Growth | SmartCompany

“You’re going to be left behind”: Why SMEs need to prepare for agentic commerce

Pearl Bendle — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Agentic commerce could fundamentally change how customers discover and buy from businesses. Here's what SMEs need to know about preparing for the next wave of AI-powered payments.

The post “You’re going to be left behind”: Why SMEs need to prepare for agentic commerce appeared first on SmartCompany.

Why good intentions aren’t enough: Five lessons on building inclusive businesses

Pearl Bendle — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:15:52 +0000

From accessible product design to community consultation, business leaders at a Mastercard-hosted Growth Summit roundtable shared practical lessons on turning inclusion from a corporate aspiration into meaningful action.

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“Ideas aren’t anything”: Mark Bouris on what founders get wrong about growth

Pearl Bendle — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:30:00 +0000

From founder ego to AI hype, Optus Business Ambassador Mark Bouris shares practical lessons on building a business that lasts, shaped by his experience as the founder of Wizard Home Loans and Yellow Brick Road.

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“We’ve probably grown 50% since we first became partners”: How Consolidated Linen Service scaled without giving up control

Pearl Bendle — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 01:16:34 +0000

Regional Queensland business CLS had customers, demand and ambitious growth plans. What it needed was the right support to turn momentum into long-term scale.

The post “We’ve probably grown 50% since we first became partners”: How Consolidated Linen Service scaled without giving up control appeared first on SmartCompany.

Ancient wellness meets modern e-commerce: How Copper Culture is taking Ayurvedic tradition global

Pearl Bendle — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:10:55 +0000

Copper Culture founder Shawn Singh turned an ancient wellness practice into a global e-commerce brand. Now, as the business expands overseas and prepares for AI-powered shopping, trust is becoming just as important as tradition.

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Businesses We Love: 10 questions with Michelle Kvello, the finance CEO who knows the one trait great leaders share

Rebel Wylie — Sun, 31 May 2026 23:30:00 +0000

Michelle Kvello founded Lantern Partners to give founders the kind of strategic finance support she saw missing in the startup world. Here, she shares her thoughts on leadership, burnout, AI, flexibility and why the best founders are the ones willing to take advice.

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From honey prawns to 110 staff: Inside Zushi’s next phase of growth

Rebel Wylie — Wed, 27 May 2026 23:39:51 +0000

As Zushi Restaurant Group has expanded, so has its operational complexity behind the scenes. Co-owner and general manager Serena Ang shares how the family-run business is simplifying purchasing and streamlining operations in an increasingly time-poor industry.

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Christie Jenkins: How an elite athlete made the jump to startups and venture capital

David Adams — Fri, 15 May 2026 06:06:57 +0000

SmartCompany spoke with athlete-turned-VC leader Christie Jenkins about her competitive mindset -- and how others can apply those lessons to their own careers.

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“You don’t need to take on the world alone”: Five truths Australia’s next generation of exporters need to know

Simon Jones — Wed, 06 May 2026 03:37:26 +0000

In an increasingly unpredictable global environment, Australian exporters can continue to succeed if they adapt, diversify and go where the opportunities arise.

The post “You don’t need to take on the world alone”: Five truths Australia’s next generation of exporters need to know appeared first on SmartCompany.

Closing the funding gap: How three fast-growth Australian businesses financed their expansion moves

Rashida Tayabali — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:38:52 +0000

When the big international opportunities knock, you want your business to be financially ready to answer the call.

The post Closing the funding gap: How three fast-growth Australian businesses financed their expansion moves appeared first on SmartCompany.