Budget 2025 Creates New Opportunities for Smarter Asset Investment
A strong business plan is more than a funding tool—it’s the foundation of a successful enterprise. For startups and franchise operators, especially those seeking finance, a well-prepared plan signals credibility, clarity, and commitment. While banks and finance companies are cautious with early-stage ventures, a realistic and well-structured plan can shift the odds in your favour. Start by involving key people early. Collaboration builds accountability and strengthens buy-in. Be honest about risks—include contingencies for delays, competition, or personal setbacks. Lenders quickly spot overly optimistic projections, so realism is essential. Keep the structure simple. Outline your background, ownership, products or services, target market, and competitive edge. Explain how you’ll grow and what makes your offer compelling. Define your customer base—who they are, how many you need, and how you’ll reach them. Acknowledge your competitors, both direct and indirect, and clarify how your business stands apart. Highlight your team’s experience and roles, and be transparent about staffing needs and costs—including your own income expectations. Use a SWOT analysis to map Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It’s a practical tool for self-assessment and strategic focus. Pair it with robust financial forecasts: at least two years of Profit & Loss and Cashflow projections. Avoid “ski-jump” optimism—focus on realistic growth, with assumptions that reflect scaling costs like staffing, software, and premises. Once your plan is complete, treat it as a living document. Review monthly, assess quarterly, and revise annually. Your business plan should evolve with your business, guiding decisions and measuring progress. At BEFA, we help clients turn vision into finance-ready strategy. Whether you're starting up or scaling, we’ll support you in building a plan that lenders respect—and that you can actually use.
Inland Revenue has entered a new phase of tax enforcement—and for SMEs, the message is clear: proactive tax management is no longer optional. Following Budget 2025, Inland Revenue has secured an additional $35 million annually to intensify compliance and debt recovery. With national tax debt reaching $8.5 billion, the agency is scaling up audits, data-driven investigations, and direct outreach to business owners. Already, audit volumes have surged 50%, uncovering hundreds of millions in undeclared tax. What does this mean for you? If your business has outstanding tax debt, delayed filings, or unclear governance structures, Inland Revenue is likely watching. They’re using payment provider data to identify unregistered GST activity, crypto income, and discrepancies in high-cash sectors like construction and retail. Businesses with multiple properties held across companies, trusts, and personal names are being contacted directly—and told to refinance or face escalated recovery. How to Stay Ahead Now is the time to take control. Inland Revenue encourages early engagement, voluntary disclosures, and structured repayment plans. Relief options exist for sole traders facing genuine hardship, but waiting for a knock on the door is no longer a viable strategy. Smart businesses are: Leveraging tax pooling to smooth provisional tax Separating GST and PAYE from operating cash flow Implementing structured tax governance frameworks Using digital tools to track live tax positions Maximising deductions—from R&D credits to depreciation At BEFA, we help clients navigate these pressures with finance solutions that preserve cash flow and support compliance. Whether you're restructuring debt, upgrading equipment, or simply need clarity on your tax position, we’re here to advocate for your business. Let’s talk. Schedule a confidential consultation today and put your business on the front foot—before Inland Revenue puts you on theirs.
