According to the latest Small Business Pulse results from the Australian Small Business & Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), Aussie small businesses are in good shape!

The ASBFEO Small Business Pulse increased by 0.1% in the three months to February 2026, marking the fourth consecutive quarterly increase, and is 1.2% higher than the same time last year.

Small business owners are actively exploring growth and transformation opportunities, with strong interest in expanding offerings, improving customer reach and considering new markets. Research into technology and artificial intelligence remains elevated, alongside demand for practical, hands-on support to turn ambition into action.

What can you do to explore your own growth and transformation?

The results of the latest Pulse are encouraging reading for small business owners that have been in ‘survival mode’ since the pandemic.

A cautious sense of optimism seems to be pervading the Australian small business market in 2026 – and that is leading owners to move away from survival and to rewrite their strategy for growth and transformation.

Here are 5 simple ways you can embrace this optimism:

1.Deploy the latest AI tools: Integrate AI into your back-office processes to automate the most repetitive and time-consuming tasks, so your people can focus on customers.

2.Target new and unexplored segments: Diversify your revenue streams (and build resilience) by researching and entering untapped customer markets.

3.Extend your digital reach: Invest in targeted social media and online advertising to improve your brand’s visibility and attract a broader, digitally-active audience.

4.Explore the benefits of mentoring: Work with an experienced business coach to get practical guidance on leading from the front and embracing new technologies.

5.Master the basics of compliance early: Make sure you know the latest requirements around tax law, employment rules and sustainability reporting, to keep the business compliant and ahead of the game.

Talk to us about switching from survival to growth mode

If you’re ready to step out of survival mode and to truly embrace growth, come and talk to our team. We can help you review and update your strategy to set the best goals for 2026/2027.