If you’re like many business owners at the end of a busy year, you might find yourself putting off certain tasks, actions or decisions until after the festive break. However, sometimes there’s no time like the (Christmas) present to wrap up properly and ‘sleigh’ the end of the year. We asked our business adviser, Steve McLaren, for his thoughts on...
If you have a great idea for a new product, you’re at the start of an exciting but complex business journey. From developing your idea to testing demand in the market and finding the right manufacturer, here’s your guide to the steps involved in turning your idea into a new product available for sale. Step 1: Develop your idea Developing any new...
The Small Business Development Corporation’s 2024-25 Annual Report was tabled in the WA Parliament this week. After five months at the helm of the SBDC, I can say that it is a great privilege to lead an organisation with a great reputation for delivering practical, expert support to Western Australia’s hard working small businesses. In the 2024-25...
If you renew your business trade mark through a private business, rather than IP Australia, you could end up paying three times more than required. You also run the risk of giving away future control of the management and renewal of your trade marks. Who is IP Australia? IP Australia is the Federal Government department that administers...
After two decades of working for others in the commercial plumbing and gas industry, Brian McDaid knew it was time for a change. Despite his established skills, knowledge and reputation, he felt that something was missing and needed a new professional challenge. “I thought I wanted to get out of plumbing, but when I started doing my own work, I...
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...
Cameron Kissell knew that working as a FIFO tradesman wasn’t something he wanted to do forever. With the purchase of a large block of land, he and his wife Clare set their sights on business ownership. Their journey wasn’t an easy one, with lots of twists and turns along the way. But today, the couple are proud business owners, operating Edge...
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...
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. Build your...
Visitors to this year’s Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days had the opportunity to meet local small businesses and business advisers in the SBDC Regional Start Ups Arena. The Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days is Western Australia’s largest agricultural Field Days event, having started in the Wheatbelt town more than 50 years ago. A record crowd of 25...
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...
