Blueprint Institute warmly welcomes you to join a conversation with Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell AO, Chair of Council of Small Businesses Organisations Australia, Mark McKenzie, and CEO of Blueprint Institute, Harry Guinness.
The panel will discuss the issues facing Australia's small businesses, the merits of revenue-contingent loans, and new research released by Blueprint Institute.
Small businesses are the bedrock of the Australian economy, but they are suffering disproportionally during COVID-19. With limited cash reserves and access to capital relative to larger businesses, many small businesses have been riding out the times of lockdown and uncertainty by relying on government support, tax holidays, concessions handed down by state and territory governments, and the limited personal reserves of SME owners.
Blueprint Institute's Kickstarting the Engine - short-term support for Australia's small businesses examines the most significant challenges facing our country's SMEs. The report outlines three key recommendations to address impending capital, insolvency and skills crises. These include:
- HECS-style, revenue contingent loans
- Publicly financed 'insolvency checkpoints’ through financial health checks
- Fast-tracking skilled migration
We enjoyed an engaging hour of lively conversation and debate amongst small business owners and industry leaders. You can watch the recording on our YouTube channel.