Turning Setbacks into Comebacks: A Small Business Owner’s Journey
✨ The Comeback Journey: Rebuilding After 10 Years in Business
By Samantha Devers, Founder of Small Biz HQ
💬 Welcome to the Small Business Comeback Strategy Series
Hi, I’m Samantha Devers—bookkeeper, small business advocate, and founder of Small Biz HQ. After a decade of running my own business, helping others grow, and navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, I was struggling.
This blog series is my honest account of rebuilding – not from scratch, but from experience. Using business turnaround strategies and financial recovery strategies, we will take you on the journey to rebuild after a business loss.
Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, I hope this journey helps you feel seen, supported, and inspired.
📉 The Stats Don’t Lie – But They Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Here are some numbers for small businesses in Australia
- Almost 98% of businesses are small businesses (employing under 20 people), generating $590 billion of value in 2022-23, which was 1/3 of Australia’s total GDP
- 91.6% of businesses have a turnover of less than $2 million in 2023-24
- 74% of small businesses survive their first year
- Only 50% make it past three years
- Around 43% of small businesses fail to make a profit
- 75% of small business owners take home less than the average wage.
https://www.asbfeo.gov.au/small-business-data-portal/small-business-matters
But what happens to those who do make it – who survive the startup phase, grow, and then still find themselves struggling later?
👉 Even long-standing businesses can face burnout, market shifts, or personal setbacks.
Longevity doesn’t make you immune – it just means you’ve got more to rebuild from.
⚡ The Setback That Sparked the Reset
Our turning point came when we lost a major client, one that accounted for a significant portion of our revenue. It was sudden, unsettling, and a wake-up call.
The impact went beyond money. Our cash flow took a hit, and we struggled to pay rent and meet our obligations. We had to pause paying ourselves. We also questioned everything – our pricing, our positioning and even our value.
I felt the weight of responsibility, not just to our clients and my team, but also to my new business partner, myself, and my family. The first half of 2025 has been particularly tough; I’ve found myself in the back of an ambulance twice. It has been a challenging time, and it’s clear that my business wasn’t the only thing suffering.
😔 The Shame of “Failing” When You Should Know Better
Here’s the truth no one talks about:
The longer you’ve been in business, the harder it is to admit you’re struggling.
I had the team, the systems, the clients, and the reputation. But I was stretched too thin, saying yes too often, and losing sight of my “why.” When you’ve been in business for years, there’s an unspoken pressure to have it all figured out. So when things start to unravel, the shame can be overwhelming.
I debated whether to share this story, but I know we’re not alone and that other businesses face the same struggles. So, we are doing something different and documenting our comeback from setback to strategy. We are going to use this moment to transform how we operate, who we serve and how we grow. We aim to do this intentionally, with resilience, reinvention and a smarter rebuilding process.
🛠️ You’re Not Alone—And Help Is Out There
Small businesses are such a massive part of our economy, and our Government wants us to succeed. There is a wealth of free resources available to small business owners in Australia:
- Queensland Small Business Commissioner – Advocacy, dispute resolution, and practical support https://qsbc.qld.gov.au/
- Business Queensland – Grants, mentoring, and tools to grow https://www.business.qld.gov.au/
- Business.gov.au – National-level planning tools and funding programs https://business.gov.au/
- Workforce Australia – Self-Employment assistance and support https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/training/activities/self-employment-assistance
- Australian Taxation Office – Manage your payment plans and debt, and find support for your small business https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/starting-registering-or-closing-a-business/starting-your-own-business/supporting-your-small-business
These aren’t just for startups—they’re for every stage of business.
And of course, there are your trusted advisors and networks. You can find these through your local council, chamber of commerce, membership organisations and even us!
https://www.smallbizhq.com.au/contact-us/
🔁 The 5-Step Comeback Framework
This blog series is the start of something new. I’m rebuilding my business with intention, and I want to bring you along for the ride. I’ll be sharing the tools I’m using, the mindset shifts I’m making and the real, raw moments that come with starting over – even after ten years.
We will be using a structured 5-step program to rebuild with clarity and resilience:
✅ Step 1: Assess & Acknowledge
- Financial health check (cash flow, P&L, balance sheet)
- Identify root causes of distress
- Evaluate team morale and operational bottlenecks
- Perform a SWOT analysis
💡 Step 2: Stabilise Core
- Cut unnecessary expenses
- Prioritise cash flow
- Focus on core revenue streams
- Communicate transparently with your team
🔄 Step 3: Reimagine the Business Model
- Explore new revenue streams
- Shift to digital or hybrid models
- Reevaluate pricing and delivery
- Benchmark against industry trends
📈 Step 4: Rebuild with Strategy
- Set SMART goals
- Create a 90-day action plan
- Rebuild team culture
- Invest in marketing and retention
📊 Step 5: Monitor, Adapt & Grow
- Implement KPIs and dashboards
- Review and adapt regularly
- Celebrate wins and learn from setbacks
- Build resilience into operations
💬 Let’s Make This Comeback Together
If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one struggling after years of success, you’re not. If you’re rebuilding, you’re not behind – you’re brave.
📩 Subscribe to the blog for updates https://www.smallbizhq.com.au/blog/
📹 Watch the video series (coming soon!)
📞 Book a free 15-minute consult with me here https://outlook.office365.com/book/SmallBizHQ1@smallbizhq.onmicrosoft.com/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true
Let’s rise, rebuild, and thrive together.
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