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Tendering is the process of creating a formal offer (or ‘bid’) to supply goods, services or works as requested by a government agency or private organisation. Procurement and tender specialist Celia Jordaan also sees tendering as an opportunity to work out what you do well in your business and use that to your competitive advantage. Through her...

A false sense of urgency, manipulative tactics or any kind of aggression should be red flags when someone is trying to sell you something. Learn more about high pressure sales tactics and how you can avoid issues within your small business. Some sales training can involve not taking “no” for an answer, overcoming all objections or creating a sense...

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...

Great news! You don’t need to provide an on-site video arcade, unlimited holidays or free pet-sitting to be an employer of choice. With these simple ideas, you could create the kind of workplace and culture your team will love. You might spend a lot of time and effort attracting customers to your business – but how much have you invested in...

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...

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...

Starting a business is a daunting task for anyone, but young business owners face unique challenges. In Western Australia, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, with numerous opportunities for young people to innovate and create successful ventures. Here are some tips for young people considering starting their own business. Grow your...

A passion for sewing and lessons from her dressmaker mother motivated Fiona Larkins to move from retail management to running her own clothing alteration business at the tender age of 24. In 2024, her city-based business is celebrating 30 years, and still going strong. Location, location, location Armed with a can-do attitude, Fiona identified a...

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...

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 opening and evolving their landscaping supply business in Albany, owners Jane and Ian sought guidance from advisers at the Albany Business Centre...

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...