Cash Flow
When Traditional Banking Doesn't Work
Three business owners share how they navigated tight cash flow without taking on debt they couldn't service. Real stories, actual numbers, no miracle solutions.
Published 14 February 2025
February 2025
What's Actually Happening in Small Business Finance
Real updates, practical insights, and regulatory changes that matter to Australian small business owners. No fluff, just the information you need.
Tax Planning
The Mid-Year Tax Check Nobody Does
Why waiting until June is costing you options. A straightforward look at what you can actually control before end of financial year hits.
Published 10 February 2025
Technology
Software That Actually Helps
Not every business needs expensive accounting software. Sometimes a spreadsheet and good habits work better. Here's how to know which camp you're in.
Published 6 February 2025February Insights
We spoke with accountants, business advisors, and owners who've been through it. Here's what's worth paying attention to right now.
Payment Terms Are Shifting
More businesses are tightening their payment terms, which means you might need to look at yours too. The 30-day standard isn't as standard anymore. Some industries are moving to 14 days, others are requiring deposits. It's not personal, it's just the current climate.
Interest Rates Aren't Your Enemy
Higher rates are annoying, but they're also forcing better decisions. We're seeing businesses get more strategic about what they borrow for and when. That discipline tends to stick around even when rates drop again.
The Quiet Ones Are Doing Fine
Businesses that aren't shouting about growth on social media seem to be weathering things better. Turns out boring fundamentals like managing expenses and collecting payments on time still work. Who knew?
Regulatory Updates Worth Knowing
These are the changes that might actually affect your business. We've filtered out the noise and focused on what matters for small operators in Australia.
1 March 2025
Superannuation Payment Timing
The grace period for super payments is getting shorter. You'll have less wiggle room if cash flow is tight. Plan accordingly, because the penalties for late super are some of the steepest out there.
1 April 2025
Digital Record Keeping Standards
More specific requirements around what records need to be digital and how long you need to keep them. Not a massive change, but if you're still using paper for everything, now's a good time to think about updating your system.
1 July 2025
Small Business Energy Incentive Extension
The energy efficiency bonus deduction is being extended for another year. If you've been putting off upgrading equipment, this might tip the scales. Worth running the numbers with your accountant before June.
Ongoing
Single Touch Payroll Phase 2
More data requirements for payroll reporting. Most software handles this automatically now, but if you're doing payroll manually or using older systems, you might need to upgrade sooner than you'd like.
Different Perspectives
Business advisors don't always agree on everything. That's actually helpful, because it means there's rarely just one right answer for your situation.
The Case for Conservative Growth
Not every business needs to scale aggressively. Sometimes the smartest move is staying small, profitable, and in control. You can always grow later when conditions improve or you've built up reserves.
A lot of businesses that grew quickly in 2020-2021 are struggling now because they locked in high overhead costs. The ones that stayed cautious have more options today.
There's no trophy for fastest growth. There is satisfaction in running a business that doesn't keep you up at night worrying about cash flow.
Callum Fitzwilliam Business Advisory, Perth