Australian SME CEOs continue to navigate a challenging business environment. While confidence in the broader economy remains subdued amid rising costs, softer customer demand and ongoing uncertainty, many business leaders remain optimistic about the outlook for their own organisations.
Our July 2026 CEO Confidence Index report explores this contrast between economic caution and business resilience, revealing how SME leaders are responding to current pressures while positioning their businesses for long-term success.
Drawing on insights from CEOs and business owners across Australia, the report examines the key trends shaping business sentiment, from economic expectations, revenue and profitability outlooks to workforce intentions, cost pressures and the growing role of AI and technology in improving productivity and supporting future growth.
Whether you’re navigating uncertainty or planning your next stage of growth, this data-driven report provides valuable insights into the opportunities, challenges and priorities shaping Australia’s SME sector.
About the CEO Confidence Index – July 2026
The Vistage CEO Confidence Index surveys small to mid-size business CEOs and business owners about the Australian economy. The July 2026 Vistage CEO Confidence Index includes responses from 130 surveyed between 29 Jun-13 July 2026.
This index provides a definitive voice of high-performing, high-integrity small and mid-size business leaders. As a trusted resource, the Index provides world-class insights to inform decision-making for CEOs and other key leaders of small and mid-size businesses.
About us
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organisation for small and mid-size businesses. For 65+ years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on us to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. Explore membership here