<p>What happens when rising costs, foreign worker quotas, AI disruption, and global expansion all collide in one national budget?</p><p>We unpack the real conversations happening behind closed doors: the tensions, the trade-offs, and the tough questions business owners are quietly asking.</p><p><strong>Here’s what you’ll hear:</strong></p><ul><li>Why “adapt or be left behind” isn’t just a slogan, and what it really means for SMEs</li><li>The hidden pressure of quotas, levies, and wage mandates, are three tools too many?</li><li>When your best talent becomes your biggest compliance headache</li><li>AI: national strategy or survival strategy for small businesses?</li><li>Why not every job can, or should, be replaced by automation</li><li>The uncomfortable truth about grants, sustainability, and over-dependence</li><li>International expansion: growth opportunity… or expensive distraction?</li><li>Why going overseas without fixing your home ground could cost you more than you think</li></ul><p>🎙️ And joining us is a service-based entrepreneur who has piloted regional projects, navigated capability development firsthand, and is actively preparing for international expansion, sharing candid insights on what founders really need beyond just financial capital: social capital, ecosystem support, and even “dream capital.”</p><p>This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the unfiltered reality of running a business in a fast-changing economy.</p><p>If you’re an SME owner, policymaker, founder, or just curious about where the economy is heading — you’ll want to tune in.</p><p>Because the real question isn’t whether change is coming.</p><p>It’s whether we’re ready for it.</p><br><p><strong>---</strong></p><br><p><strong>🎧 The Financial Coconut: </strong></p><p>Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.</p><br><p>Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut</p><br><p><strong>📍 LISTEN &amp; SUBSCRIBE</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a></li><li><a href="https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple Podcast</a></li><li><a href="https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>🔗 CONNECT WITH US</strong></p><p><strong>Get daily tips, insights, and community:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagram" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li><li><a href="https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktok" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TikTok</a></li><li><a href="https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegram" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Telegram</a></li><li><a href="https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Whatsapp</a></li><li><a href="https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Newsletter</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK</strong></p><p><strong>Discover our other shows and deep dives on </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube</a></p><br><p><strong>⚠️ Disclaimer:</strong></p><p><em>The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.</em></p><p>Help us get to know you better: <a href="http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>