Banks are awash with funds and we have record low interest rates, so why aren’t SMEs borrowing?
Why aren’t banks lending? Why aren’t small businesses taking advantage of record low rates? And will this change in 2021?
Ombudsman updates business funding guide to help SMEs recover from COVID-19
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has released an updated version of its business funding guide.
Big four banks pass on the RBA’s rate cut, slicing interest on business and home loans
All of the big four have passed the RBA’s rate cut on to borrowers, effectively lowering interest rates on some business loans and fixed-term mortgages.
Tax reform, wage incentives and an IR overhaul: What SMEs want from the 2020-21 budget
The 2020-21 budget is a little over a week away and small businesses are looking for extended support to get back on track after COVID-19.
‘More debt is not the solution’: Why the government’s COVID-19 loans scheme is unlikely to ever work
There are two simple reasons why the government's COVID-19 loans scheme for SMEs has not worked to date, and why it is unlikely to work any better in the future, writes Neil Slonim.
‘Blurred lines’: Businesses turn to consumer credit as access to finance worsens
Credit conditions for small businesses have worsened further over the last 12 months as housing prices fall, increasing risks for entrepreneurs.
ASIC approves July 1 business banking reforms, but delays decision on controversial definition
ASIC has given a partial tick of approval to proposed changes to how small businses banking is regulated, but more controversial changes remain in question.
Prospa takes second crack at IPO after 12-month delay, targeting valuation of $610 million
SME lending startup Prospa is having a second go at listing on the ASX, after an initial run-in with ASIC led to a 12-month delay.
‘Faster than we can fund ourselves’: Startup lenders boom as small business ditches banks for alternative options
Small businesses are increasingly turning to non-bank sources for loans, with alternative-lending startups almost growing faster than they can handle.
A misguided $2 billion: What good is small-business capital if founders don’t know how to use it?
Over 70% of small businesses have no written plan of any kind, so what use is a $2 billion government-funded securitisation fund?
“Game-changing” government plan pledges $2 billion for capital-starved SMEs
The government has committed $2 billion to making it easier for SMEs to access finance while supporting the creation of a new commercial growth fund.
Nothing to see here: Banks oppose SME lending regulation crackdown
Despite allegations of fraud, strong-arming and abuses of power, Australia's big four banks say SME lending framework is broadly appropriate.
