating conditions have been tough for small businesses over the past few years, although pleasingly, we have seen some recent signs of improvement, the first glimmer since August 2022.
Economic Roundtable and Small Business
TRANSCRIPT
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Ben Fordham.
2GB Sydney
Subject: Economic Roundtable and Small Business
Ben Fordham
Economic roundtable’s blind spot could cripple nation’s engine room
Originally published in The Daily Telegraph
By Bruce Billson
This sector makes up 98 per cent of Australian businesses, so why is it under-represented at the upcoming economic roundtable? It cannot merely be an afterthought, writes Bruce Billson.
Business disputes are often in the Federal Court. But, where does that leave those too small to pay the costs?
Originally published in The Canberra Times
By Bruce Billson
Competition laws will work better for small businesses with a dedicated court list.
For small businesses, effective competition is vital. Knowing they can compete on a level playing field, a small business can confidently start an enterprise, invest, take risks and accept the responsibilities of business ownership.
Australia wants to lift productivity? Here are some practical initiatives
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.
Insolvency figures, small business pulse, ASBFEO assistance
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
Help small businesses thrive this MSME Day
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.