You may have received emails or reminders about registering the “.au” version of your business website. At first glance, it could appear to be yet another spam email – but there could be a legitimate opportunity for business owners in Australia if you act before the September deadline. Here are some common questions small business owners have about...
Made a purchase for your business that doesn’t work? Here’s what to do. In small business every dollar counts, and making smart purchasing decisions is crucial to keeping your business running smoothly and profitably. However, even with the best intentions, problems can arise with products or services you've purchased. We outline how to address any...
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it certainly doesn’t feel that way when someone copies your business idea, product or artwork. So what protections do you have available to stop a copycat? There is nothing that can infuriate a business owner as much as noticing something they have come up with being used by another business...
Disputes are a normal part of running a business, particularly when you’re working in a business partnership. You can’t always avoid issues with your business partner (or partners), but you can take steps to manage the impact of these disputes on your business and personal life. Conflict is normal in any partnership, including a business...
Have you heard about small businesses having their Facebook and Instagram accounts wrongfully shut down, in some cases severely impacting their business? Here’s a look into what has happened and how you can help to protect your business from the impact of something similar. Many WA businesses rely on their Meta accounts (which include Facebook and...
A feature of my role as the Small Business Commissioner is that I am often asked about emerging issues in the small business landscape, particularly as each new year commences. While I sometimes wish for a clearer crystal ball, the benefit of having a network of peers across business and all levels of government, as well as having access to our in...
Would you know what to do if a business stopped paying your invoices or became insolvent? What you may not know is that in these situations you are considered to be an unsecured creditor and there are some important government regulations you should be aware of to try and protect yourself from losing money or assets. What is a creditor? You are a...
Since it started in Western Australia in late 2020, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has had significant scrutiny, with final reports on the Royal Commission and a formal review of the scheme delivered in 2023. The Australian Government’s response has included making legislative changes that started on 3 October 2024 that you should...
Nobody wants to think about the impact a disaster or emergency could have on their business – but what would happen if you suddenly couldn’t operate as usual from your premises? Serious damage to your premises can interrupt trading, create safety risks and raise difficult questions about rent, lease obligations and insurance. In Western Australia...
Small business owners with a business tax debt are encouraged to work with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to help manage it through a mutually acceptable plan. Dealing with financial stress while running a business can be difficult, and a tax debt notification from the ATO can be something you’d prefer to ignore. While it is often tempting to...
Many small businesses are facing challenges because of increased costs, the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and other economic factors. You might be one of many business owners who negotiated rent relief to manage the impact of the pandemic, now facing the prospect of paying back your deferred rent on top of meeting your ongoing rent and other business...
Have you been experiencing issues with a vehicle purchased for your business? Vehicle issues that take small business owners off the road can have a major impact, and it’s a common concern our business advisers hear about. These issues can include: Faults occurring soon after purchase. Warranties not being honoured. Misleading sales tactics...
