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...
Do you have a plan for managing disputes that may arise in business? If not, we explain why it’s worth considering and how to get started. Whether it’s an issue with invoicing, a potentially problematic customer, a dispute with your business partner, or a conflict about a tenancy agreement, managing disputes in your business can be stressful...
Government contracts and tenders offer a lucrative business opportunity for small businesses as well as larger organisations. Multi-million dollars of federal, state and local government opportunities are advertised each year. But do small businesses have the muscle power to win these contracts? How small businesses can compete for government...
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...
In Hollywood movies and Netflix shows, ending an employment contract is as simple as yelling “You’re fired” or "I quit!" In reality, it’s not this simple. Difficult situations can crop up with your team, so here are some steps to help you manage the risk assessment, comply with employment legislation and have those hard to have conversations. 1...
From 9 November 2023, changes to the Australian Consumer Law mean that businesses of all sizes can’t propose, use or rely on unfair contract terms in standard form contracts. Find out what this means for your small business contracts. A standard form contract is generally one which has been prepared and entered a number of times by one party to a...
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...
Find out more about the pros and cons of short term leases and one could be right for your business.
The way you report employee payments and superannuation is set to change, with the Federal Government passing legislation to extend Single Touch Payroll (STP) to all employers. Under the requirements of STP, you’ll need to report payments such as salaries and wages, pay as you go (PAYG) withholding and superannuation directly to the Australian...
In Western Australia, retail trading hours are regulated and your ability to trade depends on the type of business you operate. If you are classified as a general retail shop in the Perth metropolitan region, you’ll be able to open for extended Christmas trading hours from the first Saturday in December. Regional businesses should check with their...
Are you aware of the most common security issues and risks that affect small businesses? In the lead up to Christmas and school holidays, following these tips could help to reduce the risk of your business being stung by a scam or shoplifters. Shoplifting WA Police report that there is often a rise in shoplifting during busy periods. While some...
It’s no secret that the cost of practically everything seems to have risen. As a commercial leasing tenant, it’s important to understand the outgoing clauses in your lease, so there are no surprises later on. Our business advisers spend a lot of time speaking with small business owners across WA. One question appears to be coming up frequently in...
