Small businesses across Western Australia continue to grow year on year, reinforcing their position as the backbone of the state’s economy.
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data as released by the SBDC shows there are 257,933 small businesses operating across WA in the current financial year — an increase of more than 30,000 businesses since 2020–21, when the pandemic swept the globe.
To ensure new and established small businesses across all industries have access to the support they need to start, survive, and thrive, the SBDC has launched a new awareness campaign encouraging operators to take advantage of the agency’s wide range of free business advisory and dispute resolution services and low-cost business skills workshops.
The “Turn to Us” campaign will appear on billboards, bus shelters, and digital displays in retail centres across WA between now and the end of June.
Small Business Commissioner and CEO of the SBDC, Saj Abdoolakhan, said small business owners are often the people everyone else relies on.
“Small business owners are the people everyone turns to. They are giving support and advice to their staff, their customers, their suppliers, and their communities,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“But we often see those same operators struggling to find someone to turn to when they need help, so that’s where the SBDC plays a vital role.
“The Small Business Development Corporation is WA’s trusted, free and independent partner for small business owners — from startup to scale, from challenge to resolution,” he said.
“Whether it’s help with planning, navigating commercial tenancy issues, resolving disputes, understanding what approvals they need or preparing for growth, the SBDC stands alongside the people who power our economy.”
Mr Abdoolakhan emphasized that supporting small business is fundamental to the State’s future.
“Supporting small business isn’t just good policy — it’s essential to Western Australia’s prosperity, employment and community strength.”
“When you’re the one everyone turns to — turn to us” he added.
For free, confidential advice and support, contact the SBDC on 133 140 or visit sbdc.com.au
ENDS
Fact file
- There are 257,933 small businesses currently operating across Western Australia
- Small businesses dominate WA’s economy, making up 96.9 per cent of all businesses
- Small business numbers have increased by 30,000 businesses since 2020–21, highlighting strong post-pandemic growth
- 78 per cent of small businesses are based in Perth and 22 per cent support regional communities
- Major industry sectors include Construction (17.3 per cent); Professional Services (12.7 per cent); Rental, Hiring and Real Estate (11.3 per cent); Transport, Postal and Warehousing (11.0 per cent); Healthcare and Social Assistance (7.3 per cent); Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (6 per cent)
- The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) is a State Government agency that offers free, independent advice to help small businesses start, grow and overcome challenges
Statistics as of 30 June 2025. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics - Counts of Australian Businesses, including Entries and Exits.
