Australian startups and small
businesses had an exciting
2014 where change seemed
to be the only constant.
Business sentiment varied
across industries. On one
hand, there was optimism
fuelled by a growing tech
startup environment,
increased funding, favourable
changes in the budget,
and increased business
confidence. Concurrently
there was caution and worry
over weaker stocks, falling
mineral and fuel prices and
unemployment figures.
Business confidence was high
with a recently published
Commonwealth Bank SME
Confidence Report stating
87% expected conditions
to improve or stay the same
early to mid this year. With
more that two million SMEs
employing over seven million
Australians, the health and
confidence of this segment is
crucial to the development of
the nation.
Many startups and small
businesses are using the
optimism to focus on
growth – in Australia and
globally. Likewise, inspired
by success stories on our
shores and from places such
as the Silicon Valley, more
people are starting their own
businesses.
So what are some of the
trends that will continue to
shape this segment in 2015?
Startups
and small
businesses
in 2015 –
what’s in store?
Renata Cooper
Cloud technology will
support growth and
scalability
Cloud technology transformed
industries and how we did
business in 2014. Here’s how
it will continue to shape the
market this year:
• The infrastructure /
enterprise cost of doing
business will continue
to drop with more cloud
systems becoming available
to startups and small
businesses. Easier collection
and management of data
will also result in more
streamlined processes and
increased productivity that
can help SMEs scale.
• The levelling effects of
technology, increased need
for consumer control and
easier access to data will see • More opportunities for
people with innovative ideas
more businesses ramping up
to enter the market and
their presence on the cloud
to offer innovative solutions.
deliver solutions quicker
Consumers can expect to
than they have ever been
see more apps and tools
able to. Going global
that give them increased
– especially for service
connectivity across different
industries – is easier than
touch points, more control
ever.
in all areas of their lives and
better engagement with
brands they like.