Australian and New Zealand small businesses are heading into 2026 with a renewed sense of clarity and ambition, shifting away from generic goals and embracing resolutions grounded in smarter systems, better customer experiences and more sustainable growth. 

With staffing pressures continuing, marketing channels evolving and AI becoming a standard part of daily operations, 2026 is shaping up as a year that rewards discipline, productivity and smarter use of technology. 

According to Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand, the end of the year is a natural moment for reflection and reset. 

“As the year draws to a close, Australian and New Zealand small business owners are reviewing their marketing plans and the tools they need to succeed in 2026,” Elise said. 

“Small business owners have become very savvy and AI is now a critical part of how many businesses operate. At the same time, staffing remains a barrier to growth, which is why tools that support productivity are becoming increasingly important.” 

The key focus areas for small business in 2026 

As planning for the year ahead accelerates, Elise said three clear priorities are emerging across the small business sector: growth, service and productivity. 

“Growth remains a major focus, but business owners are approaching it more carefully.” 

“They are looking at how to optimise revenue projections for 2026, while ensuring growth is cost-effective and sustainable.” 

Service continues to play a central role in business success. 

“Small business owners know that meeting client expectations, delivering great experiences and earning strong reviews can have a direct impact on performance in the year ahead.” 

Productivity is the third major theme shaping plans for 2026. 

“Business owners are investing more and more time into their businesses and are actively looking for ways to remove clutter, cut through noise and work more efficiently,” Elise said. 

How AI will shape small business in 2026 

With rapid advancements in AI and technology, Elise believes the year ahead presents a genuine opportunity for smaller operators. 

“I think 2026 will be an exciting year for small businesses,” Elise said. 

“Smaller businesses now can compete more effectively with larger corporate and franchise businesses.” 

According to Elise, adoption continues to grow. 

“Small business owners are becoming increasingly tech savvy and are open to tools that support their growth,” Elise said. 

“They can respond to reviews with ease and create high-quality marketing materials with very little effort, often using just a few prompts.” 

Small business confidence heading into the year ahead 

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, Elise said sentiment among small business owners remains positive. 

“Most of the small business owners we work with are optimistic about 2026,” Elise said. 

“They are focused on growing their businesses, maximising current market conditions and continuing to invest in their business and themselves.” 

Small business resolutions for 2026 

For Catriona Tisley, co-founder of Craft Homes in New Zealand, 2026 is about operating with more discipline and less guesswork. 

“Craft Homes aims to enter the new year with a focus on sustainable growth within the Raglan and Waikato region, while strengthening what makes the business special,” Catriona said. 

“Our goals include expanding the design and build side of the company and offering clients designs that focus on building performance and indoor air quality. As we grow, we remain committed to supporting and developing our team, ensuring they feel valued, motivated and equipped with the skills to build high-performance homes.” 

Another small business owner, John ‘Woody’ Wood, founder of Precision Epoxy Flooring in Victoria, Australia, has clear plans for the year ahead. 

“After extensive research, I launched Precision Epoxy Flooring in April 2025 with a clear growth plan,” John said. 

“We now have one truck and two vans servicing Warrnambool and Geelong and it is an exciting time for the business with real opportunity to keep building the business to another level.” 

Looking ahead to 2026, John said structure and focus are key. 

“My resolution is growing a hybrid franchise model while keeping the business tightly dialled in,” John said. 

“The focus now is building the systems and structure that allow us to scale, while growing our reputation and presenting the business in a more personal way. Next year is about growing with purpose and setting the business up for the long term, with Instagram playing a pivotal role.” 

Advice for small business owners as the year wraps up 

As the year slows over the Christmas period, Elise encouraged business owners to take stock and prioritise. 

“Take time to assess your business during the Christmas slowdown,” Elise said. 

“Look at what really worked in 2025 and be honest about where things did not go according to plan.” 

She said starting with the biggest challenges is critical. 

“As a business owner, there are always issues that keep you up at night,” Elise said. 

“Start there and focus on solving your biggest problems first to set your business up with clarity and confidence for the year ahead.”