Home topics news Image Credit: Yu Xuan Lee on Unsplash News Small Business News Xero Small Business Index shows green shoots in sales Heidi Heck October 4, 2021 Data released last week by Xero produced as part of its small business index shows SMEs continue to struggle through lockdowns. The data shows small businesses are performing below average, containing the downwards trend from July. Sales in small business Despite Australia’s two most populous states being in lockdown, sales numbers grew over August compared to July; sales grew by 6.4 per cent. This is encouraging news, showing the economy may be slowly recovering. The nationwide nature of the index may disguise slowed growth in NSW, the ACT and Victoria. Data showed NSW and the ACT recorded the lowest growth; on the other hand, WA and QLD recorded the most robust growth, both upwards of 10 per cent. Joseph Lyons, Managing Director Australia and Asia, Xero said, “With more than half the Australian population under stay-at-home orders in August, it was yet another tough month for small businesses as jobs growth slowed to its lowest result since October last year. “The Xero, Small Business Insights data does provide some green shoots of hope, with an increase in sales offsetting the weakened jobs growth. Time and again, small businesses demonstrate their adaptability and resilience.” Hospitality and arts/recreation were the most significantly hit sectors in August, falling by 11.4 and 6.5 per cent respectively. The healthcare and real estate sectors were the strongest performing