Interest rates go up: how could this affect your finances?
On 3 February 2026, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increased the cash rate from 3.6% to 3.85%, reflecting ongoing inflationary pressures, tight labour market conditions, and capacity constraints. Interest rate changes can influence small business finances in several ways: Borrowing Costs: Cashflow Impacts: Investment and Capital Considerations: Economic Environment: While these changes may present […]
Why ESG is your new competitive edge
Increased regulatory scrutiny and stakeholder expectations have elevated the importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting across the business landscape. While traditionally associated with large corporates, ESG considerations are now highly relevant to small and medium enterprises. According to research conducted by Sage in conjunction with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), 70% of […]
Why bookkeeping is essential for your small business
Business owners frequently ask whether they require a bookkeeper, an accountant, or both. The answer will depend on the size, complexity and stage of the business; however, in most cases, both roles add distinct and complementary value. A bookkeeper is responsible for maintaining accurate day-to-day financial records. This includes processing transactions, issuing and reconciling invoices, […]
How to find government grants and support
Adequate capital is essential to support business growth, investment and long-term sustainability. While traditional funding options remain important, government grants and loans can provide valuable additional support. The Federal Government’s grant finder tool currently lists hundreds of grants, loans and assistance programs, with further incentives available through state governments. Below is a snapshot of four […]
Alternative routes to funding: how to bring capital into your business
Most businesses require adequate capital to operate effectively, support growth and achieve sustainable profitability. Traditionally, this funding is sourced through private investors, bank loans or approved overdraft facilities. However, there are several alternative funding options that may also be appropriate, depending on your business model and objectives. Alternative funding options: If you are seeking to […]
Innovate to Grow: an opportunity for farm and food technology businesses
The farm and food technology sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, automation and process digitisation. While small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in this evolution, many continue to face challenges progressing early-stage ideas, managing commercial risk and accessing specialist expertise. The Innovate to Grow: Farm & Food […]
What are trade tariffs and how can they affect your business?
In recent months, there has been increased media attention on the potential introduction of trade tariffs, particularly those imposed by the current United States administration. This has raised important questions for businesses engaged in international trade, including what trade tariffs are, how they operate, and the potential impact they may have on exporting goods to […]
The importance of regular bank reconciliations
A bank reconciliation involves comparing your internal sales and expense records with the transactions recorded on your bank statement. It is a critical financial control used to identify and correct discrepancies, errors or omissions between your accounting records and the bank’s records. Regular bank reconciliations help ensure your bookkeeping remains accurate and reliable. They can […]
Protecting you and your business: taking out insurance
Running a business inevitably involves exposure to risk. While most owners plan for steady growth, unexpected events such as accidents, injuries, severe weather or legal disputes can have a material impact on operations and cash flow. Business insurance is a fundamental component of effective risk management and helps protect the business from financial loss arising […]
5 steps for getting the best from your digital tools
Improving efficiency, productivity and automation is a key priority for any small business operating in today’s digital environment. However, with the wide range of digital tools and software solutions available, implementing new systems can feel overwhelming. Common considerations include selecting the right tools, managing implementation and ensuring staff receive appropriate training. To assist small businesses, […]