Why Australian businesses are under pressure and what founders can do to survive

Australian businesses are facing a challenging economic environment, with rising interest rates, global uncertainty, and weakening consumer sentiment putting pressure on companies of all sizes.

On The Founders Method, hosts Jonno Byrt and Jesse Leeworthy explore what this means for entrepreneurs trying to keep their businesses afloat in an increasingly unpredictable market.

Their guest, Anaita Sarkar, co-founder of Hero Packaging, brings firsthand experience of building and navigating a business that has served more than 75,000 companies worldwide.

Known for her transparency and strong online presence, she shares what it really looks like when a business hits financial pressure—and why she chose to speak openly about it in real time rather than wait until recovery.

A major focus of the conversation is the gap between profit and cash flow, and how even profitable businesses can fail if cash timing is mismanaged.

Sarkar and the hosts break down concepts like the cash conversion cycle, supplier terms, and revenue-based lending, highlighting how these factors can quietly create serious financial strain even in growing companies.

The discussion also explores the darker side of modern business financing, including debt structures that can accelerate cash pressure and push founders into difficult positions faster than expected.

In response, they outline practical survival options available to Australian business owners, including Safe Harbour provisions and small business restructuring pathways.

Beyond the numbers, Sarkar explains how building a personal brand became an unexpected lifeline during difficult periods, giving her business visibility, trust, and resilience when it mattered most.

The episode closes with a reflection on what she would do differently if starting over today, offering hard-won lessons for any founder trying to build a more sustainable business.

For more information, visit MemoBottle