Australia’s small business sector is entering a generational shift. According to recent reports from CommBank and ASIC, more than 60 percent of new business registrations are now being made by Gen Z and Millennial entrepreneurs. These younger business owners are not just dipping their toes into the market; they are reshaping it with energy, innovation and a new mindset around leadership and ownership.
From property services and retail to e-commerce and digital consultancies, this cohort is choosing to build wealth and freedom through business ownership, rather than taking the traditional route of long-term employment. And this shift is already having a visible impact on how businesses are bought, sold and scaled in Australia.
At The Brokerage Connection, we are working closely with both sides of this generational handover, helping seasoned business owners plan their exits, and supporting younger buyers in finding, financing and growing the right opportunity.
Changing Buyer Expectations
Young business buyers think differently from their predecessors. They are looking for more than just strong financials. They want operational efficiency, digital infrastructure and values they can connect with. For them, a business is not only a source of income. It is a platform for lifestyle, growth and personal mission.
Here is what many Gen Z and Millennial buyers now expect:
- Clean, transparent financials supported by cloud-based accounting
- Documented standard operating procedures and modern systems
- Tech-enabled operations including automation or CRM tools
- A capable team in place with minimal reliance on the owner
- A brand they can grow on digital platforms like Instagram or TikTok
- Clear supplier and customer agreements that make onboarding easier
For sellers, this means preparing the business in a way that speaks to these priorities. It is not enough to show profit. You need to show that the business can be taken over with minimal friction and clear pathways for scale.
Start with clarity. Explore how we help sellers prepare their business for the market
What This Means for Business Sellers
For business owners who are planning an exit in the next 12 to 24 months, this trend is important. A younger buyer pool means that your business needs to meet the modern criteria buyers are using to assess opportunities.
That includes:
- Updated digital presence, including a website and basic online marketing
- Operational playbooks or manuals to support handover
- Team structure and contracts that are clearly documented
- The ability to run remotely or semi-remotely
- A compelling brand story and value proposition
More and more buyers are asking, “Can I run this business without being in it full time?” or “Can I scale this online?” If your business does not offer those pathways, it may struggle to attract offers or command a strong multiple.
Want to know where your business stands? Book a business valuation with The Brokerage Connection
A Window of Opportunity for Sellers
The current buyer landscape is unique. Interest rates have stabilised. Business confidence is on the rise. And there is a growing demand for high-performing, well-structured businesses across Australia.
If you are a business owner nearing retirement or simply ready to move on to your next chapter, this is the time to act. Younger buyers are ready to purchase, but they are also selective.
Getting your business sale-ready does not mean selling tomorrow. It means starting the process now — documenting, streamlining and positioning your business to appeal to the next generation of ownership.
You can start with a confidential conversation to explore your timeline and goals.
A Smart Time for Young Buyers to Enter
For Gen Z and Millennial buyers, this is a rare opportunity. There are thousands of small businesses on the market, many run by owners who are ready to transition out. These businesses have established customer bases, cash flow and brand equity. The right buyer can step in, modernise the operation and rapidly grow value.
But buying a business is not the same as starting one from scratch. It takes guidance, due diligence and the right finance structure.
At The Brokerage Connection, we help younger buyers:
- Find the right business based on their goals and interests
- Access deposit support and finance options
- Navigate the legal, financial and operational aspects of taking over an existing business
If you are a first-time buyer, do not navigate this alone. Our team supports buyers from search to settlement, helping you avoid costly mistakes and move with confidence.
The Generational Opportunity Ahead
The rise of younger business owners is not a passing trend. It is a structural shift in Australia’s SME market. More buyers will be under 40. More businesses will be expected to run on digital rails. And more sellers will need to adapt their exit strategy to stay competitive.
Whether you are preparing to sell or looking to buy, The Brokerage Connection is here to help you move forward with confidence.
- View our current business listings
- Learn how we help sellers exit strategically
- Explore finance support for business buyers
Or book a call and speak with one of our team members today.