This episode explores the real challenges facing small businesses in regional Victoria—from rising costs and labour shortages to digital struggles, shifting forestry policy, and increasing compliance burdens.
Drawing on recent local research and direct feedback from business owners across sectors, including trades, retail, agriculture, hospitality, and more, Sam highlights why small businesses are vital to community resilience and what support they urgently need.
Listeners will gain insight into the current pressures, opportunities for collaboration, and the practical steps that government and business networks can take to help regional businesses not just survive, but thrive.
Sources -
- What's Driving SMB Success in 2025: 7 Business Statistics — Salesforce
- Australian Business Statistics 2025: Facts & Industry Insights — Money.com.au
- 55 Insightful Small Business Statistics (2025) — Shopify
- Australian Small Business Insights — Xero US
- Xero data reveals Aussie small business sales volatile in 2025 — Xero
- A Growing Economy — Victorian Budget 25/26
- Esoteric Festival Got Cancelled: What's The Next Steps? — FeedFreq
- Small Business Trends for 2025 — SBAAS
- World Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day 2025 — business.vic.gov.au
- Esoteric Music Festival's Abrupt Cancellation Sparks Outcry and Calls for Reform — Flowmusic.one
Based on feedback and research from regional business owners and advisors across Murrindindi, Mansfield, and Victoria in Sam Hicks’ July 2025 report presented to the Victorian Small Business Commissioner and local government.
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