October is NSW Small Business Month, so it’s a good time to take stock. How are local businesses actually going?
What the numbers say
Northern Beaches Council’s latest annual business survey asked 240 local businesses about their prospects. 27% feel fairly confident, 25% are fairly worried and 24% are neutral. Council also found that local businesses are facing the same pressures as small businesses across NSW, not just issues unique to the Beaches.
Nationally, Xero’s small business data shows that this year’s three interest rate rises and higher fuel prices started to hurt small business sales in May and June, after a strong start to the year.
Three habits of the businesses holding up best
From our desk in Dee Why, the local businesses coping best with tougher conditions have three things in common:
- They know their numbers monthly, not just at tax time. A monthly profit and cash flow check means problems show up early, while there’s still time to act.
- They raise prices instead of absorbing every cost increase. Small, regular increases are easier for customers to accept than one big jump.
- They chase overdue invoices within days, not months. Every week an invoice sits unpaid, your business is funding your customer.
Free local support this month
Northern Beaches Council’s Business Concierge offers free one-on-one sessions with business advisors. If you haven’t used it, Small Business Month is a good time to start.
If you’d like a clearer picture of your own numbers, from monthly reporting to cash flow forecasting, see our CFO and advisory services or get in touch.
This article is general information only and isn’t personal advice. Sources: Northern Beaches Council business survey; Xero Small Business Insights, June quarter 2026.
