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  • 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
    • Franchising
      • Franchising done well
        • Different types of franchises
        • Characteristics that are important in a franchise relationship
        • Specific purpose funds
      • Resources for starting a franchise
        • Before you sign – do your research on the franchise
        • Assess the franchise opportunities and seek professional advice
        • Read the franchise agreement
      • Franchising Code of Conduct and Alternative Dispute Resolution
        • Franchising Mediation Feedback Form
      • Managing change
        • Best practice for franchisors
          • The psychology of change
          • Change management tips for franchisors
      • Exiting a franchise
        • Franchisee-initiated exit - Compliance
        • Franchisee-initiated exit - Best practice guidance for franchisees
        • Franchisee-initiated exit - Best practice guidance for franchisors
        • Tax implications - transferring or terminating a franchise
    • The Tax Concierge Service
    • Alternative Dispute Resolution
    • Access to low cost advice for disputes
    • Dispute case studies
    • 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.  

    • Small Business Commissioners
    • Cyber security
    • Financial wellbeing
    • Mental health
    • Handling debts
    • Resources for starting a small business
    • 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
    • Climate-related financial disclosures
    • Disaster preparation and recovery
    • Self-employment
    • Changes to Australian workplace laws
    • The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (US)
    • Payment Times Reporting Scheme
    • Disputes with an overseas business
    • Small Business Hub
    • Default credit listings
    • Working as a delivery driver
    • Healthy business relationships and dispute resolution
    • ‘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
    • Newsletters
    • Quarterly reports
    • Events
    • Social media
    • Contact Us
    • MSME Day
  • 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.

    • Contribution to Australian Gross Domestic Product
    • Contribution to Australian Employment
    • Number of small businesses in Australia
    • Apprentices and Trainees Employed by Small Business
    • Spotlight on Sole Traders

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  • Basic page (90)
  • Media Centre item (20)
  • Report (5)
  • Submission (4)

Media Section

  • Media Centre (19)

Media Source

  • ASBFEO Live (20)

Resources for starting a small business

… Resources for starting a small business Looking to start a small business? Our mission is to ensure Australia is the … Australia is the best place to start, grow or transform a business. We strive to make sure your business can access every support available to have every …

Basic page

… Table 5: Employment by business size   Source: ABS Australian Industry , Table 5, … which excludes financial and insurance services. Small businesses (as defined by the ABS as those employing … by industry ranked by number of people employed by small business, 30 June 21 Source: ABS Australian Industry, …

MEDIA RELEASE: Surge in small business disputes with Big Tech platforms

The number of small business disputes with Big Tech platform providers is 86 per cent higher than the same time last year, according to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.

Mr Billson said over the past…

… MEDIA RELEASE: Surge in small business disputes with Big Tech platforms 15 October 2024 The number of small business disputes with Big Tech platform providers is … The number of small business disputes with Big Tech platform providers is 86 per … MEDIA RELEASE: Surge in small business disputes with Big Tech platforms …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

… the Ombudsman Almost 98% of businesses in Australia are small businesses – some 2.5 million which generate nearly … is truly worthy of recognition and celebration. Small business is a big deal.  But just back in 2006, small … aged over 50.  Today, only 8% of small business owners are under the age of 30, half what it was in the 1970s.  Why is …

… Tribunal resolves a wide range of disputes, including small business matters.  Magistrates Court The  ACT Magistrates … forum for resolving smaller legal disputes. All claims under $25,000 are heard in the Northern Territory Civil and …

Apprentices and Trainees Employed by Small Business

… Apprentices and Trainees Employed by Small Business This data includes the numbers, industries and … were aged 24 and under in December 2023. The number of apprentices and … the numbers, industries and demographics of Australia’s small business apprentices and trainees and illustrates the …

Basic page

… over 8,000 followers to have her accounts restored. The small business owner would use the digital platform to showcase her … the digital platform and the accounts were reinstated in under two weeks. The small business wrote thanking us for our …

… potential benefits of a tax discount/offset scheme for new small business owners to allow them to keep more of their income to … in a timely way and pay small business suppliers in under 21 days, with a ‘Good Business Pays’ recognition and … potential benefits of a tax discount/offset scheme for new small business owners to allow them to keep more of their …

… 1. Small business apprentices and trainees Number of small business apprentices and trainees Small businesses employed … Number of small business apprentices and trainees Small businesses employed …

… and then floods. The impacts of natural disasters on small businesses can be devastating. These impacts can … streams. Recovering from this can take a heavy toll on small business owners, their employees, and the broader community.  … and then floods. The impacts of natural disasters on small businesses can be devastating. These impacts can …

… MSME messages    The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman   Video file  The … Collins MP - Minister for Housing, Homelessness, and for Small Business   The referenced media source is missing and … MSME messages    The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman    The Hon. …

How we help

… help The ASBFEO responds to requests for assistance from small businesses and family enterprises that are in dispute … or Commonwealth Government agencies. If you are a Small Business operator in dispute with another business or … We maintain an ADR Practitioner list who conduct ADR under our legislation and the franchising , horticulture, …

Basic page

New low-cost support to help small and family businesses resolve disputes

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has welcomed the expansion of subsidised legal advice for eligible small and family businesses to support more effective engagement in dispute resolution processes.

The…

… New low-cost support to help small and family businesses resolve disputes 03 March 2025 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has … The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has … New low-cost support to help small and family businesses resolve disputes …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

… Tips and resources Develop a business plan to help you start, grow, or transform your … you to build your own employment contract, for an employee under Australia’s Fair Work System, that is tailored to your business needs. Essentials to strengthen your small business from the ATO offers flexible, and free online …

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…

… MEDIA RELEASE: Australian small business selling online warned to be aware of US copyright … livelihoods damaged by unfounded allegations being made under these laws and then have their products taken down … The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

About us

… About us The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) was … ASBFEO does not have specific agency responsibilities under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability …

Basic page

When the dining table becomes the board table – celebrating National Family Business Day

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, is encouraging all Australians to celebrate National Family Business Day on Thursday 19 September.

“It’s a great moment to reflect on the crucial role family-owned…

… becomes the board table – celebrating National Family Business Day 17 September 2024 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce … wife.   “It’s a big responsibility owning and running a small business and that is magnified when it is a family …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Number of small businesses in Australia

… Number of small businesses in Australia Small business’ contribution to Australian business numbers … Small business’ contribution to Australian business numbers is one … economy. This can be explored by looking at the number of small businesses by employment and turnover. …

Basic page

… Table 5: Employment by business size   Source: ABS Australian Industry , Table 5, … which excludes financial and insurance services. Small businesses (as defined by the ABS as those employing … past three years. Chart 7 shows the industry sectors where small businesses make the greatest contribution to …

… Business.gov.au Guide to starting a business Resources for First Nations small business owners Starting a business - Indigenous … Australia Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Small business toolkit Small business | ACCC Contracts | ACCC …

… What we do Our Assistance team helps small businesses and family enterprises to resolve disputes … about ASBFEO’s work and other supports available for small business and family enterprises. We manage the ASBFEO’s and … ASBFEO does not have specific agency responsibilities under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability …

Small Business Commissioners

… Small Business Commissioners Working with state‑based Small Business Commissioners Running a small business can sometimes … Running a small business can sometimes involve disputes that are difficult to … Small Business Commissioners …

Basic page

… Cyber Security Centre has dedicated resources for small businesses: Small Business Cyber Security Guide to help small businesses … Cyber Security Centre has dedicated resources for small businesses: Small Business Cyber Security Guide to help small businesses …

Small Biz Ombudsman welcomes new Minister

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the returning Government’s new Ministry with the Hon Dr Anne Aly appointed to Cabinet as the Minister for Small Business.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has welcomed Dr…

… Small Biz Ombudsman welcomes new Minister 12 May 2025 Prime … Hon Dr Anne Aly appointed to Cabinet as the Minister for Small Business. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise … Hon Dr Anne Aly appointed to Cabinet as the Minister for Small Business. The Australian Small Business and Family …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Financial wellbeing

… distress is one of the biggest sources of anxiety for small and family business owners.  Tips Regularly review your business … ATO. You can also set up a payment plan if your debt is under $100,000. Phone: 12 28 66 (Business enquiries line) … distress is one of the biggest sources of anxiety for small and family business owners.  …

Basic page

… 2. Number of small businesses by turnover Table 2: Business numbers by annual turnover in June 2023 Annual … that are not registered for GST). A common definition of small business used by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) … that are not registered for GST). A common definition of small business used by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) …

… Small business apprentices and trainees Number of small business apprentices and trainees Table 1: Apprentices and … Number of small business apprentices and trainees Table 1: Apprentices and … Small business apprentices and trainees …

… We helped a franchisee who sought to progress to mediation under the Franchising Code of Conduct. A dispute arose about … the two parties. Mediating to resolve disputes We help small businesses to resolve disputes and to access mediation … their issues.  Franchise reinstated A thriving small business was approached by the state leaders of an …

Tradies and sub-contractors to be paid on time and in full, in ‘fairer go’ for construction

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is encouraged by the Australian Government’s response to the Murray Review of Security of Payment Laws, and welcomes the announcement of further action to help ensure tradies and…

… ‘fairer go’ for construction 20 March 2025 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is … to extend protections against unfair business practices to small businesses, will also help address harmful conduct in … The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

… 2. Demographics of small business apprentices and trainees Sex [1] Three quarters of … in-training employed by small business were aged 24 and under in September 2022. These were mainly in the …

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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.

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