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...
How can you effectively set goals in your business? We spoke to Trevor Flint, founder and director of Capstone Associates.
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...
Buying an established business can represent a huge challenge – and a huge opportunity. Dr Vanessa Atienza-Hipolito bought a long-standing health business eight years ago and has discovered there is always more to learn. While many business stories begin as an idea that sparks a start-up, small business success stories can take other forms too. In...
'See you in court' might be an easy way to resolve disputes in your favourite legal series – but the reality of legal proceedings is much more complicated, expensive and potentially stressful for small business owners. Whether you’re handling a dispute with another business, your landlord, or an individual or organisation, it’s always worth...
As a business owner, there might be times when you have uncollected goods from your customers sitting on your premises. This might include furniture or equipment left behind in a space, or something your customer never came back to collect, such as a watch or even a car left for repairs which turned out to be more than the value of the item itself...
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...
The past ten years have brought major shifts in the Australian small business landscape. Some sectors have boomed, while others have evolved, reflecting changes in technology, consumer habits and the environment. And of course, no recap of the past decade would be complete without mentioning COVID-19, which reshaped how Australian small businesses...
Are you thinking of funding your business with a bank loan? It may be helpful to know what financial institutions are looking for when deciding whether to approve your business loan application. How banks decide whether to give you a business loan While there are a few different ways to fund your business, including through your own savings or...
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...
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...
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...