Build a Sustainable Business in FY26 and Beyond

With FY25 in the rear-view mirror, many small and medium businesses (SMEs) are re-evaluating their priorities.

The message is clear: surviving uncertainty is no longer enough – sustainable success must be the goal.

Published insights from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) paint a sobering picture: nearly half of Australia’s small businesses considered closing last year. Mounting red tape and rising operational costs are sapping time, energy and cash – three things no business can afford to waste.

So, what can business owners do to futureproof their businesses through FY26? Here are three essential focus areas:

1. Prioritise Financial Performance Planning

Now more than ever, businesses need a clear, actionable financial roadmap. That means moving beyond basic budgeting into full-spectrum financial planning – cash flow forecasting, risk assessment and investment prioritisation.

It also means embracing tools that make this easier. Integrated platforms that handle invoicing, accounting, reporting and approvals in one place help reduce manual work, cut down errors and improve decision-making. Automating financial processes isn’t a luxury – it’s now a necessity to stay competitive.

2. Build and Maintain Loyal Customer Relationships

Loyal customers are the engine room of SME success. They provide repeat business, refer others and are more forgiving during tough times. But loyalty doesn’t happen by accident – it’s earned through consistent service, personalisation and open communication.

Use insights from past transactions and customer feedback to tailor offerings and sharpen your marketing. Focus on quality interactions over quantity. In a tightening economy, a trusted relationship is worth far more than a one-off sale.

3. Stay Adaptable and Innovate Smartly

Innovation doesn’t have to mean launching new products or spending big. It’s often about using the resources you already have, like leveraging customer data, applying market insights or adjusting your offerings to respond to economic shifts (e.g. aligning promotions with tax changes or industry trends).

Keep scanning the horizon for signals: changes in customer behaviour, emerging technologies or policy shifts can all present opportunities if you’re ready to act.

Looking Ahead

No one is denying that FY26 comes with challenges. But business owners that put strategy, systems and people first are best placed to weather short-term storms and build long-term value. By focusing on what matters – solid financial foundations, loyal customer bases and flexible operations – small businesses can reclaim control and chart a sustainable path forward.

Ready to position your business for success in FY26 and beyond?

Want to turn strategy into real-world results? Chat with Nathan at Strategy360 to explore practical steps you can take now to strengthen your business, boost resilience and build momentum for FY26.

Congratulations to Nathan McGrath, named 2025 Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees & Over! A well-deserved recognition for exceptional leadership and commitment to business excellence. Read more »

🌏 Collins Hume was honoured with the Excellence in Sustainability award at the 2025 Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards and then again at the Business NSW Northern Rivers Business Awards, recognising our commitment to reducing environmental impact. Both awards reflect the tangible steps Collins Hume is taking to embed sustainability into everyday operations, using strategies that align with our values and the needs of our community.