Home topics news News News Struggling with cash flow? These five experts have practical fixes you can use right now Yajush Gupta March 4, 2026 Five experts share the practical habits that keep small businesses financially healthy, no matter the economic climate. What’s happening: Cash flow problems remain one of the most common threats to small business survival in Australia. Why this matters: Rising operating costs, higher borrowing rates and softer consumer spending have squeezed SMEs from multiple directions. For small business owners navigating an unforgiving economic environment, cash flow management has moved from a back-office concern to a front-line survival skill. Advisers say the businesses most at risk are often those that track spending informally or react to problems after they have already escalated. Lisl Pietersz, Solopreneur, Communications and Transition Coach at University of Sydney Business School and AGSM at University of NSW, works with small business owners and entrepreneurs and says the foundation starts with discipline and foresight. “Make forecasting your bestie,” she advises. “Be sure to forecast your invoices and chase up late payments. A cloud accounting tool can help by flagging late payments before they get out of control. Also, ensure that you understand your market and economic conditions, such as the impact of future interest rate rises, so you can prepare for fluctuations in income and cash flow.” Pietersz adds that AI-powered tools, including cloud accounting platforms that deliver real-time financial data, are increasingly accessible to small business owners at a reasonable cost. Her broader