As business confidence weakens and growth slows; many SMEs are looking for new ways to fund expansion and stay competitive. In this episode, Kate Whitehead, MD of strategic grants and government funding advisory, Avant Group, explains what the 2026 Federal Budget means for business grants, innovation funding and where future government investment is likely to flow.

Then, Ilona Charles, CEO and Co-Founder of HR consultancy Shilo explains why startups and scaleups so often run into people and culture problems as they grow. From hiring too quickly to promoting unprepared leaders, she shares the common mistakes businesses make early, and why they become much harder to fix later on.



If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.

Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.au

As business confidence weakens and growth slows; many SMEs are looking for new ways to fund expansion and stay competitive. In this episode, Kate Whitehead, MD of strategic grants and government funding advisory, Avant Group, explains what the 2026 Federal Budget means for business grants, innovation funding and where future government investment is likely to flow.
Then, Ilona Charles, CEO and Co-Founder of HR consultancy Shilo explains why startups and scaleups so often run into people and culture problems as they grow. From hiring too quickly to promoting unprepared leaders, she shares the common mistakes businesses make early, and why they become much harder to fix later on. 
If you&rsquo;re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, <a href="https://soundcartel.com.au/book-a-free-strategy-call/">reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.</a>
Business Essentials is produced by <a href="https://soundcartel.com.au/">soundcartel.com.au</a>

Business Essentials features interviews with business experts and industry leaders, providing up-to-date, insightful advice on wide-ranging topics, including winning sales strategies, HR issues, mental health and leadership.

Hosted by Grace Jennings-Edquist, the goal is to encourage and inspire a new generation of Australian business owners and entrepreneurs to grow healthier, happier and more profitable businesses.

Business Essentials is a podcast four decades in the making, from SoundCartel, the producers of the world's longest-running business audio magazine by the same name. 

Business Essentials is produced by the team at SoundCartel - Nick Schildberger, Grace Jennings-Edquist, Nicole Goodman and Mariah Stonehewer. Technical production by Pete Letts. 

Listen and follow in your favourite podcast app and make Business Essentials part of your routine for business success.

Business Essentials
www.bedaily.com.au

Business Essentials is produced by SoundCartel

www.soundcartel.com.au

+61 3 9882 8333

Business Essentials features interviews with business experts and industry leaders, providing up-to-date, insightful advice on wide-ranging topics, including winning sales strategies, HR issues, mental health and leadership.
Hosted by Grace Jennings-Edquist, the goal is to encourage and inspire a new generation of Australian business owners and entrepreneurs to grow healthier, happier and more profitable businesses.
Business Essentials is a podcast four decades in the making, from SoundCartel, the producers of the world's longest-running business audio magazine by the same name.&nbsp;
Business Essentials is produced by the team at SoundCartel - Nick Schildberger, Grace Jennings-Edquist, Nicole Goodman and Mariah Stonehewer. Technical production by Pete Letts.&nbsp;
Listen and follow in your favourite podcast app and make Business Essentials part of your routine for business success.
Business Essentials <a href="http://www.bedaily.com.au">www.bedaily.com.au</a>
Business Essentials is produced by SoundCartel
<a href="http://www.soundcartel.com.au">www.soundcartel.com.au</a>
+61 3 9882 8333