Business advisory service
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Find out more about the SBDC's free advisory service, the areas we can help you with and how to contact us.

Legal responsibilities
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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.

Defence industry and AUKUS opportunities
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The investment in WA’s defence infrastructure will create new opportunities for WA small businesses to participate in the supply chain and support the broader growth of the defence industry in WA.

Steps to starting a business
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Follow these steps to help you decide if you are ready to go into business, how to get started and where to seek help along the way.

Financial planning documents
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Overview of key financial planning documents you need to understand as a business owner. This includes budgets, forecasts, profit and loss statements (P&L), balance sheets and financial health indicators.

Understanding short term leases
18 August 2021
Blog
Find out more about the pros and cons of short term leases and one could be right for your business.
How to make good at the end of your commercial lease
20 June 2022
Blog
There can often be confusion and disputes when you’re exiting a commercial lease and need to meet a number of ‘make good’ obligations. The make good clause in your lease will outline the condition the building must be in when the lease comes to an end. Here is a summary of the top make good obligations that most often lead to a dispute, and some...
Can my landlord do that?
4 October 2023
Blog
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...
5 things to know before signing a lease
12 August 2021
Blog
Signing a lease is a big commitment for any business. Here are our top five things you need to know before signing on the dotted line.
Are landlord’s works causing disruption to your business?
20 November 2019
Blog
You may be entitled to compensation if your landlord is carrying out works that are causing disruption to your business. Some of the situations in which you can claim compensation are: if general works are being carried out by the landlord in your shopping centre or building the shopping centre or building are being redeveloped the disclosure...
Talking to your local government about your new premises
11 April 2022
Blog
Many small business owners are unaware that they may be required to obtain various local government approvals for their new premises, to ensure they are operating in compliance with the relevant planning, building and health legislation. Here’s how to avoid costly and disruptive mistakes. It’s an exciting time for your business. You have a strong...
Stories you loved in 2025
6 January 2026
Blog
2025 was a big year for small business – with new rules, regulation changes and a social media ban, there was a lot to keep up with! We’ve put together a list of the top stories from the SBDC blog that grabbed your attention throughout the year. How to calculate your hourly rate One of the most difficult aspects of running a service based business...