Card surcharge ban hits checkout: From 1 Oct, retailers can’t add extra fees for debit/credit card payments, but many SMEs say they’ll still cop higher costs via absorbed merchant fees and price rises. ATO credit card cut-off: The ATO will stop accepting credit card payments for tax after 30 Nov, drawing backlash from small businesses worried about cash-flow strain. SME cashflow pressure: Independent retailers and café owners warn the “no-surcharge” change won’t lower prices as claimed, while payment costs remain. Builders charging for quotes: More tradies are charging for estimates, with one report finding 70% of builders now charge during quoting—reducing tyre-kickers but changing how customers budget. SME growth outlook: ScotPac’s index finds 56% of SMEs expect revenue growth over the next six months, though a record 37% forecast declines. Regional business support: Commonwealth Bank extends regional branch commitments to Dec 2030, and Queensland backs Indigenous Business Month with procurement momentum. Cyber focus: October’s Cyber Security Awareness Month spotlights rising risks from AI-driven threats and the need for stronger resilience. Tourism funding: Ballarat opens round two of its Tourism Events Grant Program to help local businesses capture visitor spend.