CommBank launches new competition to back small businesses with local celebrity support

Commonwealth Bank of Australia has announced an exciting new competition designed to give 15 lucky small businesses a boost beyond banking, offering unique opportunities to connect with some of Australia's most recognisable entrepreneurs.

The competition will see three Australian business icons - Adam Liaw, Brittney Saunders, and Jamie Durie - host exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with five lucky winners, and lend their support via social media shout-outs to help amplify their brand and reach new customers.

Adam Liaw is a chef, author, and television presenter, best known as the winner of MasterChef Australia Season 2. Brittney Saunders, founder of size-inclusive fashion brand FAYT The Label, and a leading voice in Australian e-commerce. Jamie Durie, a renowned award-winning landscape designer and TV host, celebrated for shows like Backyard Blitz, the Outdoor Room and Future House, is passionate about supporting business owners with big dreams.

This competition builds on the success of last year's CommBank Matildas on Loan competition, which saw CommBank Matildas players promote businesses across Australia as part of CommBank's national marketing campaign.

It also complements CommBank's broader suite of support for small businesses, including flexible lending and cash flow solutions, offers and discounts through customer recognition program CommBank Yello for Business, and complimentary educational resources like AI and cashflow via Business Masterclass.

Bec Warren, Executive General Manager Small Business Banking at CommBank, said the initiative reflects the bank's commitment to helping small businesses succeed, no matter their size, stage, or the environment they operate in:

"Small businesses play a vital role in shaping our economy and driving innovation. At CommBank, we're committed to backing them in ways that go beyond banking - whether that's through financial solutions, practical education, or opportunities like this to boost their profile and connect with inspiring entrepreneurs. This competition is about giving small businesses a platform to shine and helping them reach new customers."

Small businesses in 2026: staying resilient through change

Australia's small businesses head into 2026 with reasons to feel cautiously optimistic, according to Ms Warren.

"The economy looks steady, with growth around 2% and low unemployment. It's not all smooth sailing, but it's far from the turbulence of recent years.

"The biggest challenge will be the lingering inflation and possible rate rises, which will continue to squeeze both business budgets and household spending," Ms Warren said.

If prices ease as expected and interest rates peak soon, confidence and spending could pick up later in the year, but for now - according to Ms Warren, resilience is the name of the game.

"Australia's 2.5 million small businesses have already proven their agility through the pandemic and recovery, and that adaptability will remain key. Keeping costs under control, staying lean, and focusing on delivering real value to customers will help businesses navigate the next 12 months successfully.

"We also know that many small businesses have had a tough start to the year with natural disasters and bushfires impacting parts of the country.

"CommBank is committed to backing small business, no matter the economic environment, and we're here to support them whether they're just starting out, growing, or needing further assistance to navigate cashflow challenges.

"Supporting businesses in ways that go beyond banking really matters to us. We know that when budgets are tight, discretionary spend like marketing is often the first to be cut. That's why giving businesses the opportunity to be promoted by well-known entrepreneurs is designed to offer a valuable boost as they kickstart the year."

The competition is open to CommBank business customers across Australia. Winners will have the opportunity for marketing exposure that could take their business to the next level.

For more information and to enter, visit commbank.com.au/backingbusiness