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Small Business Restructuring

When it comes to business recovery and restructuring, every decision matters. Each step taken can affect a company’s obligations, its relationship with creditors, and the ongoing viability of the business. At HM Advisory, we provide expert guidance to help business owners navigate these challenges with clarity, confidence and control.

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We are here to help

Our first consultation, whether you are a business or an individual, is free of charge and without obligation. Please feel free to email us at [email protected] or use the contact form below.

What is Small Business Restructuring?

Small business restructuring is a streamlined, practical solution designed for companies experiencing financial pressure but with viable operations. It allows directors to maintain control of their business while rolling out a strategic plan to manage debts, strengthen cash flow and streamline operations 

This process simplifies the path compared with formal voluntary administration and helps companies with total liabilities under $1 million regain stability.

Is my company eligible for a Small Business restructure?

If everything on this list applies to you, we’re here to help: 

 

  • Have total liabilities under $1 million;
  • Be facing financial distress, such as overdue bills or creditor pressure;
  • Keep all tax and employment obligations current;
  • Not have engaged in a small business restructure or simplified liquidation in the past seven years; and
  • Not currently be under administration, liquidation or a DOCA.

How does the Small Business restructure process work?

The process balances control, speed and creditor engagement, allowing directors to take informed steps while experts guide the company toward recovery:

  1. Engage a Restructuring Practitioner (“RP”): Review finances and advise on solutions.  
  2. Financial Assessment: Analyse assets, liabilities and cash flow.
  3. Plan Development: Draft a restructuring plan detailing debt management and operational changes.
  4. Creditor Negotiation: Reach agreements to ensure fairness and viability.
  5. Implementation: Directors retain control while the plan is executed.

We’ve helped small businesses like yours

Small Business Restructuring offers a lifeline for businesses under financial pressure, helping to manage debts and protect operations. Here are some of the benefits of restructuring:  

 

  • Retain Control: Stay in charge of your business while undergoing the small business restructuring process. 
  • Protect Assets: Keep your company’s resources secure while trading continues. 
  • Pause Creditor Pressure: A moratorium stops creditors from taking enforcement action during the restructure. 
  • Resolve Director Liabilities: Addresses Director Penalty Notices.
  • Cost-Effective: Lower costs than formal insolvency options.
  • Faster Turnaround: Simplified processes allow for faster outcomes than formal insolvency solutions.

Why Choose HM Advisory?

Our approach balances expertise, care and practical outcomes, helping small businesses navigate financial challenges with confidence:

 

  • Proven Experience: Extensive experience in small business restructuring.
  • Hands-On Support: Personal guidance for complex financial situations.
  • Solutions-Focused: Practical advice to restore business health.
  • Fair & Transparent: Protects directors, creditors and employees.
  • Results-Driven: Reduce debt, streamline operations and return to profitability.

We're here to help

If a business you’re involved with may require our services, please feel free to contact us for an initial consultation – this is free of charge and without obligation.

Get in touch

Victoria

Level 21, 114 William Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

PO Box 117
Collins Street West VIC 8007

T (03) 8866 7600
F (03) 9428 4152

Western Australia

Suite 4, Level 3

16 Victoria Avenue Perth WA 6000

PO Box 6243
East Perth WA 6892

T (08) 9334 7400

F (03) 9428 4152

Queensland

Level 14, 15 Adelaide Street
Brisbane QLD 4000

 

PO Box 13127
George Street Brisbane QLD 4000

 

T (07) 3129 0438

F (03) 9428 4152

New South Wales

Level 2, 263 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000

 

PO Box Q904
Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230

 

T (02) 8270 6900

F (03) 9428 4152

FAQs

What’s involved in a small business restructure under Australian law?

A restructure includes appointing a practitioner, reviewing finances, negotiating a DOCA and holding creditor meetings. HM Advisory oversees every step, from preparing proposals, assessing creditor responses and implementing the plan. Whether your business operates in Melbourne, Sydney or elsewhere, our approach ensures compliance, shields key assets and gives business owners a structured path to stabilise operations while managing debt responsibly.

Eligibility isn’t just about debt size. It’s about viability. HM Advisory evaluates debts, cash flow and operational prospects to determine if a formal restructure is appropriate. If your business has a chance to recover, we’ll guide you through a plan that protects assets and preserves ongoing operations.

Yes. HM Advisory specialises in complex debt situations. We evaluate all creditor claims, propose a fair repayment plan through a DOCA and negotiate terms to protect cash flow and assets. Our structured approach reduces creditor pressure, preserves trading capacity and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome for the business.

Typically, a restructure lasts around 20–30 business days, depending on complexity. HM Advisory guides businesses in Sydney, Brisbane and other locations through the process efficiently, keeping directors informed at every stage and ensuring creditor engagement is managed effectively to maximise recovery opportunities.