Small and medium businesses power the Australian economy
From the local cafe to the family farm, banks sit behind nearly every transaction, helping small and medium businesses get paid, access finance and grow with confidence.
2.7 million SMBs operating across Australia in FY24
55% of business output, worth over $1 trillion. SMBs generate more than half of all business output in the economy. Small businesses alone deliver $596 billion, with medium businesses adding a further $416 billion.
$184 billion in new SMB lending in 2025, up 82% since 2020. Bank lending to small business has grown strongly over the past five years, and faster than lending to large businesses, whose new lending rose just 2 per cent over the same period.
How SMEs are using money borrowed from banks
Almost a quarter of all financing used by SMEs in September was for buying equipment, pointing to optimism about the future. 13% were using finance to purchase and to expand their business.