Buying an established business can represent a huge challenge – and a huge opportunity. Dr Vanessa Atienza-Hipolito bought a long-standing health business eight years ago and has discovered there is always more to learn. While many business stories begin as an idea that sparks a start-up, small business success stories can take other forms too. In...
How can you effectively set goals in your business? We spoke to Trevor Flint, founder and director of Capstone Associates.
Owning a small business is like having a child that doesn’t sleep, according to Tamara Cook, owner of events management agency, Known Associates Events. “Of course, it’s extremely joyful but it’s also all-consuming and always in the back of your mind,” said Tamara. Freedom of running own business Tamara founded Known Associates in 2007. The...
Being authentic and true to oneself has been Michelle Rimmer’s mantra since the launch of her business, Hills Massage, 20 years ago. Reflecting on her business journey, Michelle said she would tell the younger version of herself that consistency is the key to success. “You have to be consistent in the quality of your or product, your communication...
Are you a small business owner feeling overwhelmed by social media? Me too! I got a degree in communications well before anybody had smartphones or Facebook friends, and the word “content” was mostly used to describe somebody who was pretty happy with their life. I’ve learned everything I know about digital marketing on-the-job over the course of...
I welcome the news that from the start of 2022, businesses that engage in illegal activity can be banned from tendering for State Government projects, or have current contracts cancelled, under a new debarment regime. The activity that can see them cut out of lucrative Government work ranges from fraud to safety breaches, and importantly also...
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 . When Melissa Raffan’s career took an unexpected trajectory and she became a small business owner, she was driven by her personal passion for...
Lou Corteen’s journey into the world of food manufacturing began with a simple compliment. “A friend raved about my Green Tomato Chutney and told me I should sell it. I thought, ‘Yeah, OK, that’s what I’m going to do,” Lou recalls with a laugh. From that spark, Urban Forager was born, starting as a small venture at local farmers markets. Lou’s...
Focusing on how to make use of surplus product has created a win-win situation for gourmet soup business, the Suppa Club. Founder David Kane set out to provide a product for those who craved pure, whole-foods, with the comfort of home-style cooking without the hassle, which gave rise to the Suppa Club. Focus on producing a ‘no-waste’ product David...
There can often be confusion and disputes when you’re exiting a commercial lease and need to meet a number of ‘make good’ obligations. The make good clause in your lease will outline the condition the building must be in when the lease comes to an end. Here is a summary of the top make good obligations that most often lead to a dispute, and some...
While some businesses have their peak season over the Christmas and New Year period, other businesses experience a lull or schedule a shutdown. If December and January are usually quiet for your business, you can plan ahead to make the most of your downtime. At the end of a busy year, it’s important to take some time to relax and recharge when...
Pricing your products and services can be challenging at the best of times – and it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. The good news is that with careful planning, research and the right pricing strategy in place, you could feel more confident with your pricing decisions. One of the SBDC’s experienced business advisers, Steve McLaren, has seen...
