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Small business help in Australian Capital Territory

The ACT has no dedicated Small Business Commissioner. Access Canberra Business Assist is the closest analogue. Business disputes go to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT). For B2B and B2G disputes, ASBFEO is the right route. For tax debt and financial counselling, the Small Business Debt Helpline (1800 413 828) is the right call.

Last checked:26 May 2026

ACT Small Business Commissioner

Body
Access Canberra Business Assist (no dedicated SBC)
Phone
13 22 81
Free advice
Free advice
Mediation fee
N/A — disputes route to ACAT
Scope
Advice only — no statutory mediation function

Important for crisis routing

The ACT has no dedicated Small Business Commissioner. Use Access Canberra Business Assist for general information, ACAT for disputes, and ASBFEO (1300 650 460) for B2B and B2G commercial disputes.

When the state SBC isn't the right fit

Where to send your matter next.

  • Access Canberra Business Assist

    small business

    13 22 81Site
  • ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT)

    general

    (02) 6207 1740Site

National services that do most of the work

For tax debt, financial counselling, mental health, and formal insolvency, national services are the right call regardless of state.

Small Business Debt Helpline

Free, confidential, specialist financial counselling for sole traders and small business owners — tax debt, BAS, supplier pressure, insolvency options.

1800 413 828Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm AEST

Free

Last checked 26 May 2026

Details

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

Federal statutory ombudsman for small business. Free assistance with disputes against other businesses or government, plus a Tax Concierge for ATO matters.

1300 650 460Mon–Fri 8am–8pm AEST

Free assistance. A $100 first-hour co-payment applies for the Small Business Dispute Help legal-advice service and for the Tax Concierge Service.

Last checked 26 May 2026

Details

Beyond Blue NewAccess for Small Business Owners

Free six-session mental health coaching for small business owners under stress. Coaches have small business backgrounds. No GP referral required.

1300 945 3018am–8pm daily for intake; sessions scheduled with your coach

Free

Last checked 26 May 2026

Details

Lifeline Australia

24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. Phone, text, or chat. Free, confidential.

13 11 1424/7

Free

Last checked 26 May 2026

Details
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Financial counselling at TEKVA is delivered by FCAN-registered Financial Counsellors. Financial capability support is provided by Financial Capability Workers — distinct from financial counselling, with no credit advice or creditor negotiation. We also provide crisis triage, practical support, and referral coordination. We do not provide AFSL-licensed financial product advice, legal advice, or insolvency advice. Where specialist support is needed, we connect people to qualified professionals.

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