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MBF President Update February 2026

MBF President Update February 2026 - Alison Carroll | Micro Business Forum

Hi Everyone,


I know that this is the Chinese year of the Horse, but the year really does seem to be galloping along. It seems no time at all since it was New Year and now it’s almost the end of January.


Although, for a lot of people January is a time for families and holidays, for many small businesses, myself included, it’s a very busy time of year as we take full advantage of all the visitors to the area. It has certainly been a full-on month and I’m looking forward to February to wind back a bit and take stock of where I want to go with my business.


I’m also looking forward to being able to make it to our Coffee Connect this month. We meet on the second Thursday of the month. Feel free to come along, just buy your own coffee and come to connect with other small business owners like yourself. On the 12th February we will be meeting at Port City Bowling Club from 10am.


Coffee Connect 12 Feb | Micro Business Forum




We have our longer Forum meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Held in the Innovation Hub, at Charles Sturt University, this is where we investigate all sorts of topics at a greater depth. On Wednesday 18th February, Lyn Richardson, will be talking on “The Power of having a Niche”. Also coming up in the next few months, we have top tips for getting your books in order, Technology tips and tricks, Mindfulness and preventing burn out, Things to know about getting a business loan, and so much more. Well worth coming along to see for yourself.


The Power of Having a Niche 18 Feb | Micro Business Forum




I had a quick look at the NSW Small Business Commissions newsletter and big regulatory changes are coming in 2026, and they will affect almost every small business in NSW, from tradies to cafés, childcare operators, real estate agencies, professional services and everything in between. Some reforms will mean new compliance requirements; others will create fresh opportunities for growth, trust and competitiveness. Here’s some of what’s coming. 


  • Professional Services (Lawyers, Accountants, Real Estate Agents): Anti-Money Laundering / Counter-Terrorism Financing Laws Are Coming (1 July 2026).

  • The federal Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Tranche 2 reforms come into effect on 1 July 2026 with enrolments for effected businesses open on 31 March 2026. 


For the first time, the following must meet AUSTRAC AML/CTF obligations: 

  • Accountants and bookkeepers, Solicitors, Conveyancers, Real estate agents

  • Trust and company service providers 


Further information is available at: 

 

Food Waste Rules Are Changing — Get Ready for Mandatory FOGO (From July 2026) 

If your business handles food (café, restaurant, caterer) 2026 brings a major shift. 

From July 2026, NSW will require commercial food-waste generators to use separate Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection services. 

This is one of the biggest environmental changes in years with significant impacts for the small business sector. 

More information about the changes is available on the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s website: FOGO mandates and rollout | EPA  


Childcare Sector Operators: New National Quality Standard (1 January 2026) 

If you run an early childhood service, note that child-safety requirements under the National Quality Standard are being strengthened. 


New Rules for Community and Family Support Providers (1 January 2026) 

For NGOs, charities and small service providers funded by NSW Government departments, the new Community and Family Support (CAFS) program begins 1 January 2026. 


There’s a lot more on their website, so it may well be worth a look, to see if and how your business may be impacted.


Thank you.

Alison Carroll

MBF President



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