Ten years ago, Ben Kraucevs bought a new home with a garden bore out the front. He searched high and low for a bore cover that was affordable, lockable and complied with Australian safety standards, but he couldn’t find one. So, he decided to make it himself. “I started working in my garage making different prototypes because I really wanted to...
Withholding retention payments in construction can affect subcontractors’ cash flow and profitability. Often used in the construction industry, retention is a fixed percentage of the total payment due for a contract, withheld for a period after the work is completed. It’s there to make sure that the contractor or subcontractor properly completes...
Right now, you might be wondering how your business will cope with the pressures of inflation, supply chain disruptions, wage increases and the complexities of global trade, including tariffs. We spoke with seasoned business consultant Trevor Flint, who shared practical strategies to help you stay ahead of rising costs while supporting your growth...
Turning a hobby into a side hustle business can be a labour of love, but one business owner warns others to be careful of the ‘fine print’ of regulations if you are working from home. Empire Copper is owned and operated by husband and wife team Cam and Beth Hayes as a side hustle, while they still work full time in the sheet-metal industry and...
Deciding to raise your prices can be a big step for your business. The next crucial step is to make sure your customers know what’s changing, why and when your new pricing takes effect. If you’ve decided it’s the right time to increase your prices, it’s important to invest time in planning how to share the news of your new pricing. Our small...
One silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent supply chain shortages impacting many industries, has been an increased appreciation of the significance of small businesses to local communities all around the world. The concept of localism (supporting the local production and consumption of goods) as opposed to globalism has really taken...
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.
Whether you’re just starting out in business, or you’ve been your own boss for years, the end of the financial year (EOFY) can be a busy time. To help you organise your financial records and find the paperwork you’ll need to pass onto your accountant, we’ve put together a handy EOFY checklist to help you. Download our free end of financial year...
A passion for sewing and lessons from her dressmaker mother motivated Fiona Larkins to move from retail management to running her own clothing alteration business at the tender age of 24. In 2024, her city-based business is celebrating 30 years, and still going strong. Location, location, location Armed with a can-do attitude, Fiona identified a...
Are you finding that your payment reminders are being met with excuses? It’s a common scenario many business owners are experiencing. Here at the SBDC, we often hear from small business owners, particularly subcontractors in the construction industry, who say they are struggling to be paid on time. But when the only ‘evidence’ of a contract is...
Fiona Taylor is a health and wellness coach, running her business Choose Healthy while managing the demands of a separate day job. Fiona offers online food workshops, challenges, webinars and in-person workshops and presentations on food, energy and self-care. With 27 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, Fiona is well-placed to...
If you supply goods or services for less than $1 million to the WA Government, new guidelines mean you will now receive payment within 20 days. From 1 October 2020, WA State Government agencies must ensure that all payments of less than $1 million for goods or services, excluding construction works, are made within 20 calendar days of: receiving a...
