Join the waitlist for The Australian Small Business Show Club by clicking here.

If you're wondering what Fair Work changes are coming from 1 July and how they will impact your Australian small business, this episode is for you. Hello and welcome to this week's episode of The Australian Small Business Show.

In this episode we discuss the key Fair Work and workplace compliance updates that Australian small business owners need to be aware of as the new financial year approaches. With changes to minimum wages, Modern Award rates, superannuation obligations and parental leave provisions, now is the time to ensure your business is prepared and compliant.

We unpack the Fair Work Commission's latest decision to increase the National Minimum Wage and Modern Award minimum rates, and what those changes mean for employers across Australia. We also explore the broader impact these increases may have on staffing costs, employee expectations around pay rises, and the importance of reviewing your pricing strategy to account for rising employment costs.

If you've been asking yourself, "What do I need to do before 1 July to stay compliant with Australian employment law and the Fair Work Act?" this episode provides a practical overview of the key actions to take now. We also discuss the move to Payday Super, changes to the government-funded Parental Leave Pay Scheme, and some of the workplace law myths and scare campaigns currently circulating in the market.

As discussed in the episode, a free annual compliance webinar will be held to help employers understand the changes and prepare their businesses for the new financial year. This is an excellent opportunity for Australian small business owners to stay informed and reduce compliance risks.

Key Takeaways:

• Modern Award minimum rates of pay will increase by 4.75% from 1 July.
• The National Minimum Wage will increase to $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week.
• Payday Super is being introduced, requiring superannuation contributions to be paid much more frequently and within strict timeframes.
• The Parental Leave Pay Scheme is expanding to 130 days (26 weeks) for eligible parents.
• Rising employment costs should prompt business owners to review budgets, cash flow forecasts and pricing strategies.
• Not every workplace law change being advertised is actually new, making it important to seek accurate advice and information.

Connect with Us:

If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Join the waitlist for The Australian Small Business Show Club by clicking here.

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

In this episode we’re unpacking the recent Federal Budget and what it could mean for Australian small business owners, both in business and personally. We discuss some of the key announcements that have business owners talking, including the proposed changes to Capital Gains Tax, trust structures, instant asset write-offs and tax loss carry back measures.

We also explore how these proposed changes may impact investment strategies, property ownership, entrepreneurship and future business planning. We share our thoughts on how younger Australians are currently entering the property market, why many business owners are concerned about the direction of the budget, and what these changes could mean for business growth and long-term wealth creation.

In this episode we also touch on the practical realities facing small businesses right now, including cash flow pressures, superannuation changes coming into effect, and the increasing compliance obligations for accountants, lawyers and other professional service providers. We discuss the upcoming payday super changes, anti-money laundering obligations, and why many businesses should prepare for increasing professional service costs over the next financial year.

Importantly, whilst we share our thoughts and opinions on the budget announcements, we also strongly encourage business owners to seek personalised advice from their accountant, financial adviser or legal professional before making any decisions.

As always, our goal is to help simplify complex business topics and start important conversations for Australian small business owners.

Connect with Us:

If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Join the waitlist for The Australian Small Business Show Club by clicking here.

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

Today we’re celebrating a huge milestone with our 100th episode, and we couldn’t think of a better way to mark the occasion than by sharing some very exciting news with you all.

In this episode we reflect on the journey to 100 episodes, why we started the podcast in the first place, and the conversations we’ve been having behind the scenes about small business for years. We discuss the importance of practical, actionable advice for business owners, why finding the right support network matters so much, and the realities of running a business when it can sometimes feel isolating and overwhelming.

We also officially announce the launch of The Australian Small Business Show Club.

We unpack why we decided to create this community, what has been missing from traditional networking groups, and why connection without pressure or forced referrals is so important. We discuss the challenges small business owners face in finding genuine support, the value of surrounding yourself with like-minded business owners, and how we hope the club will become an affordable and supportive space for Australian small business owners to connect, learn and grow together.

We also share details about the founding member launch, why we’re intentionally building the club alongside our members, and what you can expect when the doors officially open. If you’d like to join the waitlist and be part of this exciting next chapter, head over to the website and sign up now. We are incredibly grateful to every listener, guest and supporter who has been part of these first 100 episodes, and we can’t wait to share the next 100 with you.

Connect with Us:

If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

In this episode we are joined by special guest Tracey Mylecharane from TM Legal Atelier to unpack why small businesses actually need better legal documents than big business. We discuss the common misconception that small businesses can “keep things simple” when it comes to contracts and legal protections, and why that mindset can create enormous risk for business owners.

We dive into the real reasons strong legal foundations matter, including protecting your cash flow, avoiding disputes, setting clear expectations with clients, and safeguarding the future of your business. We also discuss why hiring friends or working with people you know can actually increase risk, and how properly drafted agreements can help preserve both the business relationship and the personal relationship.

Another key topic we explore is the danger of relying on generic templates or AI generated contracts. In this conversation we unpack why “one size fits all” documents often fail small business owners, the hidden risks of DIY legal documents, and why investing in tailored agreements can save significant time, money and stress down the track.

If you’d like to connect with Tracey, you can visit her website here: TM Legal Atelier Website or connect with her on Instagram here: TM Legal Atelier Instagram

Connect with Us:

If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

In this episode we dive into the rapid rise of AI and why, despite all the benefits, there are some real risks small business owners need to be aware of.

We explore how easy it is to get caught up in the time saving and efficiency gains, and why that can sometimes lead to using AI in areas where it simply should not be trusted. From hallucinations to confidently incorrect answers, we unpack why AI can sound convincing even when it is completely wrong.

We also discuss the high risk areas where using AI can create serious consequences for your business. This includes legal advice, financial reporting, HR decisions and contracts, where getting it wrong is not just inconvenient but potentially very costly.

We share real examples and scenarios where relying on AI could land you in trouble, and why the responsibility always sits with you as the business owner, not the technology.

Another key focus in this episode is the importance of critical thinking, human oversight and knowing when to seek expert advice. We talk about the hidden risks around data security, AI agents and team usage, and why having a clear AI policy in your business is becoming essential. We also reflect on when using AI can actually cost you more time rather than save it, especially when you factor in reviewing and correcting its output.

Finally, we wrap up with practical guidance on how to approach AI in your business. We are not saying do not use it, because there are incredible benefits, but we are encouraging you to be intentional, cautious and clear on where it fits. If the stakes are high, it is simply not worth the risk.

Connect with Us:

If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Intro Music Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/funky-junk

License code: 5IA1B1XF5NGPXI2T

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

In this episode we dive into the world of grants for small business owners with Australia’s own Grant Master, Prue Saxby. We explore what grants actually are, how they work and why so many small business owners either overlook them or put them in the too hard basket. If you’ve ever wondered whether grants are relevant to your business, this episode is a great place to start.

We discuss where to find grants, how often they become available and why timing is so important when it comes to applying. One of the key takeaways we unpack is the importance of being prepared before a grant opens, including having a clear plan and understanding what you would actually use the funding for. We also talk about the concept of alignment and why your application needs to clearly match the purpose of the grant.

In this episode we also highlight some of the common mistakes small business owners make when applying for grants, including not properly checking eligibility, misunderstanding the criteria and rushing applications without the right information or data. We explore how thinking beyond your business and considering the broader impact can significantly strengthen your application.

Finally, we touch on the value of building momentum with grants and why getting expert guidance can make a real difference. If grants are something you’ve been curious about, this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need to start exploring the opportunities available to your business.

To connect with Prue, sign up for her newsletter and grant list here:

www.indigogold.com.au

Or join her Facebook Group here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/grantwritingacademy

Connect with Us:

If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

We’d love to hear from you!

Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

In this episode we’re diving into a topic that every small business owner needs to understand but many struggle to clearly define – the difference between sales and marketing, and why both are critical to your success. Following on from our recent conversation about sales with Author Kate Toon about here new book Six Figures in Saes, we unpack what marketing really is, what sales actually involves, and why treating them as the same thing could be costing you money in your business.

We discuss how marketing is all about attracting people into your world, building your brand and credibility, and getting potential customers to consider working with you. From there, sales is the process of inviting those people to take the next step and become a customer. We also explore why so many small business owners feel uncomfortable with sales, and how shifting your mindset from “convincing” to “helping” can completely change your approach and results.

Throughout the episode we share real world examples, including how simple missed opportunities in the sales process can lead to lost business, even when the marketing has done its job. We also talk about how rapidly changing tools like AI are impacting marketing, and why building trust, authority and a personal connection is more important than ever in today’s landscape.

Ultimately, we break down why you can’t have one without the other. You can have the best marketing in the world, but without a clear and aligned sales process, you won’t convert. On the flip side, even the best sales skills won’t help if no one knows who you are. It’s about getting both working together seamlessly in your business.

Connect with Us:

If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

We’d love to hear from you!

Subscribe to The Australian Small Business Show newsletter by visiting our website here: https://www.theaustraliansmallbusinessshow.com.au/

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.