Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA)

Luke Achterstraat joined Matt Shirvington on the Sunrise program on the Seven Network to discuss the alarming statistics that in the past year 45% of small businesses have considered closing their doors and we are reporting decade high insolvency figures. Australian small businesses face high costs and significant challenges of doing business. What is needed is every level of government – local, state and federal – working together to back small businesses and address the complex operating environment. Watch the 2-minute clip here – https://lnkd.in/gr-cFhZ8

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month and COSBOA is encouraging small businesses across Australia to ‘Stop the Hack’ and bolster their cyber security practices.   COSBOA, as a key member of the Executive Cyber Council, is working alongside government and prominent industry leaders, to promote stronger cyber defences for Australian businesses.   Cyber crime continues to pose serious risks to small businesses in Australia. The average financial loss per attack is up to $46,000, small businesses represent 43% of all cyber crime targets and nearly 95% of breaches are caused by human error; highlighting the need for robust security practices.   COSBOA urges small businesses across Australia to take immediate action during Cyber Security Awareness Month by enrolling in Cyber Wardens. This free program provides the tools and knowledge to secure business operations against cyber threats and helps foster a culture of vigilance and security within small business teams.   Learn more and sign up at https://lnkd.in/gm5ZgwH4   #StopTheHack #CyberWardens #CyberSecurityAwarenessMonth2024 

Next month, the Grand Final of the Accelerator for Enterprising Women Kickstarter Challenge will be taking place. Five finalists will have the chance to present their groundbreaking ideas in person, to secure a share of $60,000 in equity-free funding. Last year’s winner was Alexandra C., Founder of Platform Zero , a digital platform that diverts tonnes of food from landfills, provides discounted produce to restaurants, cafes and small businesses, and links supermarkets to various food charities. The platform also ensures that farmers get paid for their produce instead of the fruits of their labour being thrown away. We cannot wait to see the presentations from the inspiring finalists in Canberra on Wednesday 9 October. Be inspired and attend the Grand Final, click here to RSVP – https://lnkd.in/gJtTnGYn Find out more about the Kickstarter Challenge here – https://lnkd.in/gb9xTgx

Privacy Act Debate Small businesses were relieved to learn more was not being added to their compliance plate during the worst operating environment in a decade. COSBOA says more regulation alone is not the answer. We need to ramp up skills, training and resources for our small businesses – via programs such as Cyber Wardens – before casting them into the complex web of more regulation.   Read Luke Achterstraat's full opinion piece in SmartCompany - https://lnkd.in/gRPFrR4W

In recent news, major Australian hardware chain Total Tools has experienced a significant data leak, highlighting the importance of cyber measures for businesses of all sizes. This attack serves as a reminder that even well-established companies are vulnerable to cyber threats. As we are about to enter October, being Cyber Awareness Month, let’s commit to strengthening our defences. Investing in cyber training, appointing a Cyber Warden within your team. Enrol here https://lnkd.in/gm5ZgwH4 #iamacyberwarden #stopthehack #cybersecurity Cyber Wardens Master Builders Australia National Timber & Hardware Association (NTHA) MGA Independent Businesses Australia

auDA has announced the appointment of Dr Bruce Tonkin as auDA’s new CEO, commencing on 1 January 2025. auDA - .au Domain Administration Ltd. is the trusted administrator of the .au domain name system (DNS), which is Australian critical infrastructure, supporting more than four million .au domain names. auDA is a not-for-profit, endorsed by the Australian Government. Congratulations Bruce on your appointment. 

COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat was interviewed by Kirsten Aiken on ABC segment The Business on statistics revealing that business closures are at the highest rate in more than three years.   What’s important to remember is that behind every statistic is a family and their employees, and in many cases the life’s work of the owner. It is critical that governments find ways to support the engine room of the economy during the toughest environment in recent memory.   Watch the 5-minute interview here: https://lnkd.in/gmT39ecM

COSBOA has raised serious concerns about reforms to the superannuation system following the announcement to change superannuation payments to every pay cycle, rather than the current quarterly payment requirement.   COSBOA is urging the government, parliament, and opposition parties to commit to reconsidering this revised payday super policy, warning that small businesses will bear the brunt of increased administrative and financial burdens.   Read COSBOA’s full response to the announcement: https://lnkd.in/g9Pz69u3   

Today is National Family Business Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the vital role family-owned businesses – many of which are small businesses – play in our economy and communities. Family businesses are the heartbeat of Australia, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering a sense of community. Support, choose, and celebrate family businesses – today, and every day. #NFBD24 Family Business Association (AU)

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is crucial for businesses of all sizes to adapt so they can stay competitive. Take control and boost your business with Digital Solutions, a government funded program that offers free and subsidised support to help small business owners navigate and thrive in the digital landscape. You can gain up to 4 hours of one-on-one tailored support for a nominal fee, as well unlimited access to workshops and self-paced tutorials. The advice and training you can receive is designed to help you with: * Implementing digital tools * Websites and selling online * Social media and digital marketing * Using small business software * Online security and data privacy Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/gxEx7sC3 Business Foundations Ltd