Using an unregistered agent to lodge your tax return or business activity statement (BAS) can put you and your business at risk. An unregistered tax or BAS agent may not have the appropriate qualifications or skills needed to handle your BAS or tax requirements. If the agent is negligent with your return, you will not be protected by the safe...
There’s a common myth in small business that it’s a waste of time and effort to register for goods and services tax (GST) before your business generates $75,000 in revenue each year. Here’s the truth behind that myth and why you might need to consider GST registration sooner than you think. When you’re just starting out or coming through a tough...
Once you’ve developed your business plan, successfully launched your business and are starting to enjoy life as an entrepreneur, you may be thinking about the best ways to take your business to the next level. Whether you work from home or from other premises, one way to get more done in your business is to hire some extra hands to help. Hiring...
All new businesses start with an idea. Conducting thorough research during the business start-up phase can help you discover if you’re on the right road to success. We know there are a number of costs associated with starting and running a business, so we encourage you to make use of the wide range of free information and resources available to...
Market research is essential for anyone looking to go into business, according to East Victoria Park business owner Shellie Attwood. “Don't just open something without looking around in the neighbourhood to see what is already there,” she advised. Shellie is the owner of Greenbunch, a florist, café and plant store along the popular hospitality...
Whether you’re an employer or a person who considers themselves self-employed, it’s important to know the difference between what the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) sees as an employee and a contractor to ensure you are meeting your tax and super obligations. Many people believe that a worker is automatically a contractor if they have specialist...
Having a written cancellation policy is a must for businesses that offer services, to protect your business and stay on the right side of the law.
At this time of year, it’s common for businesses to take on extra staff to help them through the busy festive period. We asked our team of business advisers for their tips about hiring casual staff over the festive period, to help you make the most of hiring casual staff for your business. Tip #1: Be prepared Taking on a new staff member – or more...
We’ve all heard the saying that ‘cash is king’, but despite the popularity of this phrase cash flow is an area of business that is often neglected. Being able to effectively manage your cash flow is key to the long term survival of your business. It will also allow you to maintain enough working capital to operate through quiet periods. Your cash...
A new form of paid leave has been introduced to assist employees who are experiencing family and domestic violence. We outline the facts about the scheme and how it affects small business employers. What is family and domestic violence? According to 1800 Respect, domestic and family violence happens when one person in a relationship hurts another...
The Federal Government has announced changes to superannuation guarantee payments which may impact small business owners in Western Australia. Payday Super will change both the timing of super payments and the way super is calculated and reported through payroll systems. From 1 July 2026, superannuation guarantee payments must be paid to employees...
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has recently become the first certified ECO Destination in Western Australia, and has partnered with the Margaret River Chamber of Commerce and Industry to launch a Local-Is-More program to encourage the community to buy locally. The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River joined the SBDC’s Small Business Friendly...
