Lucy Tan

AVA Advisory is pleased to share key highlights from our new benchmark research on the health of Australian SMEs post-COVID-19, including their resilience to financial distress in the face of the evolving market and economic conditions that are reshaping the business landscape. The Australian Small/Medium Enterprise Resilience Radar (ASERR) serves as a critical check-in on this vital sector – what are SMEs doing well, what are the barriers and headwinds and where do they need help in the aftermath of COVID-19? Overall, SMEs are working extra hard to weather the post-COVID-19 economic storm – some are managing well, whilst others struggle to rebound or gain solid footing. Inaugural ASERR highlights: Over 1 in 4 SMEs (equivalent to +860,000) said their business is “worse off” now than at the end of the pandemic, whilst 48% are “better off”. When comparing small and medium businesses on this measure, 1 in 3 (33%) small businesses report being “worse off”, compared to 8% of medium-size businesses. 55% have considered leaving or closing their business in the past 12 months, with top reasons including ‘too few customers’ (36%), ‘needing a lifestyle change’ (32%) and ‘a lack of profitable income’ (29%). Since pre-COVID-19, costs have significantly increased for 45% of SMEs (74% in construction and trades, 46% in retail and 45% in hospitality). ‘Consumers spending less’ (39%), ‘higher raw materials prices’ (37%), ‘rising labour costs’ (35%) and ‘interest rates’ (34%) are the most significant factors impacting overall business costs. Amidst persistent headwinds and on multiple fronts, 1 in 3 SMEs said they have a current tax debt. Of these, 68% admit it is a burden on their business. 30% of all SMEs said they need more ATO support with making their tax debt repayments or meeting payment obligations in the current climate. ‘Business insurance costs’ (29%) is the top concern, followed by ‘materials and supplies costs or shortages’ (26%), ‘production costs’ (23%) and ‘staff costs’ (21%). 20% of SMEs have a business runway of two months or less. If the tide turns, SMEs with shorter runways are more vulnerable to shocks, which can trigger sudden cash flow issues and a debt drag without proactive intervention. In the new economic environment, marked by stubborn inflation and weaker demand, through to rising operational costs and a spike in insolvencies, running a business is a challenging endeavor. However, Australian SMEs are persevering to prevail but recovery and resilience remains uneven, with those in some sectors, like hospitality and retail, more vulnerable to falling on the financial distress ‘at-risk’ radar. At AVA Advisory, we are passionate about helping business owners turn challenging situations around, offering the clarity and support needed to make confident decisions in today’s disruptive economic climate. Stay tuned for more insights soon! #ASERR #SMEResilience #SmallBusinessAustralia

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Geopolitics is heavily impacting Australian retail. Our latest report explains key geopolitical trends and how retailers can build resilience.

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Discover the ultimate guide to scaling your Australian business with Google Cloud. Learn how Cloudverse, a trusted Google Cloud partner, can help you leverage cloud technology to optimize operations, reduce costs, and drive growth. #CloudComputing #CloudServices #DigitalTransformation #BusinessGrowth #AustralianBusiness #ScalableSolutions #CloudStorage #AIandML #DataAnalytics #CostEfficiency #GoogleCloudPartner #CloudMigration #CloudSecurity #ITInfrastructure #RemoteWork #DataDrivenDecisions #MachineLearning #InnovationInBusiness #CloudStrategy #BusinessScaling #TechnologyPartner #EnterpriseCloud #CloudOptimization

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Venture capital investment in Australia has increased by 12%! 💻 KPMG’s latest VC Pulse report reveals a 12% rebound in Australian venture capital investment, reaching $1.8 billion. While the capital raising environment remains subdued, there are clear signs of growth, especially in sectors leveraging #AI. Key highlights include: 💸 Australian VC investment rising to $2.1 billion in the first half of 2024 🏢 Firms like Titanium Ventures and Blackbird showcase strong deal flows and strategic investments in deep #tech and climate solutions. KPMG Australia head of high-growth ventures Amanda Price emphasises cautious optimism amidst market fluctuations, reflecting the industry’s post-pandemic resilience. Matthew Koertge of Titanium Ventures shares insights on the long-term vision of VC investments as the company celebrates its 100th investment milestone in Times Square, New York, mentioning that ‘venture capital was a “long-term game”’. Phoebe Harrop of Blackbird underscores the robust activity in deep tech investments, highlighting the growing impact of AI-enabled solutions from Australia and New Zealand. Curious to learn more about these exciting developments shaping Australia’s VC landscape? Read the full article by Jared Lynch at The Australian here 👉 https://lnkd.in/du-SeV7b #VentureCapital #TechInvestments #Australia #Innovation #Startups

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The Alternative View Newsletter (09 Oct 2024) - a daily digest of Australian deals data, covering the latest updates on fundraising, valuations, and revenue for startups raising or filing financials in Australia. Book a Demo and get a Free Trial Today at Alternatives.pe See firsthand the advantage our 100% accurate Data and Insights platform, VC Pro: Australia will give you. #Startups #Investors #VentureCapital #FinancialData #Alternatives #Privatecapital #AngelInvestors #AngelInvestor #Familyoffices #AngelInvesting #Fundraising #Multifamilyoffice #Startupfunding #Startup #Venturedebt #Venturebuilding #VentureStudio #Incubator #Accelerator #Accelerators #Acceleratorprogram #VC Zitcha, Mary Technology, YesterdayAI, Balo (24/7 Salesforce Help Desk), Cartherics Pty Ltd, Evolt, Ideally, Forcite, iDlvr, AfterWork Ventures, Encour, TikTok, LaunchVic https://lnkd.in/gsD8gknW

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Andrew Ward, Chief Risk Officer at Banjo - Business Loans, outlines how SMEs can navigate ATO debt challenges #SMEs #smallbusiness #tax #debt #taxdebt #startups #startupnews #scaleups #scaleupnews #australianfintech #fintech #finance #businessloans #businesslending #businessfinance

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💡 Uncover the reasons behind Australia's housing crisis and the potential for property values to double in the next decade 📈💥. Learn how your investment can assist a family in need of housing 🏘️.

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How did we perform on the inflation report card? Dive into the March 2024 inflation figures for key insights into tradeables deflation, accelerating services inflation, and implications for Reserve Bank of Australia policy. With Property Dollar, stay ahead with Economic & Property Trends! Download Property Dollar today.

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Scientiam’s mission is to make quality financial advice and information accessible to all Australians. Built by Advisers, for Advisers, Scientiam offers a digital solution that helps scale businesses, allowing them to: - Serve more clients efficiently, focusing on the top 20%-30%, while maintaining relationships with the rest of their client base. - Leverage technology to provide general advice, ensuring a continued connection with clients at every stage. - Support evidence-based investing with model portfolios that deliver strong outcomes. As rising regulatory compliance costs challenge Australian Financial Advice businesses, Scientiam provides a smart, scalable solution to meet these demands without compromising service. 🌐 Learn more about how Scientiam is transforming financial advice. https://scientiam.com.au/ #Scientiam #FinancialAdvisers #DigitalSolution #Accountants #ModelPortfolios #FinancialAdvice

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What began in their living rooms, now a company valued at $80-$90 million. Some great news to return to after the long weekend: Atticus (MAP 2018) has announced a raise of $10.84 million, led by Skip Capital and followed by Blackbird Ventures. 💸 "Culturally, we’re still a product-first company: we build things of immense value to our users rather than chasing vanity metrics or prioritising short-term gains. What has changed is that we now have more expertise and capital in our corner, allowing us to take some bigger swings at the opportunities that we can see, as well as those that are just over the horizon." Misha W. (Co-Founder and University of Melbourne alumni) shares more on what this means for the company here: https://bit.ly/3Xj9lY2 Or (if you're a subscriber) give the exclusive AFR article a read below 👇 https://bit.ly/3yXyMV3 -- #MAP2018 #investment #startups The Australian Financial Review

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éthica capital delves into Assessing the Landscape: Trends and Challenges in Australia's IPO Market. For various articles on capital markets, subscribe to our newsletter via https://lnkd.in/daTBc_7p Chloé Argyle Riddhesh Chandwadkar #ethicacapital #greenfinance #greenbonds #sustainablit #climatechange #blueinfrastructure #climatefinance #sustainablefinance #structuredfinance #sustainabilitybonds #sustainabledevelopment #sustainableenergy #sdg #sdgs2030 #sustainabledevelopmentgoals #unitednations #decarbonisation #netzerocarbon #cleanenergyfuture #infrastructurefinance #carbonneutral #esg #infrastructure #esginvesting #bonds #BeTheChange

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Had a fantastic time hosting a roundtable discussion on private lending at Cafe Sydney with industry experts from Simplicity Loans & Advisory Group, Daniel Adams, John Encina, Gino Tabila, and Stephen Lawrence (OB). We delved into the latest trends and strategies for navigating the evolving market. It's clear that private lenders are poised to play a significant role in commercial real estate financing. #IndustryRoundtable #PrivateLending #CommercialProperty #AustralianBroker #brokernews

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💼 𝙏𝙤 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚, 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬: 💼 At Digi-Finmart, we provide the financial expertise you need to make informed, strategic decisions. Our advisors help you navigate the ever-changing market, ensuring you stay on track to meet your financial goals. 📊 Diversifying your portfolio is key to managing risk and safeguarding your wealth. Spreading your investments across multiple assets minimizes the impact of market fluctuations, ensuring steady growth and protection for your financial future. Take the first step toward a stronger, more secure portfolio with personalized advice that fits your unique goals. 🌟 Partner with us today to build the financial future you deserve. 📞 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝟯𝟬-𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀! Visit: https://buff.ly/45Zc1wi 🌟💼 #InvestmentTips #FinanceExperts #PortfolioManagement #SmartInvesting #FinancialGrowth

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Gem Comm: Elevating Your Investor Relations Strategy At Gem Comm, we specialise in strategic investor relations to boost your reach and engage key stakeholders. Our team works to ensure your story is clear, compelling, and resonates with the market, building investor confidence and enhancing your company’s profile. 📱Contact us today to discuss how we can boost your presence and branding: [email protected] #InvestorRelations #PublicRelations #MarketingStrategy #GemComm #BusinessGrowth #CorporateBranding #EventManagement #DigitalMarketing #IntegratedMarketing #DigitalStrategy #BrandBuilding #GemComm

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The Alternative View Newsletter (27 Nov 2024) - a daily digest of Australian deals data, covering the latest updates on fundraising, valuations, and revenue for startups raising or filing financials in Australia. Book a Demo and get a Free Trial Today at Alternatives.pe See firsthand the advantage our 100% accurate Data and Insights platform, VC Pro: Australia will give you. #Startups #Investors #VentureCapital #FinancialData #Alternatives #Privatecapital #AngelInvestors #AngelInvestor #Familyoffices #AngelInvesting #Fundraising #Multifamilyoffice #Startupfunding #Startup #Venturedebt #Venturebuilding #VentureStudio #Incubator #Accelerator #Accelerators #Acceleratorprogram #VC Australian Droid + Robot, Pronto Pilates, Matched, Edexia (YC W25), Total Synergy, X-Hemp Pty Ltd, SNAPCASH, Vennu, Antler, Flying Fox Ventures, Tripple, Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship, LaunchVic, Heaps Normal, Canva https://lnkd.in/g-nDZ_AR

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Super stoked to see Emerge listed as one of two kiwi startups in the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch. https://lnkd.in/gW8a8kfU Emerge is a digital first business banking alternative that has two offerings: SquareOne, the platform for parents to help teach their kids to manage money in a digital first world and Emerge, a digital first business banking platform targeting SMEs. It provides a new way of managing money for business owners and operators We first met founders Jovan Pavlicevic and Jamie Jermain in 2021. We were impressed with these guys and their vision and made our first investment in SquareOne in October that year. Subsequent investment rounds have followed since. We were thrilled to have Jovan Pavlicevic join us at our EA Fund's AGM last month to give us an update on the exciting progress this company continues to make. Emerge is one of the disruptive, innovative, high growth New Zealand startups that form part of the EA Fund 4 portfolio.  Check out more below #fintech #angelinvesting #capitalraising #fundinvesting #investmentopportunity

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How private credit lenders, including Apollo Global Management, Inc.-backed MaxCap Group and Pallas Capital, are increasingly targeting Australia’s commercial property sector. This shift comes as local banks reduce their exposure due to tighter capital regulations. The commercial real estate market in Australia is seen as a lucrative opportunity, with non-bank lenders doubling their asset size over the past three years. https://lnkd.in/gKCAq8GZ

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