Why Small, Medium, and Social Enterprises Are Struggling in Australia—And What We Can Do About It

Running a small business or a social enterprise in Australia can feel like you're constantly swimming against the current. These businesses form the backbone of our communities, drive innovation, and employ millions, yet too often they're hit with challenges that larger corporations seem to effortlessly sidestep.

If you're running or have run one of these enterprises, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. You're probably familiar with navigating the maze of compliance paperwork and regulatory hurdles highlighted by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO). According to their research, the complexity of red tape is a constant headache for small businesses, sapping resources that could otherwise drive growth and innovation.

Another major issue identified by the Sensis Business Index is access to affordable financing. Banks often view small businesses as high-risk ventures, making loans either difficult to secure or prohibitively expensive. This can stall expansion plans, restrict hiring, or even threaten the survival of the business itself. It's a frustrating reality that many SMEs encounter.

Competition isn't getting any easier either. As CPA Australia's Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey shows, small businesses increasingly find themselves competing not just locally, but globally—facing giant corporations and online competitors who offer products and services with convenience and scale that smaller businesses struggle to match.

And then there's staffing. The Australian Bureau of Statistics regularly highlights skill shortages and staffing pressures among small businesses and nonprofits. Offering competitive salaries or retaining talented staff can be almost impossible when you're already operating on razor-thin margins.

But here's the good news: these struggles aren't insurmountable. Small, medium, and social enterprises can thrive with the right support and strategy.

At Guild Consulting, we believe these businesses deserve access to high-quality advice and strategies once reserved only for larger corporations. We understand your unique challenges, whether it’s navigating financial constraints, boosting digital presence, or streamlining operational efficiency. Our tailored approach ensures you get practical, realistic solutions designed specifically for the SME and social enterprise landscape.

We help businesses like yours simplify complex processes, optimise cash flow management, and strategically leverage digital tools—turning those pain points into opportunities for growth. Our model isn't just about advice; it’s about empowering you to build a lasting legacy.

If these challenges sound familiar, you're not alone—and you don’t have to tackle them alone either. Guild Consulting is here to support your journey, offering personalised consulting designed for your specific needs. Reach out today, and let's talk about how we can help your business not just survive, but thrive.


  • Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO). (2023). Retrieved from https://www.asbfeo.gov.au/research

  • Sensis Business Index. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.sensis.com.au/about/our-reports

  • CPA Australia. (2023). Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey. Retrieved from https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/professional-resources/business-management/small-business/asia-pacific-small-business-survey

  • Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). (2023). Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry


-Marina Lipovic

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