The Federal Budget, announced on 25 March 2025, provides a range of support programs to help improve the operating environment for small business owners. Here is an overview of the key announcements likely to have an impact on small businesses in Western Australia. Please note: these announcements will need to be passed as law through the Federal...
Making sense of industry changes and trends can be overwhelming when you’re focused on the daily demands of running your business. The SBDC can help simplify this process by providing free access to IBISWorld, offering reports with the latest data and developments. Competitor activity, global market shifts and evolving consumer trends are always...
There are several key changes coming into effect from 1 July 2025 that are likely to impact small business owners in Western Australia. Here is a recap of what you need to know. New minimum wages The minimum wage for both the national and state industrial relations systems will increase from the first pay on or after 1 July 2025. National minimum...
Grant funding could provide your small business with an opportunity to invest in new equipment or projects, launch a new product or service or expand your operations. With many business grants being competitive, it’s good to know how to give your application a competitive advantage. If you’re looking for ways to finance your business growth, grant...
Cheaper prices can certainly make your products and services attractive to some customers – but are they are a sustainable business strategy? We’ve spoken with a pricing expert to debunk some common pricing myths. If you’re like most small business owners, setting your prices can be difficult. While you want your products or services to appeal to...
There’s no such thing as a stress-free business, as Narelle and Andrew Anderson know. Even the kind of business designed to help people de-stress can present a range of challenges – but it’s worth remembering that help is always available. Narelle and Andrew Anderson’s business The Life Spring operates across two locations. They have three float...
The latest advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have made headlines around the world. Here’s a simple starter guide to using AI in your small business – including what it’s good for and what you might like to avoid. Once confined to the imagination of Hollywood filmmakers, the powers of artificial intelligence (AI) are fast becoming a normal...
Here is a run-down of the key changes taking effect from 1 July 2023 that are likely to have an impact on small business owners in Western Australia. New minimum wages The minimum wages for both the federal and state industrial relations systems will increase from the first pay on or after 1 July 2023. National minimum wage increase If your...
New laws impacting regulated workers and businesses and the road transport industry will come into affect from 26 August 2024. These changes aim to improve the working conditions of 'employee-like' workers performing digital platform work and regulated road transport contractors. Who are regulated workers? Regulated workers fall into two main...
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...
How can you effectively set goals in your business? We spoke to Trevor Flint, founder and director of Capstone Associates.
As a small business owner it is important to make sure that if you are open for business on a public holiday or long weekend that you are prepared. Before starting your preparation find out if you are allowed to be open on a public holiday, as small retail shops, special retail stores, service stations and motor vehicle shops must be closed on Good...