While small business is often an alternative to working for someone else, starting a business while still employed can be an attractive option. You might think that starting a small business is an all or nothing choice - you are either employed or working for yourself. But in today’s ‘gig economy’, starting a business in addition to your main...
With prime position in the lobby of a busy inner-city building, Viaje Coffee was thriving under the management of Hugh Nguyen and his business partner Wayne Kang. “Before the pandemic, our business was going well,” said Hugh. “Viaje Coffee had a very loyal customer base and our business was growing. Then, COVID had a massive impact. The building...
Gary Mitchell knows just how much the world of small business has changed over the past 30 years. He credits the SBDC with helping him get through the tough times to help his business thrive. For more than 30 years, Gary Mitchell has been carving a niche in WA’s small business landscape. His business, Framous Picture Framing, offers a range of...
“Like” it or loathe it, there’s no doubt influencer marketing has become a powerful marketing tool in recent years. But will it work for your business? Influencer marketing (also known as branded content) is a form of social media marketing which involves promoting a product or service through someone with a large social media following. If you’ve...
Buying an established business can be challenging – but it can help knowing there’s somewhere you can turn for support. Jasmine Kik from Fireplaces WA uses our SBDC services regularly and shares her story. Fireplaces WA is a family-owned business offering a range of gas, wood, bio-ethanol, and electric fireplaces. According to the Fireplaces WA...
Not sure where to start when it comes to promoting your business on social media? Social media can seem overwhelming, but fortunately there are a few basic principles that can help guide you through the ‘getting started’ stages. The golden rule of social media is to engage with your target market on their preferred platform, using relevant and...
You may have received emails or reminders about registering the “.au” version of your business website. At first glance, it could appear to be yet another spam email – but there could be a legitimate opportunity for business owners in Australia if you act before the September deadline. Here are some common questions small business owners have about...
Throughout 2018, our staff have been hitting the airwaves on RTRFM’s ‘Taking Care of Business’ show. As part of these monthly chats, we have been able to provide business advice, information on current trends and issues facing small businesses in WA and to share details of our small business workshops and events. If you missed the interviews when...
Tax time can be a stressful time for many business owners. It can be confusing keeping on top of deadlines, changing rules and deductions. The best place to start with your taxes is by enlisting the help of a tax professional to make sure you’re on track with your deductions and tax obligations. You don’t want to claim for deductions you later find...
Supply chain management can be complicated. There will always be factors you can’t control including global events, economic conditions and industry challenges, which can impact your supply chain. To help support your business, it’s worth examining the risks involved along your supply chain and finding ways to streamline your processes. Steve...
Your business could benefit from using a range of digital tools and apps to help manage your finances, keep accurate records, sell online, oversee social media accounts, improve productivity, engage your employees and customers, and more. Whether you want to boost your sales, streamline your processes or stop spending so much time updating...
The switch from employee to boss isn’t always an easy – and neither is working with your spouse. Here are some insights shared by business owners Molly and Jordan Kirk, who co-own a commercial refrigeration and air conditioning business in Perth. Molly and her husband Jordan worked for a refrigeration company and later bought out the business under...
