The set up procedure for Stripe has been simplified, and the company is working on a deeper integration with GoCardless for easier debit payments. Having these tools bundled into one plan can add value for employers. If you’re an employer currently managing your team across multiple systems and spreadsheets, the Ultimate plan can help you maximise efficiency by bringing employee management tools like payroll, projects and expense claims into Xero. In Australia and the United Kingdom, the Ultimate plan includes Payroll for 10 employees, and Expenses and Projects for five employees. In New Zealand, it includes Payroll, Expenses and Projects for five employees. New and existing customers can take advantage of the new Starter plan from today (14 September, 2020).

This year’s data revealed 24% experienced some degree of cash flow issues, and out of those, 72% have used personal funds to keep the business afloat. Despite these challenges, 92% have not applied for funding or loans in the past 12 months. Furthermore, 46% of respondents said they spend 1-2 months on average chasing late payments.

Accountants and bookkeepers are a lifeline for small businesses

Digital transformation has driven new trends and the growth of many new small businesses, including an influx of sole traders such as tradespeople, freelancers and gig-workers who have taken advantage of evolving market dynamics. “With over half (55%) planning to invest in new technology this year, it’s crucial that we offer support and advice to help small businesses choose the right tools for them. A part of this is closing the knowledge gap when it comes to emerging tech like AI, with our research suggesting that many don’t understand how it can fit into their business,” adds Timmis. Explore Xero accounting software and its tools for small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers. I’d love to recommend new entrepreneurs to get started on Xero immediately, but when they have very limited financial resources it makes more sense to use a free accounting software than the $25/month Xero offer. The new features will also enable Xero to meet growing demand for AI innovation among its user base, with 73% of customers having used AI across the platform since March.

Brisbane — September 3, 2025 — Xero, the global small business platform, today announced the next evolution of its AI financial superagent JAX (Just Ask Xero)—built on Xero’s agentic platform. All of this is delivered by a trusted partner built for you, with you. The company continues to upgrade payment functionality with integration partners Stripe and GoCardless.

• Monitor key metrics like bank account balances, income, expenses, and upcoming bills at a glance.
• And while Xero’s add-ons increase flexibility, they also bump up the monthly bill.
• Xero is one of the more popular cloud accounting platforms, especially for SMEs, freelancers, and accountants wanting everything in one place.
• You choose the right one, and it works quietly to help you do your work faster, easier, and more accurately.
• History has shown us that there is often a business resurgence following economic downturns, with some of the most challenging economic periods sparking incredible feats of creativity and ingenuity.

You have told us that small businesses need a low cost solution with flexibility to grow. So we’re excited to share that we are refreshing our Starter plan (Early plan in the US). This stage concerns self-reflection rather than simply classifying your business as ‘small’. Xero plans are designed to scale alongside your evolving needs. Let’s pinpoint where you are now and anticipate future requirements. Additionally, enhanced integrations will soon be available with ecosystem partners PayPal and Square — making payments easy regardless of your preferred provider.

Xero report reveals small business growth in the face of economic adversity

You’ll receive your invoice at the end of your monthly billing period. Payment will be taken on the date shown on your invoice using the payment details entered when you purchased your subscription. If you’ve incurred usage charges for payroll, projects or expenses, or you have a chargeable direct bank feed, these charges will be invoiced for the previous month. We need to work together to create a more connected support system for people to start and grow businesses. The top barriers facing small businesses this year are political and economic instability (55%), persistent loadshedding (50%), lack of government support (49%) and access to funding (26%). However, 87% of small businesses are optimistic about their 2024 outlook – a 6% increase from last year – and nearly three-quarters (73%) have grown over the past 12 months.

Improved predictive data and insights tools

“Our research once again shows an industry driven by optimism, resilience and ambition. But this doesn’t disguise the challenges facing our small business community. Many of them are crying out for more support – this year’s research shows a 50% increase in small firms calling government support insufficient. We need to work together to create a more connected support system for people to start and grow businesses,” says Colin Timmis, Country Manager, Xero South Africa. This optimism amongst small businesses is reflected in their plans for the future, with 56% planning to invest in new technology, 55% in upskilling their current staff, and half (51%) planning to invest in their employees’ wellbeing.

But change is hard — because it’s human,” said Xero CEO Steve Vamos in an introductory video. “Sharing means being heard and listening to others and accepting their truths without seeing them as a threat to our own. Xero on Air debuted September 14, and offers video, live content, and other resources relevant to what accountants are dealing with in the new global reality shaped by COVID-19. Download the guide to scale and streamline your bookkeeping business.

• This handy tool automates bulk import and export of your financial data directly between spreadsheets, e-commerce platforms, payment gateways, and Xero.
• However, understanding Xero’s pricing plans and how they align with your needs is vital to getting the most value from this investment.
• Manage your finances, control cash flow and integrate with apps.
• Credit limits, a new feature introduced this year, allows businesses to quickly visualise the impact of extending credit to customers and define the level of risk they are prepared to take.

Trusted by millions of small businesses and accountants and bookkeepers globally, Xero makes life better for people in small business, their advisors, and communities around the world. Starter customers will still have access to all the other powerful features in the existing plan, including Hubdoc for automated document collection and management. Xero’s cash flow tools like business snapshot and short-term cash flow are also included. The Starter plans are typically aimed at new businesses and sole proprietors. There is now no limit on bank reconciliation, and users can now generate up to 20 invoices per month (previously, up to five invoices could be generated).

Gain deeper insights into your financial performance

«You can do that by automating the invoicing process and making online payments straightforward.» They all have the same thing in common – they need quick access to financials to keep an eye on cash flow and bills. Sole traders like freelancers, gig-economy workers and tradespeople have all taken advantage of digital business models and cloud-based working. Online financials can be easily accessed to provide financial data needed to apply for government assistance.

The report indicates this relationship will continue to evolve, with 58% believing their accountant will act as more of a consultant in the future, compared to just 23% in 2023. Technology is playing a key role in small business success, with 68% using cloud-based technology in their business – growing from 50% in 2021. And 37% report that adopting new technology has increased their business profits in the last year. Cape Town — 14 May, 2024 — South African small businesses are feeling positive about the future, but need more support to tackle ongoing challenges, Xero’s 2024 State of Small Business Report reveals.

Try accounting software for everyday business

We appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective. I’d love to see a similar offering from Xero so I would recommend solopreneurs to get started on Xero and to start paying more as their business grow. I’m excited to share that customers in Australia, New Zealand and the UK can now purchase a new comprehensive Xero plan to better suit their business needs. It’s an investment in streamlined operations and the ability to handle increased complexity as your business thrives. The Premium plan includes everything in Standard, plus multi-currency support.

Any feedback you have provided that others have supported will be attributed to «Anonymous». I’m particularly passionate about supporting small businesses to use more technology, and the right technology, to help them build a resilient business. With the addition of Ultimate, we now have more plans to suit the needs of small businesses at each stage of their journey, offering more choice, flexibility and value in their plan. With more small businesses now using digital tools to run their business, many are looking for ways to become more efficient as they grow. A fantastic trait of small businesses is that they can be very agile in adapting and responding to change. We’ve seen so many small businesses implement digital tools and grow their confidence, and we’re hearing from our customers that they’d like to be able to do even more with Xero.

«History has shown us that following downturns there is a business resurgence, with some of the most challenging periods of history sparking incredible feats of creativity and ingenuity,» said Anna Curzon, Chief Product Officer at Xero. History has shown us that there is often a business resurgence following economic downturns, with some of the most challenging economic periods sparking incredible feats of creativity and ingenuity. Disney, Airbnb, Uber, Canva, Slack and General Motors are all examples of companies xero spruces up starter plan to help support small businesses that began life during a recession.