Most Budget commentary focuses on headlines.

But the real impact on small business is usually buried deep in the Budget papers.

After working through the 2026–27 Federal Budget papers in detail, several themes become clear:

• discretionary trusts are firmly in the Government’s sights
• the tax system is shifting away from passive investment structures
• founders and startup businesses may face unintended consequences
• compliance and real-time reporting obligations are accelerating
• and the Government appears to be pushing SMEs toward more formal corporate structures.

Some of the proposed changes are significant and could materially impact:

• family business groups
• startup founders
• property investors
• professional firms
• and businesses operating through discretionary trusts.

Below is a practical breakdown of the key measures small and medium businesses should be watching closely.

Discretionary Trust Changes

One of the most significant reforms in the Budget is the proposed 30 per cent minimum tax on discretionary trusts from 1 July 2028.

This is arguably one of the largest discretionary trust reforms in decades.  The Government’s position is that discretionary trusts facilitate income splitting and provide tax advantages unavailable to ordinary wage earners, marking a clear policy shift toward ‘tax neutrality’ between employees and business owners.

Under the proposal:

• trustees would pay a 30 per cent minimum tax on trust income before it gets to the beneficiary.
• non corporate beneficiaries would receive a non-refundable credit for tax already paid.
• corporate beneficiaries will not get the credit for tax already paid.

The practical consequence is that the traditional tax-planning advantage of distributing income to lower-rate beneficiaries becomes substantially reduced.

For example, based on what is currently proposed, a discretionary trust distributes $50,000 to person.  The tax withheld by the trust would be $15,000.  A person earning $50,000 would normally pay around $6,500 in tax.  They would get the offset against this from the $15,000 from the trust and pay no more tax.  But the extra $8,500 tax paid by the trust is not recoverable.  And if the distribution was to a corporate beneficiary, the trust would without $15,000 tax and the corporate beneficiary would not get any benefit from this.  As you can see, distributions from trusts may result in additional tax being paid (the Government has stated it expects $4.5b in extra tax).

This has potentially major implications for:

• family businesses
• professional firms
• investment structures
• family groups using bucket companies (the corporate beneficiary).

At this stage, the final interaction between:

• bucket companies
• beneficiary distributions
• franking systems
• and trust taxation

will ultimately depend on legislative drafting.

However, based on the Budget papers, the reforms appear likely to materially reduce the effectiveness of many existing discretionary trust strategies.

The Government has recognised the scale of the change by proposing restructuring rollover relief to facilitate movement into:

• companies
• fixed trusts.

This is an important signal.  But there is no money to cover the costs you would incur to do this restructuring.

This proposal represents a major philosophical shift away from discretionary trusts as the default SME and family investment structure.

FYI, the minimum tax will not apply to primary production income of farms, certain income relating to vulnerable minors, amounts to which non-resident withholding tax applies and income from assets of testamentary trusts existing at announcement.

Capital Gains Tax Changes

The headline change is the replacement of the broad 50 per cent CGT discount from 1 July 2027.  Under the proposed reforms:

• the 50 per cent discount for individuals, trusts and partnerships would be removed.
• inflation indexation of the cost base would return.
• a 30 per cent minimum tax on real capital gains would apply.

Note Superannuation funds are not impacted by this decision.  Also excluded are investors who buy new property builds.  But currently pre-CGT assets (those purchased before September 1985), will be subject to tax on any gain after 30 June 2027.  This is a massive ‘hidden’ change. If you have owned an asset since before 1985, its ‘tax-free’ status effectively ends on 30 June 2027. Any growth after that date is taxable.

Valuation issues for all Business Owners

If you sell an asset like your business after 30 June 2027, there is a two-step process to determine the taxable capital gain. 

Step 1 – calculate the gain from when you acquired the asset, to what the asset is worth on 30 June 2027.  That gain will be subject to the 50% discount.  For example, cost base is $100,000 and value at 30 June 2027 was $500,000.  The gain is $400,000 and with the 50% discount the taxable gain would be $200,000.

Step 2 – Then for the growth in asset value after 30 June 2027, the taxable gain will be determined based on the selling price, less the indexed value of the business as at 30 June 2027.  Using the same example above, let’s say the asset sold for $750,000 and the indexed cost base (using the $500,000 value as at 30 June 2027) is $600,000, the taxable gain is $150,000.

This brings the total taxable capital gain to $350,000. 

Presented this way, it appears very simple from a maths perspective.  But to ensure you get the maximum benefit, you will need to determine the value of the asset such as your business, as at 1 July 2027.

The budget papers state an asset’s value at 1 July 2027 will be determined by taxpayers as part of their tax return in the year the asset is realised.  You can either:

• seek a valuation of the asset as at 1 July 2027, which will include using quoted prices for assets such as shares; or
• use a specified apportionment formula that estimates the asset’s value on 1 July 2027, based on its growth rate over the asset’s holding period. The ATO will provide tools to estimate this value for taxpayers.

The smartest option would be for business owner to know both numbers.  The pre 1 July 2027 gain using market value and the gain using the apportionment formula.  The problem is that if you want to do this, then every business owner / founder / investor will effectively need to value their business (and any other capital assets that they own) as at 30 June 2027 / 1 July 2027. 

I am not sure what “proof” the ATO will want around these valuations and whether they will want formal independent valuations for your business.   This could be an expensive and time-consuming exercise for all business owners.

Cost Base Issues for many Business Owners

One area that appears poorly accommodated by the reforms is startup founder and new business equity.  Startup founders and new business owners often:

• take minimal salaries for years
• contribute unpaid labour and risk
• hold equity with very low-cost bases. For example, they could have put $100 in as share capital.

Under the proposed indexed system, many founders may still face large taxable gains despite years of under-compensated work and significant commercial risk.

If the business is in existence today, they can get some relief by valuing their business as at 30 June 2027.  But for founders and new business owners who create new businesses after 30 June 2027, they may suffer from the low dollar indexation of their cost base.  $100 share capital indexed even by 50% is still only $150.  As a result, all bar $50 of what could be a large sale proceeds, would be subject to tax. 

This seems unfair.  But it looks like the Treasurer has heard this and has committed also consult with stakeholders on key details, including the treatment of early‑stage and start‑up businesses given the unique features of the tech and start‑up sector. 

R&D Tax incentive

The Budget significantly expands the R&D Tax Incentive framework while simultaneously increasing integrity and compliance activity. 

Some proposed changes to the R&D Tax incentive that impact small business and startups include:

• turnover threshold for the refundable offset increased to $50.0 million (was $20m).
• offset for businesses under $50m in turnover increases from 18.5% to 23%.
• Businesses over 10 years old will no longer receive a refundable tax offset
• increasing the minimum expenditure threshold to $50,000 (was $20,000).
• expenditure on supporting activities, will no longer be eligible. This will have an adverse impact on many claims.  Business will need to be mindful of how they categorize activity and expenses.
• the ATO has been given more money to look at compliance and fraud in the R&D Tax incentive space.

 Loss Carry Backs

One of the measures the Federal Government announced to help businesses is the permanent introduction of the Loss Carry Back.  This will apply to all businesses with a turnover up to $1 billion and start from the 2027 tax year.

If you have incurred a tax loss in any tax year from the 2027 tax year onwards, and you have paid tax in the previous 2 tax years, you may receive a cash refund of tax paid in these previous 2 years, or a reduction in the debt you owe the Australian Taxation Office.  Obviously, this is up to the higher of the after-tax value of the tax loss or the tax paid in those 2 years.

For example, you pay $100,000 tax in the 2026 tax year but have a tax loss of $50,000 in the 2027 year.  You will be eligible for a refund of $12,500 (being 25% of $50,000).  If the tax loss in the 2027 year was $500,000, the most you would be refunded is the $100,000 in tax you paid.

Loss refundability to help start-ups

From 1 July 2028, start‑up companies with aggregated annual turnover of less than $10m that generate a tax loss in their first two years of operation will be able to utilise the loss to generate a refundable tax offset.

The offset will be limited to the value of fringe benefits tax and withholding tax on wages paid in respect of Australian employees in the loss year.

Instant asset Write off to stay at $20,000 for Small Business

The $20,000 instant asset write off will now be made permanent for small business (turnover less than $10m).  This applies to sole traders, partnerships, trusts, or companies.

So, a plus for small business in that you don’t need to rush out and buy all those assets in June 2026 to get the deduction this year.  But if you are already planning to buy some equipment, you might as well do it before 30 June, as you get the deduction earlier.

Expanding venture capital incentives

Venture capital investors can operate through venture capital limited partnerships (VCLPs) and early-stage venture capital limited partnerships (ESVCLPs), which provide a ‘flow through’ structure and targeted tax incentives to the investors such as tax offsets. 

But these vehicles have caps on deal size.  The Budget proposes to increase the caps on these deal sizes.  Whilst this helps those businesses who fit the investment profile typically targeted by VC funds, this is no help to the many other great businesses out there who VC’s don’t fund.

Small Business Responsible Lending Obligation Exemption Extension

The Small Business Responsible Lending Obligation (RLO) exemption allows lenders to bypass strict “responsible lending” checks for loans intended for small business purposes, simplifying access to credit for small businesses.  This was due to expire on 3 October 2026 but is extended by a further 10 years.

Expansion of the ATO’s dynamic PAYG instalment pilot

This dynamic PAYG instalment pilot allows businesses to vary their PAYG instalments, without risk of interest changes, based on more up-to-date business conditions by using an ATO-approved dynamic instalment calculation embedded in your business accounting software.  Also, business can opt in to pay their PAYG monthly from 1 July 2027. 

It remains unclear whether this will improve SME cash flow outcomes as the budget papers say this increases tax collections.

AI and Productivity

You would expect with the current poor rates of productivity growth in Australia, there would be some effort towards using AI to improve productivity.  But AI barely gets mentioned in the main Budget Papers

There appears to be no money for small businesses to adopt AI to improve their business processes.  All I can see is $70m for the AI Accelerator CRC program rounds (see below for more on this), and more use of AI by government departments to make them more efficient.

To me this appears to be one of the weaker areas in the budget.  A lot of motherhood statements in this “Productivity Package” and I am not sure we will see any meaningful improvement in productivity if we rely on the Federal Government.

Continued or Stopped Funding for small business programs

The Federal Government will continue to fund the NewAccess for Small Business Owners Program and the Small Business Debt Helpline.

As part of the budget repair process the Federal Government has now closed the Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite and Innovate Programs saving $800m+.  For those who don’t know this program was designed to connect university research with business to commercialise this research.  Large adverse hit to the ability to commercialise university research. 

But on the other side the Government is continuing to fund the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) and CRC-P programs.  This includes $70m available through upcoming rounds of the starting in 2026 and 2027 for an ‘AI Accelerator’ to accelerate the development and commercialisation of AI by Australian researchers and businesses.  Business should be on the look for this and work out how they can partner with a university to access this funding.

There is mention in the budget papers for more funding for the CSIRO, but I am hearing of some programs closing.  So not sure where this funding is going.

On top of this, there are further savings of $266.2 million over five years from 2025–26 by redirecting uncommitted grant funding in the Industry, Science and Resources portfolio.  There is no mention of what specific grant programs, but I expect part of this is the reduced funding for the Industry Growth Program.

Will wait and see what other grant program cuts were buried in the budget.

Final Thoughts

This Budget is far more structurally significant than many of the media headlines suggest.

While there are some genuinely positive measures for SMEs, including the permanent instant asset write-off, expanded loss carry-back rules and startup support measures, the broader direction is clear:

• more compliance
• more transparency
• more real-time reporting
• and reduced reliance on traditional tax-planning structures.

For many businesses, particularly those operating through discretionary trusts or holding appreciating assets, the next few years may involve significant restructuring and planning decisions.

The detail of many of these measures will ultimately depend on legislation and consultation, so this remains an evolving space.

If you are a founder, business owner, or growing SME, this is the sort of environment where having strong strategic financial advice matters more than ever.

At aRealCFO, we help businesses navigate:

• growth and scaling
• cash flow and profitability
• funding and capital raising
• business structuring
• commercial strategy

If you would like to discuss how these proposed Budget changes may impact your business or structure, feel free to reach out.

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. Wayne may also be able to assist you in preparing any grant application. 

Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.

Click on the below buttons to access free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

And Wayne is always posting about new grants, funding options and other resources on LinkedIn that can help your business scale and grow profitably.  Click on the below links and connect with Wayne or follow A Real CFO on LinkedIn.

Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052

Are you a woman with a brilliant business idea but lack the funds to prove it works? Global Sisters is launching 10 Big Idea Scholarships in 2026. From February through November, one entrepreneur each month will be awarded equity-free startup funding of $10,000 to move their concept toward reality.

This is validation funding, specifically designed for the “idea stage” rather than growth capital. Whether you are building a traditional startup or a social enterprise, this program provides the financial runway and professional support to test, validate, and build a sustainable business.

Scholarship Benefits: More Than Just a $10,000 Grant

If selected, you receive a comprehensive support package designed to make your business “funding-ready”:

• $10,000 Untied Grant: Capital you can use where your business needs it most—no strings attached.
• Financial Strategy Session: Expert guidance to map out your 13-week forecast and long-term viability.
• Hands-on Growth Support: Dedicated assistance to help you reach funding readiness.
• Access to Networks: Connections to Global Sisters’ ecosystem of partners and corporate mentors.
• End-of-Year Pitch: A high-profile opportunity to present your validated idea to potential funders and corporates.

Who is Eligible for These 2026 Social Enterprise Grants?

To ensure these business grants for women in Australia support those at the most critical early stage, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Early-Stage Idea: You have a concept but no real revenue yet.
• Purpose-Led: Your business must aim for a positive impact on people and/or the planet.
• Australian Based: You must be based in Australia (or a registered partner program).
• Global Sisters Member: You must be a member (membership is free) and have completed at least one of our business programs.
• Active Progress: You are actively building toward a specific business outcome.

What Global Sisters Provides (Always Free)

Even if you aren’t currently eligible for the scholarship, Global Sisters offers a roadmap of support for every female founder:

• Business Education: Comprehensive courses to build your foundations.
• Coaching: Access to both group and 1:1 coaching sessions.
• Workshops & Events: Ongoing skill-building and networking.
• Business Tools: Access to micro-finance, insurance, and e-commerce platforms.

FAQ: Early-Stage Business Scholarships

1. How is this different from other startup grants?

Most early-stage business scholarships require you to have proof of concept or revenue. This scholarship is unique because it is “validation funding”—it is specifically for the stage before you have proven the idea works.

2. Is the $10,000 an untied grant?

Yes. “Untied” means the funding is yours to use for the business as you see fit. It is not a loan, and Global Sisters does not take any equity in your company.

3. Can I apply if I’ve already started selling?

This scholarship is prioritized for those with “no real revenue.” If you have a fully functioning business with consistent sales, you may be better suited for our growth-focused programs rather than this validation grant.

4. What are the “social enterprise” requirements?

We look for purpose-led ideas. This means your business model should solve a problem or create a benefit for the community, society, or the environment.

5. How do I join Global Sisters to become eligible?

Membership is free and easy. You can sign up on our website and enroll in our foundational programs immediately to prepare for the 2026 monthly scholarship intakes.

Bottom Line

This is about validation, not just capital. If you have a vision but haven’t had the resources to prove it yet, the Global Sisters 2026 Big Idea Scholarship is built for you.

Apply Now

Click here to learn more and apply

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. Wayne may also be able to assist you in preparing any grant application. 

Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.

Click on the below buttons to access free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

And Wayne is always posting about new grants, funding options and other resources on LinkedIn that can help your business scale and grow profitably.  Click on the below links and connect with Wayne or follow A Real CFO on LinkedIn.

Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052

Airwallex has officially launched Latitude 37, a premier accelerator program designed to champion the next generation of Australian tech talent. The program is specifically targeting 10+ early-stage AI companies led by founders aged 25 or under.

Program Benefits & Funding

Latitude 37 isn’t just about capital; it’s about global scaling. Successful applicants receive:

• $100,000 Equity-Free Grant: Non-dilutive funding to kickstart your AI venture.
• Strategic Mentorship: Direct access to Airwallex’s leadership and global customer network.
• Global Exposure: Sponsored business trips to tech hubs in San Francisco and Singapore.
• Founder Community: Connection to a cohort of high-performing young entrepreneurs.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Latitude 37 program, founders must meet the following:

1. Age: Founders must be 25 years old or younger.
2. Location: Based in Australia.
3. Sector: Early-stage startups leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Register Your Interest for Latitude 37 Here

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. Wayne may also be able to assist you in preparing any grant application. 

Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.

Click on the below buttons to access free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

And Wayne is always posting about new grants, funding options and other resources on LinkedIn that can help your business scale and grow profitably.  Click on the below links and connect with Wayne or follow A Real CFO on LinkedIn.

Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052

Yoga for Good Foundation Grants are available to inspire yoga teachers and organisations with worthy goals to do good in their community via yoga.

The average amount of funding that is applied for is up to $10,000, but can be as high as $20,000.

If you are awarded funding, that may involve you agreeing to be one of their brand ambassadors, and they will promote your work via their website, eNewsletters and Social media channels – helping you raise your profile and awareness for the project.

Click here to learn more and apply

Current round of applications close 31 May 2026

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. Wayne may also be able to assist you in preparing any grant application. 

Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.

Click on the below buttons to access free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

And Wayne is always posting about new grants, funding options and other resources on LinkedIn that can help your business scale and grow profitably.  Click on the below links and connect with Wayne or follow A Real CFO on LinkedIn.

Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052

Tennis Australia in conjunction with the Australian Open runs the startup program AO Startups.  It is targeted to solving large problems in sport, health and entertainment to build, test or pilot on the world stage with Tennis Australia and the Australian Open.

And applications for this intake are now open.  Focus is on:

• Robotics in Sport – Technology leveraging robotics to enhance the experience within environments in which sport is played.
• Live Event Tech – Technology that challenges the status quo in stadia, media, fan engagement and event management
• All things Padel – Products, technologies and experiences supporting the growth and global expansion of padel
• Community Sport Tech -Technology designed to improve participation, accessibility and the day-to-day delivery of community sport.
• The Wildcard – If you are building product or experiences outside our core streams, yet will revolutionise sport, entertainment, health or sustainability, then apply as a Wildcard​

Benefits

The benefits of the AO Startups program include:

• Gain critical exposure and learning through piloting and proof of concept of your technology at the AO or other Tennis Australia channels
• Build brand credibility through official designation as an “AO Startup”
• Get access to specific Tennis Australia executives, VC’s and industry leaders to accelerate your journey to sustained success
• Achieve product-market fit through advice and testing across all areas of our sport and events
• Possible investment via WildCard Ventures.

Learn More

Click here to learn about AO Startups program

Note applications for intake 8 close 11 May 2026

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. Wayne may also be able to assist you in preparing any grant application. 

Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.

Click on the below buttons to access free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

And Wayne is always posting about new grants, funding options and other resources on LinkedIn that can help your business scale and grow profitably.  Click on the below links and connect with Wayne or follow A Real CFO on LinkedIn.

Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052

If you run a small business, this is worth a quick look.

BizGiver April 2026

If you’re under $2m turnover and have fewer than 20 staff, you can enter.

What you get if you win:
• Up to $5,000 (inc GST) spent on something your business actually needs
• No cash, they’ll purchase the item or service for you
• Winner and  2 runners-up get a small discount ($250) on a policy

People have used it for things like equipment, tech, and production gear.

You need to submit a video under 60 seconds explaining what you’d get and why.  But you don’t need to be a BizCover customer.

If there’s something under $5k that would:
• make you more efficient
• help you generate revenue
• or just remove a pain point

…it’s probably worth throwing your hat in.

You can enter multiple times with different ideas.

Entries close 26 May 2026.

Click here to learn more

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. 

Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.

Click on the below buttons to access other free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052

I’m already talking to clients about FY27.
Most businesses haven’t locked in FY26 yet.

It sounds early.

But it isn’t.

While most businesses are still trying to land FY26, I am already having conversations with clients about FY27.
This is where effective FY27 business planning actually starts.

Not because we like planning for the sake of it.
Because good decisions need time to work.

The gap most businesses don’t see

Right now, a lot of business owners are:

• Trying to finish FY26 strong
• Starting to think about FY27
• Hoping next year looks better

But the reality is this:

The decisions that shape FY26 are already largely behind you.

Pricing changes
Hiring
New service or product lines
Positioning

These are not last-minute decisions. They are decisions made months earlier that show up in the numbers later.

Why we are already looking at FY27

Because strategy without time is just theory.

If you want FY27 to look different, you need to start now.

If you want to:

• Lift pricing without losing clients
• Reshape your client base
• Improve margins
• Build team capacity

You cannot decide that in June and expect it to show up in July.

You need:

• Time to test
• Time to adjust
• Time for the numbers to catch up

That is why the conversation moves forward.

FY26 should already be clear

At this point in the year, you should know:

• What your FY26 target is
• Where the pressure points are

If you are still “working it out,” you are already reacting, not planning.

The shift that actually matters

This is not about planning further into the future.

It is about operating differently.

Reactive businesses:

• Set targets late
• Explain results after the fact

Deliberate businesses:

• Make decisions early
• Track the right numbers
• Adjust before problems show up

One hopes FY27 improves things.
The other is already building it.

What you should be doing right now

Finish FY26 with intent:

• Know your numbers
• Understand what is working and what is not
• Be honest about the gaps

Then start shaping FY27:

• Set direction
• Identify the changes required
• Give yourself time to execute properly

The advantage doesn’t come from better goals.
It comes from starting earlier.

Planning Session: Build FY27 Before It Starts

If you want FY27 to look different, don’t wait for July.

I’m running a limited number of FY27 business planning sessions with business owners who want a clear, numbers-backed plan going into the new financial year.

In this paid working session, we will:

• Break down your FY27 revenue target into real drivers
• Identify where margin and cash are being lost
• Map the key changes needed across pricing, clients, and capacity
• Build a simple monthly structure you can actually execute

You will leave with a clear plan, not just ideas.

If you are serious about making FY27 different, message me for details and current availability.

email: Wayne@aRealCFO.com.au      Phone: 0412 227 052

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. 

Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.

Click on the below buttons to access other free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052

Most businesses approach grants the same way.
They look for programs they can apply for.

They search for:

• Grants they are eligible for
• Funding they can win

And when they don’t qualify, they stop.

That is where most opportunity gets missed.

The Better Way to Access Funding

Instead of asking:
What grants can I apply for?

Ask:
Who already receives funding that I can work with?

Because often it is your customers or potential customers, not you, who qualify.

This is the shift most businesses never make.

Where the Funding Actually Flows

There is significantly more funding flowing into the not for profit and community sector than directly into businesses.

Take two programs in NSW:

MVP Ventures Program:
• Around $3 million per year
• Centralised
• Competitive
• You apply and hope to win

ClubGRANTS program in NSW:
• Tens of millions distributed annually, often referenced around $100 million per year
• Spread across hundreds of clubs
• Funded to community organisations, not businesses

The Only Comparison That Matters

This is not about which grant is better.

It is about how you access it:

• MVP Ventures → you apply
  • ClubGRANTS → your customer or potential customer applies

That is the shift.

What Most Businesses Miss

When your customer or potential customer is the one eligible:

• You do not need to qualify
  • You do not need to compete directly
  • You do not need to rely on one application

You need to partner.

Where the Real Opportunity Sits

Not for profits and community organisations are very good at:

• Understanding community needs
• Meeting eligibility criteria

But many do not apply for funding at all.

Not because the opportunity is not there
but because they do not have confidence in delivery.

They ask themselves:

“If we get the funding, can we actually deliver what we promised?”

If the answer is unclear, they often do not proceed.

This Is Where the Strategy Changes

This is the better way to access grants.

Your role is not:

• Filling out applications

Your role is to:

• Shape the project
• Bring structure to the idea
• Define how it will be delivered
• Stand behind execution

You are not chasing funding.
You are enabling it.

Why This Approach Works

When you bring delivery capability:

• Applications become stronger
• Organisations become more confident
• Funding becomes more accessible

They are no longer applying with an idea.

They are applying with a deliverable outcome.

The Win for Everyone

When this is done properly, everyone benefits.

The community organisation wins
They secure funding they may not have pursued and deliver real impact.

The funder wins
They receive stronger applications and see better outcomes from the money distributed.

The community wins
Projects are delivered, not just approved.

Your business wins
You are not chasing grants.
You are getting paid to deliver funded outcomes.

Final Thought

The better way to access grants is not to apply for them.

It is to align yourself with organisations that already qualify and help them deliver.

Many organisations do not miss funding because they are ineligible.
They miss it because they cannot clearly show how it will get done.

If you can bring that:

You are not just supporting an application.
You are unlocking funding and positioning your business inside a system where everyone wins.

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. 

Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.

Click on the below buttons to access other free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052

The current $20,000 instant asset write-off is set to end on 30 June 2026.

If no extension is announced, it is expected to drop back to just $1,000 per asset.

That’s not a minor adjustment.
It fundamentally changes how and when businesses invest.

What the Instant Asset Write-Off Actually Allows

Under the current rules, eligible small businesses can:

• Immediately deduct assets costing less than $20,000
• Apply the threshold per asset, not in total
• Claim multiple purchases
• Access the deduction in the year the asset is installed and ready for use

That final point is critical.

It’s not about when you buy the asset.
It’s about when it is operational.

Where Businesses Get This Wrong

A common mistake is assuming that purchasing before 30 June is enough.

It isn’t.

If the asset is not installed and ready for use by 30 June 2026, the deduction may not apply under the current threshold.

This is where timing becomes more important than intention.

Why This Matters More Than Tax

The instant asset write-off is often seen as a tax benefit.

In reality, it is a cash flow timing tool.

Bringing forward a deduction means:

• Lower taxable income now
• Improved short-term cash flow
• Faster recovery of investment cost

After June 2026, that same asset may need to be depreciated over several years.

Same purchase.
Very different financial impact.

What Smart Businesses Are Doing Now

The businesses getting value from this are not rushing out to spend.

They are reviewing planned investments and asking:

• What were we already going to invest in?
• Does bringing this forward improve our position?
• Will this asset actually drive efficiency or growth?

This is not about buying for tax.

It is about aligning timing with strategy.

The Right Question to Ask

The wrong question is:

“What can I buy before 30 June?”

The better question is:

“What were we planning to invest in over the next 12–18 months, and does it make sense to act earlier?”

Final Thought

Decisions like this sit at the intersection of tax, cash flow, and strategy.

Handled well, they can improve your position.

Handled poorly, they simply accelerate spending without improving outcomes.

Need Help Modelling This Properly?

If you are considering bringing forward asset purchases, it is worth modelling the impact properly.

Not just the tax outcome, but the cash flow and business impact as a whole.

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. 

Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.

Click on the below buttons to access other free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052

There’s a simple truth at the centre of every successful business:

If it costs you more to acquire a customer than the value you get from them, growth will eventually break you.

It sounds obvious.

But in practice, it’s one of the most commonly ignored principles in business.

The Illusion of Growth

Revenue going up feels like success.

More customers, more sales, more activity.

But revenue alone doesn’t tell you if your business is actually getting stronger.

Because growth without the right economics is just amplified inefficiency.

You can be busier than ever and still be heading in the wrong direction.

What It Really Costs to Win a Customer

Most businesses underestimate what they spend to acquire a customer.

They look at marketing costs and stop there.

But the real cost is broader:

• Time spent chasing and converting leads
• Founder involvement in sales
• Discounts used to close deals
• Onboarding and setup effort
• Early-stage servicing intensity

When you add it all up, the number is often higher than expected.

And if you’re not measuring it properly, you’re making decisions without seeing the full picture.

What a Customer Is Actually Worth

On the flip side, many businesses undervalue their customers.

They focus on the first transaction.

Maybe the first year.

But real value builds over time:

• Repeat business
• Upsells and additional services
• Referrals to new customers
• Price increases as trust grows
• Efficiency gains in servicing

The gap between what you think a customer is worth and what they actually deliver can be significant.

And that gap matters.

Where It Breaks Down

Problems don’t usually come from one bad decision.

They come from small misalignments across the business:

• Marketing focused on volume instead of quality
• Sales rewarded for closing, not for profitability
• Pricing set by competitors instead of economics
• Delivery teams absorbing inefficiencies to retain clients

Each choice makes sense in isolation.

Together, they erode margins and strain cash flow.

The Businesses That Get It Right

Sustainable growth comes from discipline.

Businesses that scale successfully keep coming back to one question:

Are we making more from a customer than it costs us to win them?

And they don’t just answer it once.

They build systems around it.

They:

• Track acquisition costs properly
• Understand customer lifetime value
• Adjust pricing when needed
• Focus on the right customers, not just more customers
• Make decisions based on data, not assumptions

Most importantly, they act on what they find.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

In tighter economic conditions, this equation becomes critical.

Margins get squeezed.

Costs rise.

Customers become more selective.

If your acquisition cost is too high, or your customer value too low, the cracks show quickly.

The Bottom Line

Growth isn’t just about getting more customers.

It’s about getting the right customers, at the right cost, with the right value over time.

Get that balance right, and growth becomes sustainable.

Get it wrong, and growth becomes expensive.

If you’re not completely clear on your numbers, this is where to start.

Ask yourself:

• Do I know my true cost to acquire a customer?
• Do I understand the full value that customer delivers over time?
• Are we growing profitably, or just getting busier?

If the answers aren’t clear, it’s worth fixing.

Because this isn’t just a finance metric.

It’s the foundation of whether your business scales, or stalls.

If you want help breaking down your acquisition costs and customer value, reach out. A short conversation can often uncover where the real opportunity (or risk) sits.

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. 

Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.

Click on the below buttons to access other free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052