As tax time draws nearer, you might be wondering what you can claim or ‘write off’ as a tax deduction this year. It’s important to know exactly what you can – and can’t – claim to avoid running into issues later. Our business adviser, Brian Childs, shares some of his top tips for small business owners around claiming tax deductions. Beware of...
A feature of my role as the Small Business Commissioner is that I am often asked about emerging issues in the small business landscape, particularly as each new year commences. While I sometimes wish for a clearer crystal ball, the benefit of having a network of peers across business and all levels of government, as well as having access to our in...
In 2015, Claudia Franke started her IT consulting business in her spare time while still working in an office-based role. After two years of building her business, she resigned from her IT day job to focus on providing IT consulting, support and training services for small businesses. The move to create her own business, Fraulein Tech, allowed...
For 20 years, the mining town of Collie in WA's South West was without a safety store, meaning local businesses relied on getting their equipment elsewhere. After identifying a big gap in the market, Alecia Swan and her husband decided to change things with their business, Partners in Safety. A mechanical fitter by trade, Alecia was juggling...
Applying for a grant or tendering opportunities can involve formalising, adopting or reporting on practices you might not have considered before, such as sustainability practices, inclusion and diversity, and modern slavery risks. More than ever, government bodies and corporations are taking a formal approach to addressing climate change through...
Keen to use your culinary skills as part of a new business or side gig? Here are our top tips to help you find the recipe for success.
If you’re one of the many small business owners across WA facing rising costs, uncertain economic conditions and the impact of inflation, you’re not alone. While you can’t control these factors, you can take action to help put your business in the strongest position possible. We asked one of our experienced business adviser, Brian Childs, for some...
Right now, you might be wondering how your business will cope with the pressures of inflation, supply chain disruptions, wage increases and the complexities of global trade, including tariffs. We spoke with seasoned business consultant Trevor Flint, who shared practical strategies to help you stay ahead of rising costs while supporting your growth...
Significant changes to the Australian Privacy Act 1988 are on the horizon. They will impact how customer data is handled and bring increased scrutiny from regulators. Understanding and preparing for these reforms will be essential for WA small businesses to remain compliant and build trust with their customers. The Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) is...
Having a healthy cash flow is crucial for the success of your small business – but it can be a challenge when clients and customers don’t pay you on time or implement long payment periods. When you’re running a small business, getting paid late – or needing to wait for your payment over a longer payment period – can be a major challenge. Payment...
Andrew Erkins first launched Digit to help small businesses in WA strengthen their financial management through bookkeeping and payroll support, and implement business apps and cashflow advisory. Eight years later, Andrew has grown the business into an award-winning enterprise, having won Bookkeeping Firm of the Year award at the 2021 Australian...
We all want to avoid non-essential costs when starting a business. The good news is, there are some amazing free resources available to get you started on your business journey. Here are some of the best. 1 - Free Starting a Business workshop If you are new to business, our free Starting a Business workshop is the best place to start. You’ll cover...
