What the 2025–26 Budget Means for Small Business Owners and the Self-Employed

If you're a self-employed mortgage broker in the Northern Beaches, you’re probably wondering how the latest budget will impact your business. While there are some wins for small business owners, there are also challenges to navigate. Here’s a simple breakdown of what the 2025–26 Budget means for you.

Tax Cuts and Cost Savings

One of the biggest takeaways is the tax cuts for sole traders and small business owners. If you run a mortgage brokerage or any self-employed business, you’ll see more money in your pocket thanks to these cuts.

On top of that, small businesses will benefit from:

Energy bill rebates to help with rising electricity costs
Grants for energy-efficient upgrades, including better office setups and systems
Faster government payments, with a new 20-day invoice rule to improve cash flow

Wage Increases and Hiring Challenges

If you have employees or plan to hire in the future, be aware of these key changes:

Minimum wages are increasing, which means higher payroll costs for industries like finance, real estate, and administration
Banning non-compete clauses will make it easier for employees to switch jobs, increasing staff turnover in competitive industries
Financial incentives for construction apprentices, which could help boost the building sector and make property investment more attractive for your clients

Support for Small Business and the Self-Employed

As a Northern Beaches mortgage broker, you know that cash flow is key. The budget includes some helpful changes, including:

Stronger competition laws to prevent large companies from squeezing out small businesses
Franchising protections, making it fairer for those in franchised businesses
More funding for regional businesses, including infrastructure upgrades

What This Means for Mortgage Brokers

For self-employed mortgage brokers, these changes could bring both opportunities and challenges. Lower taxes and energy rebates mean you can reinvest more into your business, whether that’s upgrading your office, investing in marketing, or expanding your services. However, higher wage costs and increased staff mobility could make hiring and retention more difficult.

Final Thoughts

This budget has plenty of benefits for small businesses, but it also requires smart financial planning to navigate rising costs. If you’re looking to expand your mortgage brokerage, improve cash flow, or plan for the year ahead, staying informed is key.

What’s your take on the new budget? Will it help or hurt your business?