If you’re spending time chasing money, stuck in a contract issue, or unsure how to get help, support is now easier to access with solutions that save you stress, time and money.  The services provided by the Small Business Commission SA (SBC) are designed to help businesses resolve problems quickly and fairly, aiming to avoid the delays and costs associated with going to court.

The recently amended Small Business Commission Act 2011 aims to assist sole traders, family-owned operations or small employers by providing a sufficient level of clarity and confidence to deal with business challenges and move forward.

Faster support when you need it most

There is now a greater opportunity for small business disputes to be resolved outside of court, which can often take many months or years.

If you are facing a dispute, SBC will guide you through an alternative dispute resolution process that is structured yet flexible. In instances where mediation results in an agreement and the other party fails to follow through, you can now apply to the Magistrates Court to enforce the agreement without having to start from scratch. Generally speaking, it is a faster, simpler way to protect your business interests and is designed to save you stress, time and money if you need to take further action.

Where a resolution cannot be achieved and the office’s designated dispute resolution process is used, the Commission will provide a certificate certifying the outcome that can be used as evidence in further proceedings.

Support across all industries

85% of senior legal decision-makers expect dispute-related spending to increase or remain steady in 2025, according to Baker McKenzie’s Global Disputes Forecast. This trend underscores the growing complexity and cost of resolving business disputes. This makes accessible, low-cost services like those offered from SBC more vital than ever for small businesses.

No matter what industry you’re in, you will receive an equal level of support from SBC. With various avenues now available to achieve our goal of bringing parties together and providing the opportunity for open and frank discussion, our team can help you address issues before they escalate further.

Amplifying small business issues

We know that small business owners often feel isolated when dealing with complex issues. That’s why our approach is personal, practical, and focused on outcomes.

We will:

• Listen to your concerns
• Explain your rights and obligations
• Help guide the process towards a fair solution
• Connect you with trusted support services
• Advocate for you if your issue needs to go further
• We’re here to help you thrive.
• Let’s get you back to business

At SBC, we sincerely hope that you will never find yourself in a dispute that cannot be easily resolved. There is something to be said, however, for knowing that support is there when you need it. This knowledge alone can be the difference between conceding to a power imbalance and being confident in standing up for what you and your business deserve.

Further information

You can read our FAQ about the amendments in detail here.

Getting in touch

At SBC, we are committed to helping small businesses resolve their disputes efficiently and effectively. By choosing our services, you can save time, stress, and money, allowing you to get back to what you do best – running your business.

SBC’s expert advisers are here to listen and guide you through your options, free of charge. Contact us today to find out how we can help Free Call 1800 072 722 or click here.