There’s a fine line between being a business contractor with an Australian Business Number (ABN) and being an employee. If you’re a contractor with your own ABN, read these tips to help make sure you’re being treated fairly and meeting your obligations. In some industries, for example in the construction industry, it’s common for businesses to...
After a workplace injury, Mandurah based artist Kate Capone discovered how powerful creativity was in her healing journey. With a background in teaching and a passion for helping people, her next steps were clear. Kate’s experience with art therapy inspired her to create A Brush with Fun – a space where NDIS participants and people navigating...
Each year we ask small business owners what they expect for the forthcoming year via our Business Expectations survey. Here's what they had to say.
If you run a hospitality or entertainment business near residential areas, you may have received noise complaints in the past. Running a bar, pub, live music venue, or other hospitality or entertainment business likely means you’re contributing to the vibrancy and culture of your local community. However, problems can arise, if your business is...
Pricing your products and services can be challenging at the best of times – and it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. The good news is that with careful planning, research and the right pricing strategy in place, you could feel more confident with your pricing decisions. One of the SBDC’s experienced business advisers, Steve McLaren, has seen...
Small Business Friendly local governments are working to support their local business community and create exciting spaces and events, through a variety of grants. The City of Cockburn, Town of Claremont and City of Perth – all members of the SBDC’s Small Business Friendly program - have been rolling out grants to their local small businesses...
Gain an understanding of your business financials and learn how to use these numbers for improved business decision making.
The Small Business Development Corporation’s 2024-25 Annual Report was tabled in the WA Parliament this week. After five months at the helm of the SBDC, I can say that it is a great privilege to lead an organisation with a great reputation for delivering practical, expert support to Western Australia’s hard working small businesses. In the 2024-25...
Free financial counselling services are available to help small business owners who need information about managing debt or are in financial distress. Financial challenges are often cited as the biggest cause of anxiety for small business owners. Some industries, such as wholesale trade and accommodation and food services are more prone to feeling...
You’ve probably heard of phishing, where cyber criminals send texts, emails or social media posts which appear to be from individuals or organisations you think you can trust. Business email compromise takes phishing one step further. Using phishing techniques, cyber criminals can steal information such as log in and financial details by...
If your business sends SMS reminders, don’t miss the window to register your SMS Sender ID to help avoid your messages being blocked in 2026. If you run a service based business, you might rely on SMS appointment reminders to help your schedule run smoothly. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is introducing sender ID...
The port City of Fremantle has bounced back from the disruption of COVID-19 with a number of initiatives to support local and small businesses. The City of Fremantle signed up to the Small Business Friendly initiative in 2019 and since then, has maintained a strong focus on supporting its small business community. The City demonstrates its...
