A second chance for your business.
We help you reduce your debt, stay in control, and keep your business running.
600+
SBR’s Completed
85%+
Success Rate
Average 70% Debt Reduction
Fast:
35 Days Avg
Struggling with ATO debt? Creditors circling?
Cash flow drying up?
You’re not alone. Many small businesses hit a wall and think liquidation is the only option.
SBR is a government-backed process that helps small businesses cut debt and keep operating, without going into liquidation.
Worrells’ SBR solution helps businesses reduce debt, stay in control, and avoid liquidation.
Received a notice from the ATO?
You need to act—fast.
Director Penalty Notice (DPN)
Puts you personally on the hook for company debt. Restructuring can stop this and protect you from liability.
Tax Credit Default
Hurts your credit file and makes it hard to borrow. A restructure plan can wipe the default and restore your options.
Intent to Disclose
Means the ATO is about to report your debt to credit bureaus. Acting quickly can pause the process and buy you time.
How small business restructuring works, without the jargon
01
We start with a confidential chat to understand your business and what’s causing the financial stress.
No pressure—just clear, expert guidance. We’ll assess whether you’re eligible for an SBR, what payback amount you’ll need to offer, and provide a quote
02
If your business qualifies for small business restructuring, we’ll guide you through developing a realistic and strategic proposal for your creditors.
The goal is to offer them a better outcome than liquidation, while giving your business the breathing room it needs to recover.
03
You continue running your business while the plan is prepared.
Legal action is paused during this time, giving you space to move forward.
Real stories from business owners we’ve helped
Why SBR could be the fresh start your business needs
You stay in control and keep trading
Directors remain in charge, and the business keeps operating during the process—preserving jobs, relationships, and business value.
It deals with ATO debt and freezes legal action
The plan includes unsecured debts like ATO liabilities. Once the process starts, most enforcement action is paused—giving you breathing room.
It may reduce your personal risk
Handled early enough, SBR can help reduce exposure to Director Penalty Notices and risks of insolvent trading.
You offer what the business can afford
You can propose to repay only part of what’s owed based on what’s realistic for your business.
It’s fast, simple, and cost-effective
SBR is quicker, more affordable, and less complex than voluntary administration or liquidation. It’s tailored specifically for small businesses.
It protects your reputation and avoids shutdown
Because you remain in control and the process is discreet, you avoid the public fallout of liquidation and keep moving forward.
Our Small Business Restructuring Guide
Restructure your debt while staying in the drivers seat
- Learn about real Case Studies
- Fresh, up to date for 2025
- New insights and trends
- Easy to navigate
FAQ
Your SBR Questions answered
To be eligible for Small Business Restructuring, your company must have total liabilities under $1 million (including related-party debts), be up to date with all ATO lodgements, and have paid all due and payable employee entitlements, including superannuation. The company also must not have used SBR or Simplified Liquidation in the past seven years.
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of SBR is that directors stay in control and the business can continue operating throughout the process - provided it remains viable.
Yes. ATO debt is included in the plan, and most enforcement action - like wind-ups - is paused once SBR begins. If you act early, SBR may also help limit personal liability under Director Penalty Notices.
No. You can propose to repay a portion of the debt—whatever the business can reasonably afford. Creditors vote on whether to accept the offer.
SBR can still be an option, but timing is critical. Starting the process before deadlines expire may pause legal action and avoid escalation - Get advice quickly.
There’s no set amount, but creditors often support proposals that give a better return than liquidation. Offers are usually structured over 12–24 months and based on what the business can realistically afford.
You’re not automatically wound up. You can explore other options, including liquidation, voluntary administration, or informal arrangements.
The SBR process is streamlined. The plan must be submitted within 20 business days, and creditors have 15 business days to vote.
Contact
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We have the tools and framework to lead all parties through choppy seas.
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We’re here to help
We speak with people every day as complimentary and without expectation
Jason Bettles
Principal, Gold Coast, Northern NSW
Paul Nogueira
Principal, Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg
Nikhil Khatri
Principal, Brisbane, Cleveland
Aaron Lucan
Principal, Western Sydney, Central West
Stephen Hundy
Principal, Canberra, Wollongong
Matthew Kucianski
Principal, Melbourne, Ringwood
Mervyn Kitay
Principal, Perth