Australia’s small business owners are being urged to have their say in a national survey designed to shape the future of small business policy, and the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) wants voices from every corner of the country.

The 2025 Small Business Perspectives Survey is now live, and COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat says this is the moment for small business owners to get real about what’s working, and what’s not.

“Australia’s 2.5 million small businesses are incredibly diverse, yet they share many common challenges,” says Achterstraat.

“The survey is our way of capturing those real-world experiences and turning them into meaningful advocacy. We can only help shape better policy and support structures if we truly understand what’s happening on the frontline.”

The survey takes just 15 minutes to complete, is fully confidential, and will feed into COSBOA’s Small Business Perspectives Report, an influential doc that’s regularly used to inform policy, guide media reporting, and keep government decision-makers in check.

So whether you’re running a hair salon in the ’burbs, managing a tourism business up north, swinging a hammer on site, or knee-deep in spreadsheets from your home office, COSBOA wants to hear from you.

“This is your opportunity to influence the national conversation and ensure your voice is heard,” Achterstraat adds.

“If you’ve got something to say about how tough it’s been to find staff, the cost of insurance, the red tape, or even the wins you’ve had – now’s the time.”

COSBOA is especially keen to hear from sole traders, micro business owners, and operators in sectors like retail, beauty, trades, construction, hospitality, tourism, manufacturing and professional services.

The callout comes at a time when small business confidence in Australia is shaky. Rising operating costs, staffing issues and economic pressures are creating real challenges for business owners.

Business Builders editor Cec Busby says it’s more important than ever for business owners to speak up.

“Small business owners are some of the most resilient people around, but even the most passionate entrepreneurs are feeling the pinch right now. If you’ve ever said, ‘No one listens to us,’ this is your chance to be heard.”

The survey is being run independently by research firm Survey Matters, and all responses are anonymous. Jump in and have your say here. The deadline to complete the survey is July 31.

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