Challenges facing Small Businesses in Regional Victoria

This episode explores the real challenges facing small businesses in regional Victoria—from rising costs and labour shortages to digital struggles, shifting forestry policy, and increasing compliance burdens.

Drawing on recent local research and direct feedback from business owners across sectors, including trades, retail, agriculture, hospitality, and more, Sam highlights why small businesses are vital to community resilience and what support they urgently need.

Listeners will gain insight into the current pressures, opportunities for collaboration, and the practical steps that government and business networks can take to help regional businesses not just survive, but thrive.

Sources -

• What's Driving SMB Success in 2025: 7 Business Statistics — Salesforce
• Australian Business Statistics 2025: Fact ...