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...
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...
The simple act of gifting a coffee to a stranger has led to a legacy of almost 10,000 coffees being bought by thoughtful patrons at a central Perth espresso bar. Game City Espresso is a coffee shop with a difference, combining a great brew with nostalgic arcade games, all while creating a goodwill legacy. Owner Dharmesh Patel explains, “When people...
Supply contracting is common in a number of industries, particularly in the construction, information and communications technology, manufacturing, government and professional services sectors. We asked Lisa Legena, manager of our Advisory Services team, to share her top tips on the factors to consider before you agree to a supply contract...
Doing your homework before you chose to register your business is sound advice for new enterprises according to business owner Sharon Todd, the founder of a funeral company specialising in traditional Aboriginal funeral services. Towards the Dreaming is a 100 per cent Indigenous owned and managed funeral service founded by Sharon in 2021 to fill an...
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...
On 1 July 2024, Business Local became SBDC Regional. While the name has changed, we’re still here providing you with free business advice and support in your area. Find your SBDC Regional provider . For self-taught bakers Sam Dawson and Rhiannon Moon, their successful business story has hinged on ingenuity, opportunity and sheer hard work – all in...
I am proud to launch our SBDC Strategic Plan 2023-26, which is guided by our new purpose statement: Unleashing Western Australians' enterprising business spirit. The aspiration behind this statement speaks to the core of our agency's vision for a strong and enterprising small business sector in Western Australia and the impact we strive to make and...
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...
Family-owned and operated business, Leaf Bean Machine, has spent more than a decade taking their love of a good brew to the next level by focussing on being more than just a coffee roaster. Fleur and Brad Cassidy, the husband and wife team behind Leaf Bean Machine, created a three pronged product focus which gave rise to its trading name. They...
There’s a common myth in small business that it’s a waste of time and effort to register for goods and services tax (GST) before your business generates $75,000 in revenue each year. Here’s the truth behind that myth and why you might need to consider GST registration sooner than you think. When you’re just starting out or coming through a tough...
Applying for a grant or tendering opportunities can involve formalising, adopting or reporting on practices you might not have considered before, such as sustainability practices, inclusion and diversity, and modern slavery risks. More than ever, government bodies and corporations are taking a formal approach to addressing climate change through...
