The SBDC’s own Facebook group, ‘I’m a small business owner in Western Australia’, was created in 2014 to provide an active online community in which local business owners could network, ask for advice and share knowledge. The group recently hit the 15,000 member mark, and has proved to be a highly appreciated asset for small business owners to...
Here’s your guide to what to do if a product you make, sell, import, distribute or otherwise work with in your business is recalled for safety reasons. Every business has a responsibility to make sure their products are safe for consumers, no matter where you are in the supply chain. This means that whether you manufacturer, import, distribute or...
Regularly reviewing your business costs and raising your prices is good practice to stay profitable. Follow our three steps to see if it is time to review pricing for your business.
Find out more about the key changes taking effect from 1 July 2024 that are likely to have an impact on small business owners in Western Australia. New minimum wages The minimum wage for both the national and state industrial relations systems will increase from the first pay on or after 1 July 2024. National minimum wage increase If your business...
I am very proud to welcome the launch of a new funding program, aimed specifically at assisting small businesses in Western Australia grow. Despite the SBDC’s excellent reputation for delivering funding relief during times of crisis, such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, the creation of the Small Business Growth Grants program marks...
If you’re like most small businesses, you’ve been using Single Touch Payroll (STP) since it was introduced by the ATO in 2019. Now, it’s time to plan your transition to STP Phase 2 reporting. STP reporting was introduced to streamline the way businesses report their employee’s payroll information such as tax and super. STP Phase 2 has been rolling...
You’ve probably heard of phishing, where cyber criminals send texts, emails or social media posts which appear to be from individuals or organisations you think you can trust. Business email compromise takes phishing one step further. Using phishing techniques, cyber criminals can steal information such as log in and financial details by...
A bad credit rating isn’t helpful in your personal finances – but did you know it can impact your business finances too? While your business may experience fluctuations in cash flow for a range of reasons, it’s worth ensuring you can pay your bills and debts on time to protect your credit rating. Here’s what you need to know about your credit...
If you’re a business owner, it’s important to understand your obligations to provide a safe and healthy workplace. This includes keeping up with changes to health and safety legislation. The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has introduced new Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws for Western Australia. Here are seven things...
Accessing the free advisory services available from state and federal governments can help small business owners avoid the costly mistakes others have made when it comes to wages and underpayments. Celebrity chefs and national convenience store franchises have done much in the past few months to throw the issue of staff wages and underpayments into...
The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) has been working with State Government agencies and local governments to raise awareness of small business’ role in providing amenity and vitality to the community; and the importance of ensuring practices that minimise the impact of construction on their operations. We have developed guidelines...
Sadly, small businesses aren’t immune to the impacts of fraud. A common issue affecting many small businesses is fraudulent credit card chargebacks. Find out more about the chargeback process, how it can impact on small businesses and tactics you can use to protect your business. What is a chargeback? When a customer disputes a transaction through...