Small business owners with a business tax debt are encouraged to work with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to help manage it through a mutually acceptable plan. Dealing with financial stress while running a business can be difficult, and a tax debt notification from the ATO can be something you’d prefer to ignore. While it is often tempting to...
No manager to answer to, no annoying colleagues and no one to tell you when you can clock on and off – sounds appealing, right? For many, the benefits of being their own boss far outweigh the challenges, making self employment an appealing option for many Western Australians. In fact, as of June 2023, there were 150,000 non-employing businesses in...
While some businesses have their peak season over the Christmas and New Year period, other businesses experience a lull or schedule a shutdown. If December and January are usually quiet for your business, you can plan ahead to make the most of your downtime. At the end of a busy year, it’s important to take some time to relax and recharge when...
Problems and delays getting invoices paid can be an issue for all types of business – and contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry can be hit particularly hard. Many subcontractors and suppliers have to spend considerable amounts of money to pay for the materials and labour they need to complete a project. Issues and delays...
When deciding to structure your business as a Pty Ltd Company, it’s important to understand exactly what protections operating under a company structure does and doesn’t offer. An incorporated company, often recognised by the addition of Pty Ltd after the company name, is one of the structures you may consider for your new business. A company is a...
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...
