The Hon Bruce Billson shares insights on small business challenges & how economic developers can better support local enterprises.

This online webinar (30–60 minutes) will bring together economic development professionals from across Australia including local government officers, state agencies, and Regional Development Australia representatives. This audience plays a direct role in shaping policy, programs, and initiatives that affect the success of small and family businesses at the local level.

The purpose of the session is to brief practitioners on the current state of small business in Australia, raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities identified through the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman’s (ASBFEO) Pulse, and explore the practical ways economic development professionals can better support small and family enterprises in their communities. It also provides an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between ASBFEO and the wider economic development community, who are working closely with local businesses on the ground.

As part of the program, the Ombudsman will deliver a 20–30 minute presentation sharing key insights from the small business environment, highlight the pressures and opportunities facing business owners, and offer reflections on the role of economic development in supporting resilience and growth. The presentation will be followed by a moderated Q&A (10–15 minutes) where practitioners can engage directly with the Ombudsman.