“Flame of ambition”: Ombudsman proposes Prime Minister’s awards for small business in 14-point plan
Would small business awards handed down by the Prime Minister, or formal accreditation for those who pay suppliers on time, help to re-energise the SME sector? Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson believes so.
“Exasperated”: Small business advocates fear delays will mean SMEs miss out on $314 million energy tax breaks
Small business figureheads fear the full $314 million in tax benefits expected under the Small Business Energy Incentive will go unrealised, with its delayed passage into law causing uncertainty among the business owners it was designed to help.
Helping small businesses to start, grow or transform
Disputes about being paid, trouble with a digital service provider, contract battles and franchise disagreements are the top four issues where small businesses have sought the help of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
Small Business Ombudsman here to help
The goal of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman is to help ensure Australia is the best place to start, grow and transform a small business.
“Ultimate run-around”: ASBFEO calls on big tech to do better by small businesses
The ASBFEO has also released a free Guide to Using Social Media Securely for small businesses, which explains how SME operators can tighten security and reduce the risk of their social media accounts being hacked.
As hacks and scams hit small businesses, ASBFEO calls for new digital media dispute service
Small businesses locked in dispute with social media giants deserve further support, the SME ombudsman says, calling for a new arbitration service capable of taking the fight to powerful digital platforms.
Hundreds of small businesses ask for help after losing access to Facebook, Instagram and more
Small business disputes with digital platforms like Facebook are the fastest-growing complaint category faced by small business ombudsman Bruce Billson, who says his office has heard 140 cases in the past six months alone.
ASBFEO proposes federal ‘small claims’ tribunal to help SMEs seek cheaper, faster justice
Australia's small businesses deserve affordable access to justice through the Federal Court, the national small business ombudsman says, proposing a small claims tribunal-style alternative to lengthy and financially exhausting legal proceedings.
Small suppliers face “diabolical choices” when dealing with supermarket giants: Ombudsman
After a Four Corners report on supermarket supplier pricing practices, the small business ombudsman says suppliers face "diabolical" choices.
Surging disputes between SMEs and digital marketing consultants prompts action from Ombudsman
Nearly 70% of small businesses drop their digital marketing provider within 12 months, and half report being upsold on services they don't need, according to first-of-its-kind research from the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Small business requests for insolvency help grow sevenfold
The number of small businesses turning to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman for assistance with insolvencies spiked in the September quarter, revealing how corporate collapses are leaving local traders grasping for help.
The most common age for an Australian small business owner revealed
The small business sector is now facing "demographic challenges", the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman says.
