It’s no secret the costs of running a business are rising. If you’ve been absorbing inflation from your suppliers and higher fuel costs without considering what you’re charging for your own products and services, it could be time to consider a price rise. We asked one of our experienced business advisers, Steve McLaren, about the right and wrong...
If your business experiences quieter times, a digital marketing campaign can help drive new business and maintain a steadier flow of customers. Here are some expert tips to help you get started. While digital marketing can be a powerful strategy to reinvigorate your business and bring in new customers, there are some important things to know about...
We regularly hear from small business owners who have been asked to pay for government information or services that are actually available free of charge, or become aware of cyber scams that duplicate existing government services. Government websites are some of the most trusted and used resources for small businesses, and scammers are ready to...
Like many people, Claire Sly’s fondest childhood memories are at her nanna’s house. She spent weekends with her grandparents, and her nanna always encouraged her to set up a ‘shop’ in the pantry to keep out of mischief. Her nanna would patiently wander around the living room, basket in hand, collecting her weekly 'shopping' from Claire and paying...
Are you finding that your payment reminders are being met with excuses? It’s a common scenario many business owners are experiencing. Here at the SBDC, we often hear from small business owners, particularly subcontractors in the construction industry, who say they are struggling to be paid on time. But when the only ‘evidence’ of a contract is...
The first round of changes to the Franchising Code of Conduct have now come into effect. Here’s your guide to what has changed and what this might mean for your small business. Across Australia there are more than 1,100 franchisors and 70,000 franchisees, with most of these being small businesses. If your small business operates as a franchise or...
For Ami Hackett, turning her ‘holiday job’ into a business launched her into the unknown, but keeping her business skills current helped her steer it through rough waters. Ami opened her self-named boat detailing and management business, Ami Marine, in Success in 2004 after an early career on the land in the wool industry. The marine business now...
If you’re expecting a surge in business in the 2024-25 financial year that will boost your taxable income, now is the time to plan ahead to make sure you meet your obligations and maximise your cashflow. Take a look at your expected taxable income for the current financial year (2023-24) - that’s the assessable income for your business minus any...
At this time of year, it’s common for businesses to take on extra staff to help them through the busy festive period. We asked our team of business advisers for their tips about hiring casual staff over the festive period, to help you make the most of hiring casual staff for your business. Tip #1: Be prepared Taking on a new staff member – or more...
A new form of paid leave has been introduced to assist employees who are experiencing family and domestic violence. We outline the facts about the scheme and how it affects small business employers. What is family and domestic violence? According to 1800 Respect, domestic and family violence happens when one person in a relationship hurts another...
Chris Topfer has always loved comic books, movies, tv shows and pop culture. In 2014, he turned that pastime into a full time business. Clarkson based Collector Zone! has grown over a decade into a hub for collectors, families and fans of all ages. Specialising in rare comics, vintage collectibles and pop culture merchandise, the store quickly...
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...
