Case Studies
Bankruptcy Isn't Your Only Option | Belinda's Story Part 1
When debt overwhelms a small business, most people are told the same thing — declare bankruptcy. It’s the advice Belinda received from government helplines, from people in the industry, and from almost everyone she turned to. But something told her to keep looking.
In the first part of this four-part series, Belinda shares the moment she hit rock bottom and made one last call — a call that would change everything. Small Business Reboot’s Laurence Barlow explains why he’s philosophically opposed to bankruptcy in most cases, and why so many business owners are pushed toward a decision that leaves a permanent mark on their financial file when there are better options available.
Bankruptcy feels inevitable. But is it really the only way out?
One Bad Loan Nearly Cost Her Everything | Belinda's Story Part 2
Belinda had two businesses. One was haemorrhaging money. The other was profitable — but bankruptcy would have taken them both down.
In Part 2 of this four-part series, Belinda opens up about the desperation she felt after sinking everything into her doggy daycare business, knowing that one wrong move could destroy the business that was actually keeping her afloat. Then she found a YouTube video with barely any views — and made the call that changed everything.
Today, both businesses are still running. The debt has been restructured. And the creditors can no longer contact her.
“You all took everything off me and then these people couldn’t contact me anymore. That was the best feeling.”
If debt is threatening your business, don’t wait until it’s too late. Talk to Small Business Reboot.
The Letter in the Letterbox That Changed Everything | Belinda's Story Part 3
Belinda rarely checked her letterbox. So when she finally did one Thursday night — taking out the bins — she had no idea the letter sitting inside had already been there for two weeks.
It was a Director Penalty Notice from the ATO. And it couldn’t be ignored.
In Part 3 of this four-part series, Belinda recalls the panic of discovering she had barely a week to act on a notice she didn’t even know existed. One late-night email later, help was already on the way. What started as a $300,000 debt — including tax — was ultimately restructured down to just $60,000.
The ATO doesn’t wait. But with the right help, a Director Penalty Notice doesn’t have to mean the end.