Small Business Funding Options

While grants are often tied to outcomes and reporting, alternative finance offers flexibility, speed, and strategic use cases. Australian Alternative lending market is set for huge growth, as more business owner turn to non-bank solutions.

Alternative lending adoption is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 17.4% during 2024-2028. The alternative lending market in Australia is set to increase from US$4.68 billion in 2023 to reach US$11.26 billion by 2028. (source ResearchAndMarkets.com)

Small businesses that are new or less than 3 years of trading, reflect a dynamic gap away from traditional banking requirements for approval. Government Grants and Private Capital are better positioned to offer small business funding options across all industries.

Access to funding is the most crucial factor, considering the survival rate of new businesses varies significantly between industries.According to (source:ABS Data cube as of 2024), 62.6% of agriculture, forestry and fishing businesses survived beyond three years of operating (among businesses started in the 2020/21 financial year). Compared with 38.8% of transport, postal and warehousing businesses survived over the same time frame. The overall survival rate across all industries was 50.1%.

Small Business Grants Disappearing 

In June 2025, the NSW Government confirmed the closure of the Business Connect Program, a long-standing support initiative that offered one-on-one advice and mentoring to SMEs. Its removal leaves thousands of businesses particularly regional operators and first-time founders with one less avenue for expert guidance and development funding.

NSW is not alone. Across Australia, several state-based initiatives are under review or quietly being scaled back. While federal programs like the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) remain in place, they often come with stringent eligibility criteria and long reimbursement cycles.

In a climate of rising operating costs and global trade instability, timing is everything. A funding delay of three to six months can be the difference between survival and closure

Government Small Business Support Available

Despite the cuts, there are still valuable funding programs available, however companies should act fast and prepare thoroughly. Here’s a snapshot is available:

At Accrutus Capital, we help small business owners like you navigate both public and private funding, structure capital the smart way, and move fast when opportunity knocks.

Call us today at 07 3184 9183 and speak to our small business funding specialist.

With Accrutus Capital, small business owners can access;

• Working capital facilities
• Equipment and asset finance
• Unsecured term loans and LOC
• Short-term bridging capital
• Trade and Invoice finance

These facilities are tailored to funding growth, smoothing cash flow, and taking advantage of opportunities as they arise.

DISCLAIMER

The disclaimer covers content, comments, responsibility, links, government and local laws, jurisdiction and communication methods. None of the contents on this website or blog should be construed as any kind of advice or recommendation. Nothing in it should be taken to constitute a statement that is intended to influence a person or persons in making a decision regarding any investment or financial product. This website or blog does not purport to be complete, accurate or contain all information which its users may require to make an informed assessment of whether to invest in any Offer listed through Accrutus Capital Pty Ltd.

Why are small businesses struggling?

According to the SME Growth Index, the Australian SME sector is experiencing a mixed economic outlook:

This uneven outlook is worsened by inflation pressures, rising operational costs, and the lingering impact of policy uncertainty following the federal election in May.

Explore how Accrutus Capital supports SME growth.

Rising Employment Costs and Staffing Adjustments

A dominant concern among small business struggling is the cost of wages and superannuation:

• 95% of SMEs report negative impacts from rising wage and super costs.
• 45% are increasing contractor use, while 15% are outsourcing services.
• 13% have reduced employee hours or headcount to manage cash flow.

For many SMEs, these actions are not about growth, they’re survival tactics.

The Shift to Non-Bank Finance

There’s a noticeable trend among small business struggling is being turning away from traditional bank borrowing:

• 55% prefer non-bank lenders, up 7% from last year.
• Only 30% plan to borrow from banks, a 29% year-on-year decline.
• 94% would consider using their own equity for investment, an indicator of shrinking credit access and trust in banks.

As a result, alternative finance solutions are playing a vital role in bridging the funding gap.

Insolvency and Business Fragility

Payment defaults and aggressive debt collection efforts have triggered a rise in insolvency rates:

• A 47% surge in insolvency appointments occurred in late 2024.
• 1 in 5 SMEs say they would fail if they lost a key client.
• Businesses report a potential 22% revenue drop from the loss of a major customer.

The risk is especially acute in retail and hospitality, where profit margins are thin and consumer spending remains uncertain.

Limited Investment in Innovation

Despite all the talk about digitisation and AI, small business are struggling to invest:

• Only 7% are investing in AI.
• 23% are investing in sales tools to drive immediate revenue.
• 45% say they would invest in supply chain improvements if funding allowed.

This suggests SMEs are focused on short-term survival, not long-term innovation unless they can access capital.

DISCLAIMER

The disclaimer covers content, comments, responsibility, links, government and local laws, jurisdiction and communication methods. None of the contents on this website or blog should be construed as any kind of advice or recommendation. Nothing in it should be taken to constitute a statement that is intended to influence a person or persons in making a decision regarding any investment or financial product. This website or blog does not purport to be complete, accurate or contain all information which its users may require to make an informed assessment of whether to invest in any Offer listed through Accrutus Capital Pty Ltd.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Cash Flow Forecast

1. Determine the Forecast Period – Decide on the time frame for your forecast—monthly, quarterly, or annually—based on your business needs and industry standards.

2. Estimate Cash Inflows – Consider historical data, market trends, and seasonal fluctuations to make accurate projections. Identify all expected sources of income, including new loans.

• sales revenue
• accounts receivables
• investment income
• government grants and subsidies
• tax refunds

3. Estimate Cash Outflows – List all anticipated expenses, such as:

• operating costs (rent, utilities, wages)
• loan repayments
• inventory purchases
• marketing and advertising

Be thorough in identifying both fixed and variable costs to ensure a comprehensive forecast.

4. Calculate Net Cash Flow – Subtract total cash outflows from total cash inflows for each period to determine your net cash flow. This will help you identify periods of surplus or deficit.

5. Monitor and Adjust Regularly – Review your cash flow forecast regularly and adjust projections based on actual performance and changing circumstances. This ongoing process ensures your forecast remains accurate and relevant.

Incorporating Current Trends in Cash Flow Forecasting

Stay ahead by integrating the following trends into your cash flow forecasting process:

• Real-Time Data Integration: Utilize accounting software that offers real-time data syncing for more accurate forecasts.
• Scenario Planning: Develop multiple forecast scenarios (best-case, worst-case, and most likely) to prepare for various outcomes.
• Automation and AI Tools: Leverage automation and AI-powered tools to streamline forecasting and gain predictive insights.
• Cloud-Based Solutions: Adopt cloud-based platforms for accessible and collaborative forecasting.

Comparing Your Cash Flow Projection to Financial Results

A cash flow forecast helps you to analyse the financial performance of your business. It provides a benchmark for you to judge whether your business is meeting financial expectations. For a cash flow forecast to be effective, you need to make regular updates to your data to ensure that your projections are accurate. If your business doesn’t perform as well as you anticipated, you need to investigate why. It could be due to a new competitor, increased pricing from suppliers or a combination of factors. Proactively monitoring your cash flow enables you to identify risks and make informed decisions about your business. For example, many businesses have hidden assets that can be leveraged to improve cash flow.

Securing Business Cash Flow

Cash flow forecasts can also help you determine when you should look to raise business finance to promote sustainable growth. If you are looking to expand your business by making a new hire or purchasing new equipment, cash flow forecasting is invaluable for estimating the financial impact on your business. This is also true for periods where you experience a cash flow gap.

How Accrutus Can Support Your Cash Flow Management

At Accrutus, we specialize in assisting small businesses with financial planning and access to funding solutions. Our services include:

• Unsecured Business Loans: Flexible financing options to support your cash flow needs.
• Invoice Financing: Unlock funds tied up in unpaid invoices to improve liquidity.
• Working Capital Solutions: Tailored strategies to manage day-to-day operational expenses.

Accrutus Capital Supporting SMEs with Cash Flow Solutions

Our team of experts is here to help you create effective cash flow forecasts and secure the necessary funding to achieve your business goals.

By implementing these strategies and leveraging Accrutus’s services, your business can navigate financial challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities in 2025 and beyond.

Call us today at 07 3184 9183 and speak to our trade finance specialist. Together we will devise a plan to help boost your cash flow with up to $5 million approved facility ready when you are.

DISCLAIMER

The disclaimer covers content, comments, responsibility, links, government and local laws, jurisdiction and communication methods. None of the contents on this website or blog should be construed as any kind of advice or recommendation. Nothing in it should be taken to constitute a statement that is intended to influence a person or persons in making a decision regarding any investment or financial product. This website or blog does not purport to be complete, accurate or contain all information which its users may require to make an informed assessment of whether to invest in any Offer listed through Accrutus Capital Pty Ltd.

What You Can Do to Finance Your Business Growth in a Measured Way

In uncertain times, prudent financial management becomes paramount. Expanding your business requires capital, but it’s essential to approach financing strategically to avoid over-leveraging. Here are some steps to consider:

At Accrutus Capital, we specialise in providing tailored financial solutions that align with your business objectives, ensuring sustainable growth without compromising financial stability.

Manage Working Capital – SME’s Seek Expert help

Only 25% of SME businesses use their existing advisors such as accountants and advisers to plan their future working capital finance strategies. And those businesses that do are reaping rewards through better understanding their cash flow forecasts, their existing customers whilst arranging smarter tax and alternative finance options.

Here we explain how your business could benefit from bringing a fresh pair of eyes to the table. Seek Expert Advice to manage working capital – SMEs advised.

SME Growth Index

Small Businesses should explore strategic advice to manage working capital according to a leading national survey of small businesses.

The *SME Growth Index is Australia’s longest-running in-depth research on small business growth prospects.

• • undertaking cash flow forecasts (the key strategy nominated by 28% of all SMEs – but around half of larger SMEs with $5-20m revenues)
  • focusing on existing customers (27.5%) or new customers (22%) to grow revenue
  • making arrangements with the ATO (17%)
  • using invoice finance to smooth out cash flow peaks and troughs (16%)
  • increasing their overdraft (12%)

How can Invoice Finance help your Cashflow

One in six businesses were looking to Invoice Finance to manage their cash flow using financial solutions such as invoice finance, trade finance and asset finance during the pandemic recovery.

John Sutton, CEO at Scotpac commented, “We would like to see more small businesses undertake cash flow forecasts because our research found that only a quarter of SMEs do so – this is fundamental to success, and this is something accountants and brokers can be reinforcing to their clients.”

He said the fact that so many businesses are looking to restructure and are looking for ways to manage their working capital provides a perfect opportunity for accountants and brokers to initiate discussions with their SME clients.

“Australia’s small business sector relies heavily on brokers and accountants, who understand the importance of cash flow and have a good understanding of strategies and solutions to enable business success.”

“It’s the perfect time for accountants and brokers to ask their small business clients what changes they are looking to make, whether they have a clear view of how much working capital this will require, and if there are shortfalls, help them find new ways to fund the business.”

*SME Growth Index survey of small business.

The Accrutus Cash Flow Solution

Here at Accrutus Capital, we have been offering trade and invoice finance to our clients for some time now.  It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how this alternative method has been so valuable for companies to manage working capital when faced with cash flow constraints.

Working with us, you won’t get the same apathy that you might experience from a bank or another financial provider.  Because our interests are tied to yours, we want to do everything we can to help you grow your operations.  

We focus on providing the most flexibility funding options that leverage your assets. We also don’t require any security for this type of financing.  The trade invoices themselves serve as the collateral.  You simply won’t find an easier and more convenient way to solve your cash flow problems.

Call us today 07 3184 9183 and speak with our working capital loan specialist. Together we will devise a plan to help boost your cash flow with up to $5-20 million approved facility ready when you are.

DISCLAIMER

The disclaimer covers content, comments, responsibility, links, government and local laws, jurisdiction and communication methods. None of the contents on this website or blog should be construed as any kind of advice or recommendation. Nothing in it should be taken to constitute a statement that is intended to influence a person or persons in making a decision regarding any investment or financial product. This website or blog does not purport to be complete, accurate or contain all information which its users may require to make an informed assessment of whether to invest in any Offer listed through Accrutus Capital Pty Ltd.

Guide to Buying a Business – 8 Tips for Success

Selecting the right business requires a thorough assessment of personal expertise, industry trends, and market demand. Ideally, you should invest in a business that aligns with your skills, experience, and passion. A deep understanding of the industry ensures that you can effectively manage the business and overcome potential challenges.
While prior experience in an industry is beneficial, it is not always a prerequisite for success. For instance, a hospitality professional could transition into wholesale distribution with the right operational and logistical support. However, acquiring industry knowledge through research, mentorship, or temporary employment in the sector can significantly improve the likelihood of success.

7 FinTech Trends that are Changing the World

1.  The Rise of Alternative Lending

In years past, small businesses were forced to beg and plead with banks to access the financing that they needed to grow.  Getting a bank loan remains a very difficult proposition for a company that cannot meet the stringent requirements set by the banks.

FinTech changing world of finance lenders have sprung up in their droves to help here, offering more flexible, efficient, and timely financing options for small businesses of all kinds.  In today’s world, you aren’t limited to just a few banks.  You actually have a wide variety of different options that you can select from – depending on your circumstances and your needs.

These could include working capital finance, trade finance, invoice finance, SME bonds, and so much more.  Each of these new product verticals offers a fresh take on fundraising in a way that works for you.

2.  Mobile Payment Options

Another area of FinTech that has boomed in popularity is the world of mobile payments.  Culturally, consumers are becoming much more comfortable with using their phone or e-wallet to make payments.  And small businesses that can enable these payment methods will benefit from this change in consumer behaviour.

The payments of the future will be vast and diverse, allowing each consumer to choose what works for them.  This only bodes well for small businesses that want to reduce as much friction as possible for their customers.

The more payment options you can offer, the more customers you’ll be able to serve.

3.  Advanced Analytics

Thanks to advancements in data science and machine learning, companies of all sizes are getting a better grasp on their data and what it can do for them.  The ability to derive key insights from customer data and link them to purchasing behaviour creates a treasure trove of information.  All of which can improve overall decision-making and transform your business for the better.

This will continue to improve over time and small businesses who get into this early will have a major advantage over those who don’t.

4.  Short-Term Business Finance

By removing a lot of the friction in the financial system, FinTech changing world of finance providers are able to offer short-term finance options that just aren’t possible with traditional providers.  Sometimes all a small business needs is a small bridging facility or working capital finance to get them through a temporary cash crunch.

FinTech allows them that opportunity without locking them into onerous contracts or long-term financing that they don’t need.  This flexibility is worth its weight in gold.

5.  Alternative Credit Models

FinTech providers have worked hard to develop products that can get around a lot of the red tape that exists in lending.  We’ve seen new credit models emerge that look at metrics and performance indicators that are specifically suited for small businesses.  These lenders understand the struggles of running a small business and have crafted solutions specifically designed for those companies.

This is a big step forward in getting small businesses the support they need to survive the early years and grow into larger companies that can make a difference in their respective industries.

6.  Crowdfunding

FinTech changing world of finance through the rise of crowdfunding is another key development and the new way to raise capital.  Whether it’s for a specific product or for an entire company’s equity, crowdfunding platforms offer an unique mechanism for fundraising.  It can be used to assess early demand and bring a large group of people along for the journey.  Instead of relying upon one key provider to fund the whole thing, the risk is widely diversified.  It allows for much more natural interaction between investors and their investees.

Small businesses can use this to their advantage to raise the funding they need while also building a community of stakeholders that care about what they’re doing.  Not to mention the vested interest they have in their success.

7.  Automation

The last trend we’ll look at here is automation.  FinTech changing world of finance enables a wide range of opportunities for small businesses to automate a number of their routines, and procedural financial tasks.  These tasks would previously have taken up a lot of time and resources.  By handing these off to intelligent systems, these businesses can deploy that energy to other higher-value tasks.

These FinTech systems can run 24/7 in the background, without any human intervention, and it opens up the doors for customers whenever they want to engage with your offering.  It also liberates your staff from tedious work and allows them to spend more time on the things that really matter.

How These Trends Can Benefit Your Small Business

FinTech changing world of finance is important to look at some of the overarching patterns that can prove very valuable for any small business.

• Speed. Instead of waiting weeks for a bank to come back to you, you can access funding quickly and efficiently through FinTech solutions.  Every minute you save here is crucial for keeping your business ticking along and it allows you to be much more agile as an organization.  Time is money, as they say.
• Lower Costs. Because FinTech providers aren’t saddled with the infrastructure and legacy systems of banks, they can greatly reduce the cost of funding.  As a result, you can maintain strong margins and operating leverage while still paying back your loans.  This alone can be a game-changer for your company.
• Less Paperwork. This might sound trivial but every moment spent on administrative tasks is time that isn’t being spent on growing your business.  FinTech providers who can eliminate a lot of the paperwork allow you to efficiently access finance without any roadblocks or bottlenecks.
• More Flexibility. FinTech offers financial services that suit your specific needs so that you’re only using what you need when you need it.  You can craft your financial future as a result and tie your lending behaviour directly to the performance of your company.  Flexibility gives you options and that’s invaluable in the early years when you’re still looking for traction and scale.

All of these pillars represent significant improvements on the current financing options available to small businesses.  By leveraging each of these benefits, you can get on the front foot when it comes to your financial situation, making it that much easier to grow and prosper. Australian FinTech’s are now internationally competitive, according to 80 per cent of respondents, up from 64 per cent in 2019.

We will embrace FinTech changing world of finance, for 2021 and beyond, because there is not turning back.

Our Role at Accrutus Capital

Here at Accrutus Capital, we’re passionate about helping small businesses access these opportunities and walking with them as they transform their organizations.  These trends are not just a 2021 fad, they are here to stay.  And we are doing all we can to create the sorts of products and services that can be the catalyst for that.

If you’re looking for alternative small business finance, working capital finance, unsecured business loans, or a range of other solutions we’re here to help.  Get in contact today and let’s work together to bring your company into this exciting new world of FinTech.

DISCLAIMER

The disclaimer covers content, comments, responsibility, links, government and local laws, jurisdiction and communication methods. None of the contents on this website or blog should be construed as any kind of advice or recommendation. Nothing in it should be taken to constitute a statement that is intended to influence a person or persons in making a decision regarding any investment or financial product. This website or blog does not purport to be complete, accurate or contain all information which its users may require to make an informed assessment of whether to invest in any Offer listed through Accrutus Capital Pty Ltd.

Business Cash Flow Checklist Review

If you take a truthful critical review of your business, you will recognize gaps and potential negative traps on the realistic financial health of your company. Before you start, remind yourself WHY you started this company?

• The journey to managing business cash flow is unlikely to be a smooth one. Along the way, there will be unforeseen expenses, costs blowouts and under performance of sales departments to meet projected budgets.
• If you are a new business without 3 years trading history, traditional banks are unlikely to lend you money. The Business Cash Flow Checklist takes a independent first step approach, ensure you consult with a professional accountant to confirm the financial health of your company.

Business Cash Flow for Technology and Innovation

• This can often be a major capital expenditure and if not planned appropriately in advance, can impact your business cash flow. This off-course is highly relevant to the type of business you operate.
• How innovative is your industry sector in embracing new technology that could easily make your product or services redundant. Investment into a professional sales and accounting platform is essential to track and report on the cost and profitability of delivering your different products and services. Alternative sources of funding provide a solution to innovative companies seeking to raise capital.

Business Cash Flow for Strategic Growth 

• For a new company the main focus is on building a solid revenue base while building up the profit margins.
• For an established company the focus shifts to a more tactical or strategic plan to keep momentum, or to speed up growth through acquisition or mergers.
• This is also a dangerous time for a company if it grows too quickly, where management and current systems may not be adequate. This could have a spiralling negative effect on customer satisfaction, quality control and ultimately revenues.

Download 97 Money Mastery Questions

Business Cash Flow Checklist

Contact us today 07 3184 9183 and speak to your finance specialist at Accrutus Capital. We might just be able to help boost your business cash flow with up to $5 million, with no security required. Conditions apply.

DISCLAIMER

The disclaimer covers content, comments, responsibility, links, government and local laws, jurisdiction and communication methods. None of the contents on this website or blog should be construed as any kind of advice or recommendation. Nothing in it should be taken to constitute a statement that is intended to influence a person or persons in making a decision regarding any investment or financial product. This website or blog does not purport to be complete, accurate or contain all information which its users may require to make an informed assessment of whether to invest in any Offer listed through Accrutus Capital Pty Ltd.