What is Small Business Restructuring?

A smarter way to tackle business debt.

Small Business Restructuring (SBR) is a government-backed solution for small businesses facing financial distress, ATO tax debt, or pressure from creditors. It allows you to reduce debt and stay in control, without the disruption of Voluntary Administration or liquidation.

Download: Guide to Small Business Restructuring

The SBR process empowers business owners to protect their operations and legacy, offering a structured path through temporary financial challenges and toward long-term recovery. Download our free guide to find out more.

Why choose Small Business Restructuring?

SBR is designed to empower, not punish. It gives business owners the chance to act early, restructure debt, and move beyond financial pressure without losing control of the company.

Introduced in 2021, SBR was designed specifically for businesses with under $1 million in liabilities. It’s a faster, simpler, and more affordable alternative to Voluntary Administration — a practical strategy for business debt restructuring while continuing to trade, guided by a registered Small Business Restructuring Practitioner.

You stay in control

Directors remain in charge of daily business operations.

Covers ATO and other debts

Most unsecured debts, including tax liabilities, are eligible for restructuring.

Predictable, fixed costs

SBR uses capped fees to keep costs transparent.

Fast turnaround

A restructuring plan can be developed and approved within 6 weeks.

Minimal trade disruption

Businesses continue to operate throughout the process.

Better returns for creditors

Plans aim to deliver a better outcome than liquidation.

Trusted specialists in Small Business Restructuring

Trusted specialists in Small Business Restructuring

At mySBR, we combine decades of insolvency experience with a genuine commitment to supporting Australian SMEs through financial pressure.

We’ve worked with businesses across industries — from construction and hospitality to retail and professional services — helping owners reduce debt, maintain operations, and avoid liquidation. With a 100% eligibility rate and a 100% compliance record, we know how to guide clients through SBR successfully and with care.

Trusted specialists in Small Business Restructuring

Answers for business owners doing it tough

We’re here to help you make an informed decision — with expert advice, empathy, and zero pressure. Can’t see the answer to your question? Let’s talk.

SBR is a simplified legal process that allows eligible small businesses to restructure their debts with the support of a registered practitioner, while continuing to trade and stay in control.

Unlike Voluntary Administration or liquidation, directors stay in control of their company throughout the SBR process. It’s designed to help viable businesses overcome short-term issues without shutting down.

To qualify, your business must:

  • Have less than $1 million in total liabilities
  • Be up to date with employee entitlements
  • Be up to date with tax lodgements
  • Not have used SBR or simplified liquidation in the last 7 years

Yes, ATO debt restructuring — including Director Penalty Notices (DPNs) — can be part of an SBR plan. Our team works directly with the ATO to improve the likelihood of approval.

It is crucial you don’t ignore a DPN. A Director Penalty Notice (DPN) is serious, but it doesn’t mean it’s too late. One of your options is to appoint a Small Business Restructuring Practitioner, which could help you avoid personal liability and give your business a second chance.

Reach out to our team as soon as possible for guidance as to whether SBR is the right next step for your situation.

The full process can be completed in around 6–8 weeks, from initial consultation through to plan approval. Payment terms under the plan can extend up to 3 years.

We won’t proceed unless we’re confident of a strong outcome.

Our team engages with key creditors like the ATO before plans are submitted, significantly increasing the chance of approval. To date, only one plan has failed; in this instance, the client was not following the professional advice provided. Every other plan has been approved.

Although SBR aims to prevent liquidation, if a restructuring plan fails or the business remains unsustainable, the company may be wound up and its assets sold to pay debts.

SBR is a confidential process, and most stakeholders (like customers) won’t be notified. Acting early and transparently can strengthen your relationship with creditors and is often far better for your reputation than more serious steps like Voluntary Administration or liquidation.

Yes — we work collaboratively with accountants, bookkeepers, and lawyers to ensure everything runs smoothly and the plan is achievable.

Book a free consultation with our team. We’ll confidentially assess your situation and let you know whether SBR is the right fit.

Ready to protect your business?

Take the first step toward a stronger future for your company. Contact us today.

We help small business owners move through short-term financial pressure with a clear plan and practical support — so they can protect what they’ve built and look ahead to a promising future.

Book your free consultation to determine if our Small Business Restructuring services are right for your company.

Email us at [email protected]
or call us at 1800 311 901