insights and perspectives from the empirical team
Rising costs, weak growth, higher interest rates and the end of temporary support measures have all contributed to the growing pattern of insolvency across Australian businesses.
Every year, one in six small and medium enterprises seeks finance to fund or grow their operations. A growing number of these businesses are turning to private credit as a lifeline.
Regulators in Australia and abroad are paying close attention to how private credit is structured, disclosed and accessed, especially when retail investors and small businesses are involved.
When a company can pay all its debts but the owners decide to close it, the process is called a solvent winding up.
Although private credit offers faster approvals, flexible structures and alternatives to the major banks, it comes with its costs and risks. Read on to find out.
The gap between the Big 4 and the non-bank lenders has been widening in recent years, especially who they serve.
Private credit, lending provided by non-bank institutions, has become one of the fastest-growing sources of finance for Australian businesses.
In Australia, small businesses are the engine of the economy, making up 97% of all businesses and playing a critical role in supply chains across industries from construction to financial services.
Read more to understand what you should keep an eye out for when looking through your supply agreements - whether you’re the client or the supplier.
From 26 August 2025, the Right to Disconnect officially applies to employees in small businesses (with fewer than 15 employees).
All businesses with 15 or more employees should know about the recent Fair Work Act amendments for wage theft and the primary remedy available for employers: cooperation agreements.
The Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code is designed to help small businesses comply with new wage underpayment laws.
Small Business Restructuring has grown rapidly since its 2021 introduction, becoming an important tool for directors of distressed companies to manage debt while staying in control of their business.
A Director Penalty Notice can arrive without warning. Directors have just 21 days to act on one before they become personally liable for company tax and super debts.
Intellectual property (IP) is one of the most valuable assets your business owns. It encompasses your brand, your products, your designs, your creative work and the processes you use.
Insurance is a cornerstone of business risk management. It can be the difference between surviving an unexpected setback and closing your doors for good.
The increasing use of websites and e-commerce platforms across businesses in Australia reflect the growing need for compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Cash flow is the lifeblood of every business. Without income, businesses can’t meet their obligations from wages and rent to taxes.
Starting a business in Australia is filled with reward and risk, opportunity and responsibility.
Resolving disputes quickly and cost-effectively is crucial for protecting the bottom line, maintaining goodwill and avoiding the stress of litigation.
The new laws, in force from 1 January 2025, make it a criminal offence to deliberately underpay staff.
For founders launching a startup in Australia in 2025, the funding landscape is more dynamic and complex than ever.
The Australian privacy law landscape is changing rapidly and small businesses can’t afford to ignore it.