2 July 2026
This time of year naturally prompts many small business owners to take stock. Some will be celebrating a strong 12 months. Others will be wondering where the cash went despite working harder than ever. And many will be somewhere in between.
The beginning of a new financial year is always a good time to review your cash flow, understand your working capital needs, plan ahead for tax and super obligations, map out payment timeframes, and automate your collections where possible to help strengthen your cash and business position. Seeking advice early—whether from your accountant, financial advisor, trusted business mentor, or by calling the Queensland Small Business Financial Counselling Service—can also help identify options when circumstances change or you find yourself in financial hardship.
It’s great to see the new Regional Business Gateways Program initiative offering funding to support regional businesses to drive local economic growth, access new markets, and invest in practical solutions for small businesses currently open for Expressions of Interest. This program is designed to support fit-for-purpose, locally led solutions to drive regional economic development.
The state budget announced on 23 June also delivered a boost for small businesses across the state with the announcement of a new $10 million program to help Queensland small and family businesses to adopt AI solutions and integrate them into their operations. In conversations with small businesses across a diverse range of industries, it’s clear that AI can empower small businesses to save time, reduce costs, improve customer experiences, and make smarter decisions, enabling them to innovate, grow, and stay competitive in an ever-changing market. But often, they don’t know where to start so it’s pleasing to see investment into a program to help.
As we head into the new financial year, it’s a good time to review your business operations and strategies and explore government programs or support to help Queensland small businesses endure and succeed.
Understand Lease Issues Before They Escalate
For many small businesses, lease issues often start small. This may include late rent payments, maintenance concerns, or questions about lease obligations.
During busy periods such as tax time or the end of the financial year, financial pressure can make these issues more noticeable. Acting early can help prevent them from becoming more serious.
If issues are not resolved, a landlord may issue a formal breach notice under the lease, such as a Form 7 Lease Breach Notice, outlining the issue and the time allowed to fix it.
If the matter continues, this may lead to further action under the lease. In some cases, a business may be locked out of the premises, which can affect access to stock, equipment and day-to-day trading.
Where disputes become urgent, parties may seek support through the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) and seek interim or injunction orders to help manage urgent issues while the dispute is being resolved.
Staying proactive, communicating early, and responding within required timeframes can help reduce disruption and keep your business operating. For practical guidance on responding to cash flow challenges and reducing the risk of disputes, read our article.
Learn more about what you can do if you’re struggling to pay rent on your commercial premises.
Tax Time Support For Your Small Business
ax time can be busy, but the right information can help you save time, stay organised, and avoid common mistakes.
The ATO Small Business Toolkit brings together practical information on topics such as record keeping, business expenses, vehicle and travel costs, and working from home. It provides clear guidance and useful tools to help you get tax time right.
If you’re a building and construction tradie, the ATO also has dedicated guidance on what you can claim. Whether you’re an employee or run your own business, the information can help you understand eligible deductions and keep the records needed to support your claims.
There are also a range of guides and fact sheets available to help you stay on top of your obligations throughout the year.
Explore more tax time support for your small business.
Be Ready: Minimum Wage Changes From July 2026
If you employ staff, now is a good time to check whether the minimum wage increases taking effect from 1 July 2026 will affect your business.
The Fair Work Commission has announced increases to the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages. These changes apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026 while minimum wage rates set under enterprise agreements must continue to meet minimum requirements under the relevant award.
Pay tools and resources will be updated and available closer to 1 July to help you check pay rates and understand what applies to your workplace.
For More Information
Hiring Your First Employee?
Hiring your first employee is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. From choosing the right type of worker to meeting your legal obligations, there’s a lot to get your head around. The Fair Work Ombudsman has recorded webinars available to help small business owners on YouTube.
Watch the webinars
Know Your Business Rights
From dealing with customers to working with suppliers, every business owner benefits from understanding the rules.
The ACCC’s Small Business Toolkit provides practical guidance on contracts, pricing, advertising, competition law, and consumer rights to help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
Explore the toolkit
Breaking Business Barriers
Looking for practical business advice you can put into action straight away? Business Queensland’s Breaking Barriers video series delivers bite-sized programs in just three minutes, covering topics including commercial leasing, AI adoption, business planning, entrepreneurship, and women in business.
Watch the series and explore practical ideas you can apply in your business.
Watch the Series