From the Small Business Commissioner

While we had hoped to have seen a marked improvement in business conditions, our survey and feedback indicate that it remains very tough for small business. According to our latest Momentum Survey, just 31 per cent of businesses are confident in their own prospects. Input costs, staff shortages, higher interest rates, compliance burdens and weaker customer demand are the primary reasons eroding business confidence.

We have just published the Commission’s 2023 Annual Report. It was another busy year, with requests for assistance remaining about double pre-COVID levels. I commend the report to you and I would like to thank all our stakeholders, key industry groups and local councils who collaborated with us to support and assist small businesses in 2023.