Expanding your business by opening a new location is an exciting opportunity, but it comes with significant risks. The success of a new branch depends on careful planning, research, and strategy. Jumping in without the right preparation can drain resources and put your existing operations at risk.

For SME owners in Australia, capital investment decisions aren’t just about expansion—they’re strategic choices that can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and future-proof your business. Whether it’s upgrading machinery, implementing new technology, expanding warehouse space, or investing in sustainability, making the right decision requires careful planning.

Running a business in Australia comes with a host of legal and compliance obligations. From ASIC registration to maintaining robust company policies and procedures, failing to meet these requirements can expose your business to fines, legal disputes, and operational inefficiencies.

Engaging experienced accounting and governance professionals ensures your company is compliant, structured correctly, and set up for long-term success. This includes experts such as Chartered Accountants, ASIC-registered agents, or professionals with company secretariat credentials from relevant bodies like the Governance Institute of Australia.

A well-crafted 5-year business plan is more than just a document for investors or lenders — it’s a roadmap for your business’s future. Many entrepreneurs underestimate the importance of long-term planning, focusing on immediate operations instead. A solid 5-year plan helps clarify your vision, set realistic targets, and guide strategic decisions to ensure growth, profitability, and sustainability.

As your business grows, financial decisions become increasingly complex. From cash flow management to strategic planning, having expert financial guidance can make all the difference. A Virtual CFO (Chief Financial Officer) provides the insights, reporting, and strategic advice businesses need to thrive — without the cost of a full-time executive.

Businesses of all sizes can benefit from a Virtual CFO, whether you’re a small startup with under $300k in revenue and a couple of employees, a growing business generating up to $10M with 20 employees, or a larger enterprise. Here’s how to tell if your business is ready.

Managing payroll can be one of the most time-consuming tasks for small business owners. Mistakes can lead to penalties, unhappy employees, and administrative headaches. Fortunately, Xero Payroll offers an easy-to-use platform that simplifies compliance with ATO Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting, manages leave balances, integrates with timesheets and expense reimbursements, and provides flexible superannuation clearing house options.

With the ATO closing its Small Business Superannuation Clearing House from 1 July 2026, now is the perfect time for small businesses to streamline their payroll processes using Xero.

A strong business isn’t built on guesswork—it’s built on planning. One of the most valuable financial tools a business owner can create is a 12-month cashflow forecast. It doesn’t have to be complex or require sophisticated software. Even a basic spreadsheet can give you powerful insights into how money moves through your business.

Cashflow is the heartbeat of every business. You can have a strong brand, loyal customers, and great products or services—but without healthy cashflow, your business can struggle to survive. The good news? Understanding cashflow doesn’t have to be complicated.

Many Australian small businesses start out as sole traders—it’s simple, affordable, and fast to set up. But as your business grows, the sole trader structure may no longer give you the tax advantages, asset protection, or scalability you need.

So when is the right time to switch from a sole trader to a company? While the answer will vary depending on your goals and circumstances, there are several clear signs that indicate it may be time to make the move.

A proactive accountant doesn’t just lodge BAS statements or tidy up your books once a quarter. They provide clarity, insights, and guidance every single month so you can run your business with confidence. If you’re not getting meaningful monthly communication from your accountant, it may be time to rethink what you expect from them.

Running a business is hard enough without the books causing extra stress. Here are the most common bookkeeping mistakes I see — and simple ways to fix them.