Skip to main content
Home

Spotlight Menu

  • About us
  • Latest news
  • Subscribe
x

Subscribe to Our Newsletter




 

 

 

InfoLine: 1300 650 460

  • About us
    • Contact Us
  • Disputes & Assistance

    Disputes & Assistance

    The ASBFEO responds to requests for assistance from small businesses and family enterprises that are in dispute with other businesses or Commonwealth Government agencies. 

    We provide information about dispute resolution options, access to mediation, alternative dispute resolution processes under the Franchising, Horticulture, Dairy and Oil Codes of Conduct, and assistance with disputes with the ATO.  

    • How We Help
    • Dispute support
    • Five steps to resolve your dispute
    • The Tax Concierge Service
    • Alternative Dispute Resolution
    • Access to low cost advice for disputes
    • Dispute case studies
    • Franchising
      • Franchising Mediation Feedback Form
    • Industry Codes
      • Dairy Code
      • Oil Code
      • Horticulture Code
        • Produce Assessors
      • Food and Grocery Code
  • Policy & Advocacy

    Policy & Advocacy

    The ASBFEO understand the challenges facing small businesses and family enterprises. 

    We provide advice and insights to policy and decision makers, conduct research, deliver inquiries, comment on legislation, provide advice to Ministers, and undertake outreach and engagement activities to ensure Australia is the best place to start, grow and transform a business.

    • 14 steps to boost Australia’s small and family businesses
    • Policy insights
    • Submissions
    • Share your thoughts
      • One thing ASBFEO can do for me
      • Consultation feedback
  • Resources & Tools Centre

    Resources & Tools Centre

    There are so many useful resources, tools and sources of information which assist and support small businesses and family enterprises to run their business.

    We have compiled these supports for you, relevant to your interests and needs, to help your business succeed.  

    • Cyber security
    • Financial Wellbeing
    • Mental health
    • Handling debts
    • Using social media securely
    • Getting the most out of your digital marketing service provider
    • How Digital Marketing Providers can impress small business clients
    • Intellectual property
    • Disaster preparation and recovery
    • Self-employment
    • Changes to Australian workplace laws
    • The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (US)
    • Payment Times Reporting Scheme
    • Small Business Hub
    • Our network
    • ‘Small Business, Big Dreams’ Fact Sheet
  • Media Centre

    Media Centre

    Connect with us and keep up with our latest news, media releases, social media, successes and policy and advocacy work. 

    We also share the latest developments from other government authorities and regulators, our peers and our networks on our Media Centre.   

    • Media releases
    • Transcripts
    • Op-eds
    • Newsletters
    • Quarterly reports
    • Events
    • Social media
  • Small Business Data Portal

    Small Business Data Portal

    Our Small Business Data Portal brings together the latest statistics about small businesses and family enterprises and their contribution to the Australian economy.

    • ASBFEO Small Business Pulse
    • Small Business Matters
    • Contribution to Australian Gross Domestic Product
    • Contribution to Australian Employment
    • Number of small businesses in Australia
    • Apprentices and Trainees Employed by Small Business
    • Location of Australia’s small businesses by state and territory
      • Australian Capital Territory
    • Location of Australia’s small businesses - regional and metro areas

Small Business Pulse - February 2025

x

  • Print page
  • Email page
  1. Home

Content type

  • Media Centre item (268)

Media Section

  • Media Centre (257)
  • Disputes & Assistance (2)
  • Policy & Advocacy (2)
  • Resources & Tools Centre (1)

Media Source

  • (-) ASBFEO Live (268)

Success story type

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS GETTING OLDER

Australia’s small business owners are rapidly getting older as the proportion of younger entrepreneurs shrinks, according to research from the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.

Ombudsman Bruce Billson said the most…

… actually twice as many small business owners aged between 30 and 49 as there were aged over 50,” Mr Billson said. “The … with only 8 per cent of small business owners aged under 30. It is half the peak for this age group of 17 per cent … understand why it is not as appealing as it perhaps should be for younger Australians to own a small business?” More …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Banks offer certainty to small businesses impacted by lockdowns

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the banks’ ongoing efforts to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns.

The Australian Banking Association says banks will defer loan…

… valued and is the kind of a key support element that could be incorporated into an agreed predictable and known national … in good standing with repayments up-to-date or there’s a payment program in place. “It’s encouraging to see our banks … in good standing with repayments up-to-date or there’s a payment program in place. “It’s encouraging to see our banks …

Media Centre item
News
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman overwhelmed by natural disaster-impacted small business survey response

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has thanked the 2,000 small and family businesses which have completed an online survey as part of the Small Business Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry.…

… small and family businesses which have already taken the time to complete our online survey – we value your … remain resilient in the case of an unavoidable event, to be part of this important discussion. “What we learn from our … disasters. “In our feedback sessions so far, we’ve heard time and time again that local engagement, leadership and …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Rising cost of small business insurance

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Eddie Williams.

ABC Radio South-East NSW

Subject: rising cost of small business insurance

Eddie Williams

Insurance…

… business at the moment?  Bruce Billson  Eddie, good to be with you and your listeners. It's having an enormous … events is really being challenged at the present time. But I suppose the other point too, which is a little … action stations everywhere and that sometimes is not the time to be really planning for those sorts of events. You're …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Creating a Small Business and Codes List for the Federal Circuit Court

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Leon Delaney.

2CC Radio Canberra

Subject: Creating a Small Business and Codes List…

… Leon, sometimes those dark clouds for a small business can be another business treating them appallingly and in some … know, duelling with the other expert and burns up costs, time and resources and doesn't get you anywhere near an early … case.  Leon Delaney Bruce, thanks very much for your time today.      … TRANSCRIPT Australian Small Business and …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Budget Brief 2024-25

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says tonight’s federal Budget offers targeted measures to help small and family business deal with current pain points and headwinds.

“Small and family businesses facing…

… community. “Matching last year’s Budget, the money will be deducted from the power bills of one million eligible … It is vitally important that small business owners take time to focus on their own mental and financial wellbeing and … improve the uptake of eInvoicing, the effectiveness of the payment times reporting framework and implementation of …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Small business Ombudsman's procurement report released

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, acknowledges the public release and response by the Australian Government of his inquiry into the effectiveness of Commonwealth procurement rules for small businesses.

…

… opportunity for competitive small and family businesses to be a supplier to the Commonwealth”. “Winning a government … are looking for to engage in a complicated, costly and time-consuming process. “Dismissing considered and … boosting women-owned business opportunities and improving payment times.  ASBFEO is encouraged by the Government’s …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

MEDIA RELEASE: Australian small business selling online warned to be aware of US copyright laws

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has released a guide to raise awareness among small businesses selling online about United States’ copyright laws that can shut down their access to customers without warning…

… Australian small business selling online warned to be aware of US copyright laws 09 October 2024 The Australian … been issued against an Australian homewares business every time they advertised. That led to Shopify shutting down their store each time until it was resolved, but that caused the Australian …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

OMBUDSMAN RELEASES PROCUREMENT INQUIRY ISSUES PAPER

Many small businesses say they feel excluded from the chance to tender for Australian Government procurement contracts because they are not part of the ‘in-crowd’ or find the process too hard to navigate, says the Australian Small Business and Family…

… government for procurement and where things might be improved.  “Equally, we’re keen to hear examples of … businesses also point to the high cost and investment of time required to tender, and lack of consideration of this … businesses also point to the high cost and investment of time required to tender, and lack of consideration of this …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

ONLY ONE-IN-FOUR SMALL BUSINESSES HAVE A DISASTER PLAN

Natural disasters can be devastating for small and family businesses yet only one in four small businesses have a current business continuity plan, according to a report by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.…

… A DISASTER PLAN 10 November 2022 Natural disasters can be devastating for small and family businesses yet only one … be adopted to save small business owners the trauma and time associated with repeating their story. An opt-in “My … denied support while others that gave far less attention, time, and effort to protect their own economic interests were …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Internet domain name changes

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Leon Byner.

5AA Adelaide

6 September 2022

…

… Billson. Bruce, good morning. Bruce Billson Leon, fab to be with you and your listeners. Leon Byner Tell everybody … shortened version of the digital identity you've invested time, money, built customer relationships with. It’s a good time to take a few minutes and protect your interests. Leon …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman welcomes funding for critical small business mental health program

Ombudsman welcomes funding for critical small business mental health program

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to renew funding for a…

Ombudsman welcomes funding for critical small business mental health program

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to renew funding for a…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Small business disputes with Big Tech digital platform providers

 15 October 2024

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Annie Guest.

ABC Radio AM Program

 

…

… had a big scare. John Toomey (small business owner) One day I found myself locked out of Facebook, I couldn't get in. … Bruce Billson This is 86 per cent higher than the same time last year for disputes involving one of these Big Tech … were about Meta, 17 per cent were directed at Uber for payment problems. So, the Small Business Ombudsman is calling …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

OMBUDSMAN APPLAUDS CYBER SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESS

New support announced today by the Australian Government to help small businesses combat cyber attacks is extremely welcome, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson. 

“One of the biggest fears a…

… the biggest fears a small business has is that they will be targeted and wiped out by a cyber attack and we are … their digital infrastructure and the criminals demand a payment for to access your own information.”   Mr Billson … their digital infrastructure and the criminals demand a payment for to access your own information.”   Mr Billson …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Small businesses need the right kind of incentives to succeed

Originally published in the Canberra Times.

By Bruce Billson.

I was shocked, but sadly not surprised, to read recently that one in five small businesses have zero cash reserves.

About 18 per cent have less than a month's worth of cash…

… The drain on resources during the establishment phase can be too much. The early years for a new business can be the … 17 per cent of business owners were under the age of 30, but that's down to 8 per cent. CPA Australia's … or their own enterprise as a pathway for the future? At a time when young people, particularly, look for purpose as …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: 2023-24 Federal Budget and small business

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson discusses the 2023-24 Federal Budget and small business with Selina Green on ABC Radio SA South East.

Selina Green 

Small businesses have…

… what relief will those small business operators out there be getting from the immediate pressures facing them? Things … for people that aren't jazzed about accounting and balance day adjustments and all that.   That's still there, but it's … with you. A bit to unpack there. Thanks so much for your time this morning.  Bruce Billson  Thank you Selina. Fab to …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

HELP FOR SMALL BUSINESS USING DIGITAL MARKETING

Digital marketing can be vital to the success of a small business yet one-in-three end up in a dispute with their provider, according to new research.

And almost 70% of small businesses last fewer than 12 months with the digital marketing…

… DIGITAL MARKETING 17 January 2024 Digital marketing can be vital to the success of a small business yet one-in-three … “But for too many small businesses this relationship can be unsatisfactory, and for one-in-three it ends in a dispute. … business and a digital marketing provider. “There needs to be clear and honest communication about budget, the exact …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Survey deadline extended for women business owners to be heard

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has extended the deadline for a survey of women who own and lead businesses.

“There has been a tremendous response so far - it is clear there is an appetite to engage…

… Survey deadline extended for women business owners to be heard 19 October 2021 The Australian Small Business and … self-employment and creating their own business at this time. And that trend’s been with us for a little while but … because we’ve found over the journey – and certainly in my time as the Federal Cabinet Minister for Small Business – …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman’s guide for small business - using social media securely

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Gary Adshead.

Radio 6PR Perth

Subject: Ombudsman’s guide for small business - using social media securely

Gary Adshead…

… and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, and he joins me now. G’day Bruce. Bruce Billson Gary, fab to be with you and your listeners?  Gary Adshead Can you tell … get a call from my bank saying, Bruce, we've blocked this payment. Do you know who they are? I said, they seem to be a …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

We need to keep putting wind in the sails of our enterprising women and men

Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

As we return to business as usual after the election, I am hopeful that the incoming government will have a very strong and prominent focus on small and family businesses. It is…

… that are first used or installed ready for use by June 30, 2026. While this is a very positive step, small … safeguards. Broad consultation with small businesses will be important to ensure that the proposed banning of … that are first used or installed ready for use by June 30, 2026. While this is a very positive step, small …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Welcome win for government procurement contracts

Changes to Commonwealth procurement rules that take effect today will create more opportunities for small business to win government contracts, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.

“There is no…

… and it’s great to see the Commonwealth’s commitment to be a bigger customer for small businesses,” Mr Billson said. … to ensuring these changes make a real difference will be to provide capacity-building contracts that will enable … 20 per cent of Commonwealth procurements by value must be sourced from small and medium enterprises. This doubles …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman’s report says the show must go on

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has today released an interim report into the insurance crisis facing Australia’s amusement, leisure, and recreation sector. 

“There is a clear and present…

… that many of the attractions people know and love won’t be able to operate,” Mr Billson said.  “The lack of insurance … On, explores whether a Discretionary Mutual Fund (DMF) can be a durable solution and discusses required legislative … ‘fit for purpose’.  It also highlights the need for DMF to be recognised and accepted as a suitable solution by councils …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Excessive insurance premiums are killing small businesses

Originally published in the Canberra Times.

Finding adequate insurance cover at commercially viable terms is fast becoming a wicked challenge for small and family businesses.

There have been countless examples of small businesses closing…

… Unlike households who - for many reasons - might choose to be uninsured or underinsured and have options about the level … vital business precondition, is no longer a once-a-year payment (with a likely inevitable modest price increase) that … vital business precondition, is no longer a once-a-year payment (with a likely inevitable modest price increase) that …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: AgQuip, small farming business issues, small business owners getting older

 TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Paul Turton.

ABC NSW

 

Subject: AgQuip, small farming…

… 2006. And with only 8% of small business owners aged under 30, what are we going to do to get more younger people … that, by the way. Good morning. Bruce Billson Paul, fab to be with you and your audience sir. Paul Turton You join us … about this from our parents Paul - were under the age of 30. Now it's 8% but in farming it's 4% are under the age of …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Small biz needs all the help it can get

Opinion piece by the Ombudsman Bruce Billson.

Originally published in the Daily Telegraph.

Small business is a big deal. But not as big as it used to be. Economic contribution has dropped from 40 per cent to 33 per cent since 2006 and share…

… Small business is a big deal. But not as big as it used to be. Economic contribution has dropped from 40 per cent to 33 … sleepwalking towards a big corporate economy. At the same time, insolvencies are at a record high. The Tax office, hot … owner is now 50 and only 8 per cent are under the age of 30, half what it was in the 1970s. It is in our national …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

What happens when builders go bust

Originally published in the Canberra Times.

By Bruce Billson.

The latest report card on the economy will be no surprise to small business owners. Economic growth is barely limping along.

The combination of…

… Bruce Billson. The latest report card on the economy will be no surprise to small business owners. Economic growth is … are earning less than the average total weekly, full-time earnings. I can't stress enough the importance for a … are earning less than the average total weekly, full-time earnings. I can't stress enough the importance for a …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman welcomes government move to deliver small business tax breaks

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to deliver tax breaks that will help small businesses have greater support, incentives and skills to grow.

The…

… government move to deliver small business tax breaks 30 August 2022 The Australian Small Business and Family … the support, incentives, skills and training needed to be truly competitive and to grow. “Deeper digital engagement … eInvoicing software, hardware such as laptops and portable payment devices. “For a small business, the cost of training …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman’s final report finds ‘Show Must Go On’ despite insurance crisis

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has today released the final report into the insurance crisis facing Australia’s amusement, leisure, and recreation sector, declaring “the show must go on”.

The…

… tag and even walking tours in national parks. This can be through contractual obligations as well as requirements … Mr Billson says. “Additionally, the DMF needs to be recognised as a suitable solution at a local level and … tag and even walking tours in national parks. This can be through contractual obligations as well as requirements …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

3G shutdown to affect small, family and farming businesses

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Leon Delaney.

Radio 2CC Canberra

Subject: 3G shutdown to affect small, family and farming businesses

Leon Delaney

…

… and lots of pieces of business equipment that might well be caught up in the phase out of 3G. Joining me now, the … you're counting on them to work, and all of a sudden, the day after October 28 they don't happen, that can come as a … you're counting on them to work, and all of a sudden, the day after October 28 they don't happen, that can come as a …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Kim Napier

ABC Radio Northern Tasmania

Subject: internet domain name changes

Kim Napier

ABC Northern Tasmania with Kim Napier. Well, do you own or run a website for a small…

… to have you on the program. Bruce Billson It's fab to be with you and the listeners on the north coast of the … but not a lot of skiing to be had. But, what a good time to spend a few minutes thinking about your domain name. … up some public awareness that this is a really important time to consider whether you, as a small and family business, …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Pagination

  • « First First page
  • ‹ Previous Previous page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • Next › Next page
  • Last » Last page

Connect with us

facebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

twitter

 

 

 

 

 

instagram

 

 

 

 

 

linkedin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

youtube

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

newsletter

 

 

atsi

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, water and community.

We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past, present and emerging.

Primary Footer Menu 1

  • Social Media
  • Resources and tools
  • Data portal
  • Dispute support
  • One thing ASBFEO can do for me
  • Contact us

Highlight

  • About
  • Copyright

Footer menu

  • Language Assistance
  • Accessibility
  • Treasury AI Transparency Statement
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Sitemap