If your small business employs workers, including contractors or sub-contractors, it’s compulsory for you to have workers’ compensation insurance. Here’s what you need to know to protect your business from hefty fines or other serious consequences. No matter how careful you are, work-related injuries and illnesses can happen. If your business...
Small business deserves and needs equal access to justice. A renewed federal focus on unfair business contracts has offered some hope of levelling the playing field when it comes to disputes with large suppliers or head contractors. However much remains to be done to ensure small businesses are empowered to stand up for themselves in a commercial...
A business plan is a valuable document for business owners as it helps you clarify your thinking, set a tone and direction for your business and gain a deeper understanding of your market.
If you’re starting a home based business, there are some important steps to take to prevent your home insurance policy becoming null and void in the future. Depending on your home insurance policy, you may have cover for your buildings and structures as well as the contents of your home. Running a business from home, or even storing business...
It’s an unfortunate fact that small business owners are regularly the target of scammers – trying to take their money, business contacts, or business or personal identification details. Scammers often pretend to be from a government agency, like the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), or a well-known company you may have heard of, such as Telstra...
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), three children have died and at least one child is seriously injured every month after swallowing or inserting button batteries in their bodies. Button batteries, also known as coin batteries, are small silver-coloured batteries which contain hazardous chemicals and can pose a...
Andrew Erkins first launched Digit to help small businesses in WA strengthen their financial management through bookkeeping and payroll support, and implement business apps and cashflow advisory. Eight years later, Andrew has grown the business into an award-winning enterprise, having won Bookkeeping Firm of the Year award at the 2021 Australian...
Learn more about the support services available to help you get through any tough times you’re facing as a business owner.
Before you buy a business, it’s important to complete a risk assessment to make sure you’re not about to get into a risky business. Buying an established business can be an exciting way to make money, be your own boss and enjoy new challenges as a small business owner. It only takes a quick online search to find hundreds of 'business for sale' ads...
I am pleased to see the ATO has recognised the potential impact of the STP initiative on small and micro businesses; and are considering extending the transition period, as well as, including alternate reporting mechanisms. Single Touch Payroll (STP) – an online payroll initiative designed to streamline the way employers report tax and...
Kerry Ridley's business, My Little Bookshop, began as a mobile bookshop in May 2019. Kerry discovered our SBDC services as she was preparing to open her first 'bricks and mortar' bookstore on the Rockingham foreshore. At the SBDC, we're here to support all kinds of businesses at all stages of their journey. My Little Bookshop has grown from being a...
If your business is involved in some kind of a dispute, you’re not alone – and help is available. Here are some of the most common disputes in small business, followed by what you can do about them. Contractual disputes A common example of a contractual dispute is when you may have paid upfront for services that you haven’t yet received, such as a...
