Financial Counselling Australia welcomes extended funding for the Small Business Debt Helpline
Media release
February 11, 2026
Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that funding for the Small Business Debt Helpline (SBDH) will be extended for a further 12 months, providing vital support for small business owners under increasing financial pressure.
FCA CEO, Dr Domenique Meyrick, said the funding extension would allow the service to continue delivering free, independent financial counselling at a time of sharply rising demand.
“This announcement recognises the critical role the Small Business Debt Helpline plays in supporting small business owners when they are under extreme financial and emotional strain,” Dr Meyrick said.
In the 12 months to 31 December 2025, the SBDH provided more than 6,000 cases of assistance, a 21 per cent increase on the previous year. Over the life of the service, more than 18,500 cases have been supported, involving over 16,000 unique small businesses.
“The data is clear – demand continues to grow and we hope this announcement is followed by a commitment to more stable and on-going funding in the future, so this essential service can meet demand and plan sustainably for the future.”
“For many people, calling the helpline comes at a point when things have reached crisis point and the stress has become overwhelming. These conversations are often deeply emotional, and financial counsellors provide reassurance, clarity and a sense that people are not facing this on their own.”
The SBDH is the only national specialist small business financial counselling service in Australia.
Contact: Maura Angle 0418 334 121 or [email protected]
IMPORTANT NOTE TO REPORTERS: Please include the contact details for SBDH at the end of your story so that small business owners in financial stress know where to go for help.
Call 1800 413 828 or visit sbdh.org.au
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