25 November 2021
Of the 2.4 million businesses in Australia, the majority (2.35 million or 98 per cent) are small businesses.
Nearly two-thirds of businesses are sole traders and more than a third employ 1-19 staff. The state with the largest number of SMEs is NSW, with 33% of all SMEs located in NSW.
The industry with the largest number of small businesses is construction (17%) followed by professional, scientific, and technical services (13%) then rental, hiring and real estate services (11%).
Latest news
E&OEPodcast InterviewThe Savings Tip Jar18 February 2026. Topics: Mortgage refinancing, savings accounts. Dominic Beattie (Host): Welcome to this week’s Dollar Dialog, and today we’re talking refinancing, with new data dropping from the ABS last week, showing that a record 640,000 Australian mortgages were refinanced through 2025, which is up 20% on the previous year. So,… Read more »
Over 640 000 homeowners refinanced their mortgage last year, according to new data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. New lending indicators data shows 640 137 mortgages were refinanced throughout 2025, a 20 per cent jump from the previous year as more borrowers than ever before renegotiated or switched their home loans. ABA… Read more »
E&OERadio InterviewABC Radio Canberra9 February 2026. Topics: Romance scams; Scam Prevention Framework Emma Bickley (Host): You’re listening to afternoons on ABC Radio Canberra. I’m Emma Bickley, and my guest today is Simon Birmingham. He’s the CEO of the Australian Banking Association, and in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, they’re warning you that romance scams… Read more »