Ending an employment relationship is one of the tougher parts of running a small business. While most business owners want to do the right thing, it’s not always clear what that looks like in practice. Understanding your employer obligations and following a fair process can reduce the risk of disputes and help you move forward with confidence. We...
If you run a business in the fitness industry, here are some of the key things to know about the new Fitness Code, which will be in effect from 1 July 2021.
If your business sells any kind of unpackaged, ready-to-eat foods, it’s important to keep your customers safe from food-borne illnesses. Here’s what you need to know about the new food safety management standard introduced in Australia – and what action you need to take. It’s not pleasant to imagine the consequences for your customers, business and...
If your small business employs workers, including some contractors or sub-contractors, it’s compulsory for you to have workers’ compensation insurance. Here’s what you need to know to protect your business from hefty fines or other serious consequences. No matter how careful you are, work-related injuries and illnesses can happen. If your business...
The SBDC’s Small Business Friendly Local Governments initiative has celebrated five years and passing 50 members with local government stakeholders. Chief Executive Officers and economic development specialists from WA local governments joined the Minister for Small Business, Hon Reece Whitby MLA and Small Business Commissioner and Small Business...
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...
New AI driven search tools are changing the digital landscape, making it more important than ever to focus on proven search engine marketing practices. We asked Jordan Lomax, Director of The Social Lab, for her insights on search engine marketing (SEM) in today’s context. Here’s what Jordan has shared on how search has changed – and what small...
Running a small business is hard enough without having to worry about hackers. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a big difference to keeping your business safe online. We’ve outlined seven simple steps to strengthen your cyber security and help keep your business, and your customers, safer. Install software updates to keep your...
From 26 August 2025, the Australian Government’s right to disconnect laws will apply to small business employers. Australia’s workplace landscape has undergone significant changes recently, with the Federal Government passing a series of amendments to the Fair Work Act – also known as the 'Closing Loopholes' laws. The right to disconnect laws were...
Learn about the strategies you can put in place before 30 June to maximise your business’ tax return.
Investing in a major business asset, like a motor vehicle, is a big step for a small business. Before handing over your hard earned money or signing any paperwork, there are some important factors to consider before committing to a vehicle purchase. Consider your business needs Before deciding whether your business needs a vehicle, it’s important...
New laws designed to create greater flexibility for companies to either restructure their operations to survive, or liquidate their company in a more orderly and less costly way, have now become law.