They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it certainly doesn’t feel that way when someone copies your business idea, product or artwork. So what protections do you have available to stop a copycat? There is nothing that can infuriate a business owner as much as noticing something they have come up with being used by another business...
Selling online through digital platforms can be a great way to extend the reach of your business – but, for the best results, it needs to be done strategically. Here are five mistakes you don’t want to make if you’re selling products or services though Instagram or Facebook, and what you could try instead. Exploring new ways to connect with...
Gary Mitchell knows just how much the world of small business has changed over the past 30 years. He credits the SBDC with helping him get through the tough times to help his business thrive. For more than 30 years, Gary Mitchell has been carving a niche in WA’s small business landscape. His business, Framous Picture Framing, offers a range of...
Business owners who constantly learn new skills will be the ones who adapt best in a changing environment
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...
A Working with Children (WWC) Check is a legal requirement for anyone undertaking paid or unpaid child-related work. Here are some common questions to help define whether individuals in your business need a WWC Check. How do I know if my staff and I need a WWC Check? Anyone in a role that undertakes child-related work needs a WWC Check, unless an...
Your business could benefit from using a range of digital tools and apps to help manage your finances, keep accurate records, sell online, oversee social media accounts, improve productivity, engage your employees and customers, and more. Whether you want to boost your sales, streamline your processes or stop spending so much time updating...
The switch from employee to boss isn’t always an easy – and neither is working with your spouse. Here are some insights shared by business owners Molly and Jordan Kirk, who co-own a commercial refrigeration and air conditioning business in Perth. Molly and her husband Jordan worked for a refrigeration company and later bought out the business under...
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 . Launching, running and growing one business is an achievement that takes a considerable amount of time, enthusiasm and effort. In Pat McCarthy’s case...
There’s no such thing as a stress-free business, as Narelle and Andrew Anderson know. Even the kind of business designed to help people de-stress can present a range of challenges – but it’s worth remembering that help is always available. Narelle and Andrew Anderson’s business The Life Spring operates across two locations. They have three float...
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can streamline many aspects of running a small business – but it’s important to remember that AI can also make costly mistakes. AI tools have changed the way many small businesses operate. In many cases, using AI can feel like having an extra staff member who can take care of certain tasks, leaving more time and...
1 July often brings with it a range of changes that small business owners need to be aware of. Here is a recap of what you need to know. New minimum wages The minimum wage for both the national and state industrial relations systems will increase from the first pay on or after 1 July 2026. National minimum wage increase If your business operates...
