Small business owners across Australia are under growing financial pressure, with demand for the Small Business Debt Helpline hitting new highs over the past year.

The latest figures show the helpline handled more than 6,000 cases in the 12 months to 31 December 2025. That’s a 21 per cent increase on the previous year, highlighting how tough conditions remain for some business owners.

The Small Business Debt Helpline is a free service that connects small business owners with specialist financial counsellors.

‘People are carrying this alone’

Helen Davis, General Manager of the Small Business Debt Helpline, says the rising demand is a reflection of the emotional and financial strain many business owners are experiencing behind the scenes.

“We are hearing from small business owners who are under enormous pressure and often carrying that burden alone,” Davis said.

“For many people, picking up the phone to the helpline usually comes at a time when the stress has become overwhelming. These conversations are often deeply emotional and our financial counsellors listen, provide reassurance and help people feel less alone while they work through their options.”

Since the service began, the helpline has handled more than 18,500 cases involving over 16,000 unique small businesses, showing the demand is ongoing.

ATO debt stress tops the list

Tax debt remains the most common issue facing callers, with ATO debt accounting for 64 per cent of cases. Other frequent debts include business loans from banks and non-bank lenders, home mortgages, motor vehicle finance, supplier debts and leases on business premises.

The helpline has assisted clients dealing with more than $429 million in ATO debt, with the median ATO debt sitting at $70,000.

According to Davis, this highlights the need for tailored, specialist support for small business owners navigating complex debt issues.

The Small Business Debt Helpline is currently the only national financial counselling service dedicated specifically to small businesses.

Financial issues can hit anyone

Anna Dooland, a financial counsellor with the helpline, says many callers are dealing with a combination of rising costs, debt and unexpected shocks.

“Every day we speak with business owners who are hit by a combination of rising costs, debt and external shocks. It’s been a really rough trot for so many people and anyone can find themselves in financial trouble,” Dooland said.

“The SBDH provides small business owners with somewhere safe to turn for both practical guidance and emotional support when things get tough.”

Dooland says client feedback shows just how critical that support can be.

“I felt safe and heard without any judgment throughout the process. I would like to say thank you so much for taking the time and explaining everything over and over to make sure I completely understood,” one small business owner said.

Need help?
Small business owners experiencing financial stress can contact the Small Business Debt Helpline on 1800 413 828 or visit sbdh.org.au for free, confidential support.

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