For many small business owners, they will be happy to put the year behind them. 2025 has seen a myriad of changes impacting small business, on top of a period that tested the resilience of too many, like never before. New and more complex regulatory requirements, rising input costs, margin squeezes, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer behaviours have all taken their toll.

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Encouragingly, as we approach 2026, enterprising women and men are displaying their renowned relentless optimism with a noticeable spring in their step. With the modest uptick in business conditions last quarter and a sense of delicious possibilities in reach, cautious positivity is paving the way to a renewed sense of hope for the future and a willingness to take action to ensure their small businesses thrive and prosper in the years ahead.

Small and family businesses are the engine room of our economy and the lifeblood of our neighbourhoods and towns. The recent Small Business Ministers' meeting affirmed that governments at all levels are engaged and listening. Ministers committed to cutting red tape, improving disaster resilience, and ensuring timely, accurate information reaches business owners. A stocktake of resources is an early action, to ensure support is easier to find when small and family businesses need it most.

While many of us are winding down and get 'festive fit' for the season ahead, many small businesses are flat out navigating a peak trading period that is vital to keeping their doors open.

These warmer months also bring heightened risk of natural disasters. The impacts of these disasters on small and family businesses can be devastating and can include damaged and........

© Canberra Times