Reaching out to the SBDC for advice was the key to helping Elizabeth Lang from Diversity Focus make the right decisions during her business journey. Diversity Focus is a research, consultancy and training business that was established in 2017, inspired by the vision to create a more equitable and inclusive world. Founder Elizabeth Lang said that...
Business benchmarking is the process of comparing your business’s performance, processes, or products against your competitors or industry standards. Whether you have a new or firmly established small business, here’s why benchmarking is worth introducing if it’s not already part of your business management practices. You’ve probably heard the...
Nobody likes an awkward conversation. As tough as it may be, it’s hard to avoid difficult conversations when you’re in business. Here are some tips to help you plan ahead and ensure difficult conversations run smoothly and calmly. Difficult conversation #1: A client hasn’t paid you When you spend so much of your time working to attract new clients...
Free financial counselling services are available to help small business owners who need information about managing debt or are in financial distress. Financial challenges are often cited as the biggest cause of anxiety for small business owners. Some industries, such as wholesale trade and accommodation and food services are more prone to feeling...
With spring in the air, now is the time to take stock of your business and get organised before the busy festive season
Is your goal to operate a business that has a purpose beyond profits? If you’re striving to create a positive change through your business activities, then you may be interested in the concept of a social enterprise. What is a social enterprise? A social enterprise is a business guided by a purpose. This could include solving a social problem...
Learn more about the support services available to help you get through any tough times you’re facing as a business owner.
At the core of any successful small business lies a well designed business model. But what exactly is one, and how can it transform your vision into a thriving enterprise? Whether you are just starting out or refining an established business, understanding the building blocks of a business model is crucial to aligning your day to day activities...
With more than 9,000 business, many classed as small and micro in nature, the City of Cockburn joined the SBDC’s Small Business Friendly Local Governments program in 2018. Having also participated in the SBDC’s Small Business Friendly Approvals Program in 2021, the City continues to demonstrate its commitment to its small business community with...
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 you’ve wondered whether your food based business could benefit from using delivery apps, here’s some food for thought. With so many delivery apps to choose from, it’s never been easier for someone to have a meal, snack or special treat delivered to their door. If you run a food based business, you might have wondered if it’s time to get your...
Buying an established business can be challenging – but it can help knowing there’s somewhere you can turn for support. Jasmine Kik from Fireplaces WA uses our SBDC services regularly and shares her story. Fireplaces WA is a family-owned business offering a range of gas, wood, bio-ethanol, and electric fireplaces. According to the Fireplaces WA...