The Federal Budget has settled in, economic conditions continue to evolve, and lenders are refining their approach to both business and personal lending.

Join us for breakfast as we explore the key financial, lending and business trends shaping 2026, and what business owners should be considering as they plan for growth. 

We're pleased to welcome Grant Whinnett, Director at Olive Road Financial, who will share insights into the current lending market, including what banks are looking for, common challenges borrowers face, and how businesses can improve their funding readiness.

 

 Discussion topics 

  • Tax changes 3 months later – what else do we now know about the budget and post-budget announcements 
  • Update on ATO attitudes and approaches to taxpayers
  • The current lending environment – what banks are and aren't funding.
  • Financial health metrics lenders want to see.
  • Updates impacting both business and personal borrowers.
  • Key policy and market developments business owners should be aware of.
     

 Why attend? 

  • Update on the current tax landscape
  • Understand what lenders are looking for in today's market.
  • Learn how to strengthen your funding readiness.
  • Hear practical updates affecting business owners and investors.
  • Connect with Brisbane's business community.

 Event details: 

Date: Tuesday, 1 September 2026

Time: 7:30am – 9:00am

Venue: East Leagues Club, 40 Main Avenue, Coorparoo 4151

As this is an exclusive event, please register your interest via the button below. 

REGISTER TODAY 

 

PRESENTERS

 

Nick Farr

Nick Farr

Director
RSM Australia

Nick Farr is a Director in our Business Advisory division.

Nick provides support and advice to a diverse range of small to medium-sized businesses and high-net-worth individuals.

As an experienced adviser, Nick has been providing clients with trusted strategic advice and accounting services since graduating from university. While Nick can service a broad range of clients, he holds particular expertise in family-owned businesses and those within the Health, Child Care, and Property and Construction sectors. Prior to joining RSM, Nick worked at another mid-tier accounting firm...VIEW PROFILE >>

Joel Ashworth

Joel Ashworth

Director
RSM Australia

Joel Ashworth is a Director in RSM Australia’s Business Advisory division, based in Brisbane.

Joel works with middle-market SMEs, regional businesses, and high-net-worth families, helping them manage business growth, improve their financial structures, and meet their tax and reporting obligations with confidence.

Joel specialises in business strategy, tax optimisation, succession planning, and financial advisory, drawing on years of experience supporting privately owned and family-run businesses across Queensland. His approach is practical, people-focused, and grounded in a genuine desire to help clients build stronger, more resilient businesses.

His clients value his ability to simplify complex issues, communicate clearly, and guide them through important decisions that affect both their business and personal life... VIEW PROFILE >>

John Whinnett

Grant Whinnett

Director
Olive Road Financial

Grant has 21 years banking and finance experience in the financial services industry where he is well versed in all areas of transactional banking, residential lending, commercial lending and wealth management.

Throughout this time, Grant worked across Retail Banking, Business Banking, Corporate Banking, and Private Banking. With a personal interest in property (both investment and residential), Grant prides himself on providing effective lending solutions for his clients that enable future financial security and portfolio growth...VIEW PROFILE >>