Nearly half of Australia’s small business owners say they’re under high stress, according to the latest Small Business Conditions Report from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in partnership with Intuit.
The national survey of more than 1,100 business owners and managers found 44% report high levels of stress, with the number highest among businesses employing between 15 and 24 staff.
Key pressure points include rising regulation, with 42% saying red tape is harming their operations and 61% spending more than $20,000 a year on compliance. Almost one in three small business owners said they’ve considered closing in the past year, and a similar number worry their business might not survive the next twelve months.
Staffing also remains tough, with 35% struggling to recruit or retain staff.
South Australian snapshot
South Australian business owners reported slightly lower overall stress than the national average, with cash flow pressures (43%) their leading concern, higher than the national result. Other key stressors include customer expectations (35%), personal commitments (35%), uncertainty about the future (33%), and workforce management (30%).
Compliance and taxation remain major frustrations. SA businesses reported being more likely to find superannuation and award obligations confusing, suggesting a need for clearer guidance and simpler systems.
Call for action on red tape and investment certainty
ACCI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said the findings send a clear message to governments that the regulatory load is holding small businesses back and there are some immediate steps the government can take to help small businesses and the economy grow.
“Small business owners are spending too much time tied up in regulation when they want to be attending to their customers, employees, and suppliers,” Mr McKellar said.
“An easy step would be to make the Instant Asset Write-Off a permanent feature of the tax system, so businesses have the certainty to invest in new plant and equipment.”
He also urged governments to expand apprenticeship and traineeship incentives and boost funding for all vocational and educational training, not just TAFE.
Optimism and technology offer hope
Despite the pressures, small business confidence remains strong nationally, with 82% of respondents saying they’re optimistic about their future, and 59% said technology such as AI is already having a positive impact on their operations.
Suzy Nicoletti, Regional Vice President at Intuit, said many small businesses are turning to digital tools to help reduce stress and save time.
“This survey confirms what we’re hearing across Australia, that small businesses are resilient and optimistic but overwhelmed by compliance costs and administrative burdens,” Ms Nicoletti said.
“AI-powered tools can give time back to business by automating invoicing and bookkeeping, improving cash flow visibility, and simplifying compliance.”
The South Australian Business Chamber, through the national Chamber network and our Pre-Election Charter26, continues to advocate for simpler regulation, reduced compliance costs, and practical incentives to help businesses invest, employ, and grow.
You can read the full ACCI 2025 Small Business Conditions Report here.
