Omicron waves and a crypto crash: A look back at what derailed SmartCompany’s predictions for an unpredictable 2022
SmartCompany looks back at some 2022 predictions made one year ago. What did we get right, and what did we get wrong?
Early federal budget for 2022: What can businesses expect?
It’s federal budget season, and the nation’s small businesses are pondering whether there’s any good news on the horizon for what’s shaping up to be another challenging year.
Small businesses can’t survive multiple ‘shadow lockdowns’ without a national support plan
The type of government support that helped so many businesses survive the official lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 has been absent during the Omicron outbreak.
COVID-19 made us more productive and connected us in new ways. Where do we go from here?
As we move into and beyond 2022, the pandemic has made businesses more adaptable and resilient than ever before.
SMEs in NSW set to benefit from a revamped JobSaver
The NSW government has revamped its 2021 JobSaver scheme to help struggling SMEs, but Josh Frydenberg has refused to pitch in.
Omicron turns restaurants into ghost towns, while government support dries up
Restaurant and Catering Australia CEO Wes Lambert said a survey of the organisation’s NSW members showed the average business’ revenue was down by up to 60% since the start of the year.
“The vibe is gone”: Businesses in Melbourne’s CBD are crying out for government support under ‘unofficial lockdown’
The latest wave of COVID-19 is putting pressure on small businesses in Melbourne’s CBD, with revenues similar to, or even less than, lockdown levels.
Small business mental health programs get $6.7 million funding boost
Small business advocates have welcomed the new funding commitments as Australian small business owners enter the third year of the pandemic.
NSW and VIC extend commercial rent relief for small businesses
The NSW and Vic governments have extended schemes that require landlords to give rent deferrals and waivers to commercial tenants.
Why the economic trauma caused by Omicron could have been predicted
While policymakers didn’t necessarily foresee the sudden emergence of a more transmissible, less virulent strain of COVID-19, some experts say we could have been better prepared to face the economic havoc created by Omicron.
Omicron peak set to affect one-in-10 workers
Australian workplaces are set to have a 10% absenteeism rate as states and territories reach the peak of Omicron outbreaks.
The year that was — déjà vu plus. What’s next?
This year was similar to 2020 in many ways as the pandemic continued, lockdowns were implemented, and businesses were forced to close or modify their behaviours.
