Carrie-Anne Forsyth of Esteem Dance joined the PIVOT program and transformed her business.
As you dive into the new year in small business, it’s important to take stock of your achievements during the past 12 months and to set your business goals for 2025. We have put together a few tips to help ensure smooth sailing in the year ahead. Get on top of your finances Take some time to put your finances in order by reviewing your financial...
When an epic overseas trip in 2012 sparked an idea for a side hustle, Josephine, her husband Vince and business partner Michael embraced their entrepreneurial sides by importing and selling unique luxury tiles. Initially targeting qualified tilers for commercial projects, the team started selling out of a shipping container. They soon realised they...
It’s an unfortunate fact that small business owners are regularly the target of scammers – trying to take their money, business contacts, or business or personal identification details. Scammers often pretend to be from a government agency, like the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), or a well-known company you may have heard of, such as Telstra...
Are you thinking it may be time to move on from your business? If you’re planning to sell your business, your mind has probably jumped to thoughts of how to manage the sales process and the price. But before listing it for sale, there are important housekeeping tasks to help you: package your business so that it’s attractive to a new buyer make the...
Running a business is challenging, and while many business owners are focused on optimising sales, marketing and accounts, essential information technology (IT) requirements can be easily neglected. Here are five IT areas that are easy to do and can give your business a big boost. 1. Maximise your web presence When was the last time you gave your...
Problems and delays getting invoices paid can be an issue for all types of business – and contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry can be hit particularly hard. Many subcontractors and suppliers have to spend considerable amounts of money to pay for the materials and labour they need to complete a project. Issues and delays...
If you accept cash payments, make sure you know how to spot fake banknotes so you don’t find yourself out of pocket. Counterfeit money, in particular fake $100 notes, can often creep into circulation in particular during festive and holiday periods. Remember: you’re within your rights to refuse to accept a banknote If you suspect it's counterfeit...
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...
If your business has been affected by a skills or labour shortage, here are some ways you can take action to keep your business thriving. An ongoing challenge many businesses are facing is the shortage of skilled or available workers across many industries. Some workers may have changed careers or industries, others may have moved away or perhaps...
As a small business owner, it’s important to pay yourself a regular wage – and it’s just as important to make sure you pay the right amounts of tax and super too. Here’s your quick-start guide to paying yourself in your business. Step 1: Start with your business structure The way you pay yourself depends on the structure of your business. We have...
On 1 July 2024, Business Local became SBDC Regional. While the name has changed, we’re still here providing you with free business advice and support in your area. Find your SBDC Regional provider . Launching, running and growing one business is an achievement that takes a considerable amount of time, enthusiasm and effort. In Pat McCarthy’s case...
