Challenges Holding Australian Small Businesses Back (and How to Fix Them)
Posted Today
Posted Today
You’re busy.
You’re doing the work.
You’re bringing in revenue.
And yet…
Cash flow feels tight, decisions feel heavy, and it’s hard to tell whether you’re actually moving forward. Rather than taking the next step you’re overthinking everything.
This isn’t just a “you” problem - it’s an Australian small business reality.
A recent survey commissioned by CommBank found nearly 80% of Australian SMBs experienced cash flow impacts in the last 12 months, with common drivers including declining revenue, low cash reserves and seasonal fluctuations.
So if you’re feeling stretched, uncertain or stuck in reactive mode - you’re not behind. You’re normal.
But you can fix it.
That’s exactly why we created Empire Launchpad: a structured, numbers-led planning session that helps business owners step back, regain clarity, and build a practical plan that supports both profitability, life and long term planning for your business.
It’s taking the guess work out and transforms overthinking into action. It’s design to help with the most common challenges that small business face and derived from our experience with clients in the past.
Cash flow is one of the most common stress points for business owners, and it’s often not because the business is “bad”.
It’s because:
According to Xero’s reporting highlights published based on the data they have access to, it’s different how payment delays affect small businesses. Some experience invoices often paid around 6 days late on average, creating real cash flow strain. Certain industries, such as construction are particularly prone to this issue.
And when cash flow is unclear, everything gets harder: BAS, wages, pricing decisions, hiring, and even sleep.
What Launchpad does: We build a clear cash flow forecast and set a plan for upcoming obligations so you’re not guessing. We educate you around the payments that are needed and encourage you to set up steps that will set you up for success.
Client example - Stacey:
Stacey came into her session stressed about an existing tax debt with no clear plan (and no solutions from her prior accountant). After the
session:
A business can be busy and still not be profitable.
We see this when:
Across the market, profitability pressure is real. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman pointing to data showing 46% of small businesses did not make a profit.
What Launchpad does: We connect pricing, margins, and owner pay to the numbers so profit becomes intentional, not accidental.
Client example – Lucas:
This business was considering closing down:
“So busy every day but not making any money… not even breaking even.”
A key moment in the session was direct, simple and necessary:
“Guys, you need to up your prices.”
From there, they began putting support and structure around the business and the results were significant over time:
“If they’re unsure about the health of the business and the numbers, see Laura. She will give you a snapshot of your situation and actionable tasks to improve.”
In Australia, there are 2,729,648 actively trading businesses (June 2025).
Most owners are juggling a lot and without a clear plan, the business gets run by urgency.
That creates a loop:
What Launchpad does: We build a practical strategic plan with priorities and timelines so you stop working in the now and find time to work on the future. This ensures you move with intent into the future.
Hiring. Pricing. Systems. Marketing. Scaling.
These decisions feel terrifying when your numbers don’t feel reliable and you have no one to bounce ideas off with.
And when you’re overwhelmed, you either:
What Launchpad does: We give you a clear actions each session that are aligned with your long term goals and hold you accountable.
ATO debt stress is rising across the small business landscape. For example, the Small Business Debt Helpline reported supporting callers with $429 million in ATO-related debts in 2025, with a median debt around $70,000.
And business closures/insolvencies are also elevated — ASIC reported 13,413 companies entered external administration in the financial year to 31 May 2025, up 34.2% compared to the same period the year before.
What Launchpad does: We tackle the real issue (planning + cash flow + structure), not just the symptom. If debt is part of the picture, we map out options and a repayment strategy that’s realistic and sustainable.
Most “planning” is either too fluffy… or too technical.
Launchpad sits in the sweet spot:
Stacey described it perfectly:
“It wasn’t just ‘how can we tackle this debt?’ It was also, ‘how does life factor into this so you can have this balanced.’”
And if you’re worried about being judged or feeling silly asking questions:
“Laura is direct… and I think that’s part of her superpower. I wanted someone who could tell me how to fix things, but in a way that was
so clear and nice - it was perfect.”
Empire Launchpad is for you if you’re thinking things like:
If that’s you, the next step isn’t working harder.
It’s stepping back, getting clear, and building the plan that makes growth sustainable.
We sat down with Darius Hii, Director of Chat Legal, to learn more about his journey, the work he does, and how he’s helping clients take a proactive approach to legal and tax planning.
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