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.
“Protection racket”: SMEs lose out as procurement panels benefit Big 4 consultants, says parliamentary report
A key system connecting the private sector to lucrative government contracts operates as a "protection racket" to the detriment of small and medium businesses, a new parliamentary committee report says.
“Shut out”: Small businesses locked out of $81 billion government contracts urged to come forward
Small business operators who believe they have been locked out lucrative government contracts have been invited to share their views with a formal inquiry into the multi-billion dollar system.
Nailing EOFY: How an expert plans for the new financial year
In this must attend EoFY session, a panel of experts will address the current state of play for SMEs and share the latest advice, insights and projections on the year ahead.
Restaurants could be forced to reprint menus and change signage over “onerous” fish labelling rules, ombudsman says
Enforcing country of origin labels for all seafood served in Australian restaurants and cafes will tip the scales against small businesses, according to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
The $80 billion question: New ASBFEO inquiry asks if small businesses are locked out of government contracts
The multi-billion dollar flow of taxpayer funds to small business contractors will come under investigation by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), as the federal government attempts to lock in its new small business procurement target.
“Really positive”: Andrew Leigh hailed for competition reforms, as Small Business Ombudsman calls for further action in 2023
Small business groups have praised the Labor government's recent competition reforms, Small Business Bruce Billson says, but the SME advocate suggests more could be done to crack down on harmful conduct in 2023.
Budget 2022: SME leaders concerned over $8 million tweak in Small Business Ombudsman funding
Small business luminaries fear the move to redirect funding could limit the Small Business Ombudsman's other business support initiatives.
Budget 2022: “Literally exhausted” small business community cautiously optimistic about support measures
Australia's small business sector has welcomed new federal budget measures designed to alleviate the skills crisis, but a lack of direct cost-of-living support remains a concern for the hospitality sector.
