Episode 38

Can my Superannuation Help Me in My Small Business

Published on: 16th March, 2025

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!

In today’s episode we are leaning into Matt’s expertise and talking about superannuation and how we small business owners cane it to help them in their business, legally. We discuss a specific strategy using property and also why it is important for small business owners to engage with the superannuation well before they need it.

The information discussed today is general in nature, and not legal or financial advice. We start this discussion by looking at what superannuation is, and the difference between a retail or industry fund and a self management super fund (SMSF).

Whilst Superannuation is meant for retirement but can be used in specific legal ways to benefit business owners. Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSF) allows business owners to have greater control over their investments which can offer benefits such as the ability to purchase commercial property and lease it back to the business.

There are a number of legal requirements to consider, which we touch on today including:

Must meet the Sole Purpose Test (benefit for retirement only).   

Investments must be at arm’s length (market rates, no personal benefits).

Compliance with ATO & ASIC regulations is essential.

Buying Commercial Property with Super: How it works:

Your SMSF purchases a commercial property.

Your business leases it at market rates.

Instead of paying rent to a landlord, you are contributing to your super.

Some of the benefits include long-term security for your business premise, the rent payments boosting your super balance and there may also be tax advantages available.

Some key risks and considerations include that the property must be commercial or industrial, not residential, SMSF borrowing rules apply and must be followed. Also, Professional advice required for legal compliance.

 SMSFs are complex and must comply with strict regulations.

Next Steps:

Matt has just launched a subscription call Best Practice SMSF. Join hi community and also get access to Monthly webinars, guides, templates and checklists for SMSF Trustees and anyone interested in Self-Managed Super - Check it out here - Join Our Community | Best Practice SMSF

Connect with Us:

If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow

Or follow us on Instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/

* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

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About the Podcast

The Australian Small Business Show
The Australian Small Business Show has been created by small business owners, for small business owners.

Your hosts Matt Heighway and Kristy-Lee Billett, who have both been running businesses for over 15 years, will bring our first hand experiences to offer insights, advice and inspiration to help you build a successful small business.

Each week we’ll discuss one specific strategy, topic, resource or tip that’s relevant for every small business, and we’ll be inviting along some amazing guests and friends in business to share their expertise with you.

Whether you're starting out, scaling up or a seasoned small business owner, this Australian Small Business Show is the show for you.

About your hosts

Kristy-Lee Billett

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Kristy is a nationally recognised HR expert, passionate small business advocate, podcast host, mum, wife, beach lover and runner.

She has spent more than 20 years now working in the field of Human Resources, People Management and Recruitment.

For the last 10 years she has dedicated herself to exclusively supporting small to medium sized businesses, those who employ less than 100 staff with all aspects of their HR, recruitment, people management and resource structures.

She founded her first business in 2006, and today she continues to direct this business, which is now known as People Powered Business.

Today She loves working with businesses inside our People Powered HR community to help them gain the knowledge, tools and resources to handle absolutely anything when it comes to their teams, with complete confidence.

Matt Heighway

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Matt is a CPA who has been working with business owners in multiple capacities for well over two decades. After commencing his career as an Accountant and Business Adviser, his own national start-up won numerous business awards and was featured in BRW fast 100. Since the business sold, he has been working with small-medium business owners helping them with business growth strategies and holistic business coaching.

Matt also is the Director of Lifetime SMSF, an accounting practice that specialises in Self-Managed Super Funds. Helping Australians manage their retirement nest eggs has been a lifelong project for Matt and he continues to get joy from helping.

Matt is a lifelong learner who loves to chat with other business owners. he is passionate about small business and always wants to see them win. He is at his best when things need turning around though, and gets his motivation helping small business owners come back from a set back.