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...
Taking long service leave might seem like one of the perks of working for a big corporation or government department – but it can apply to small business employees too. Here’s an overview of how long service leave works as a paid entitlement in Western Australia and how it works in a small business. How long is ‘long’ service? Entitlements for long...
Paying for professional advice when you start a business will save you money later on. So what advice is worth paying for? The answer to this question really depends on the kind of business you run. For example, if you’re an accountant running your own business, you know your way around a profit and loss statement and understand the difference...
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...
Find out what Western Australian business owners have said are the most important things they have learnt about running a business.
Gaelle Morival’s foray into the business world began with her love for French pastries and a desire to bring a slice of France to Perth. In October 2023, she purchased an existing café, French Resistance, which had already been operating for five years. Gaelle saw this as an opportunity to combine her passion for delicious French pastries with a...
Since it started in Western Australia in late 2020, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has had significant scrutiny, with final reports on the Royal Commission and a formal review of the scheme delivered in 2023. The Australian Government’s response has included making legislative changes that started on 3 October 2024 that you should...
The Australian Government’s right to disconnect laws have been introduced to protect employees’ work-life balance. While the provisions don’t apply to small businesses until 26 August 2025, some business owners and employees may be wondering how it may affect them. Australia’s workplace landscape has undergone significant changes recently, with the...
Overview of the most common tax registrations needed by small business owners as well as the different tax obligations such as payroll tax, pay as you go installments and more.
An overview of the different obligations you have when you employ staff. This includes pay and employment conditions, tax, super, leave entitlements and a range of employment laws.
Find out more about conducting market including defining your objectives, sources and types of market research data and how to analyse the results.
Explains the legal obligations of a business owner in key areas such as business structures and registrations, selling goods and services, contracts, employing staff and more.
