If you’re starting a home based business, there are some important steps to take to prevent your home insurance policy becoming null and void in the future. Depending on your home insurance policy, you may have cover for your buildings and structures as well as the contents of your home. Running a business from home, or even storing business...
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 . While navigating the uncertainty of COVID was a challenge for many small businesses, for popular Geraldton restaurant Skeetas, the pandemic proved a...
Being authentic and true to oneself has been Michelle Rimmer’s mantra since the launch of her business, Hills Massage, 20 years ago. Reflecting on her business journey, Michelle said she would tell the younger version of herself that consistency is the key to success. “You have to be consistent in the quality of your or product, your communication...
If you’re a business owner, it’s important to understand your obligations to provide a safe and healthy workplace. This includes keeping up with changes to health and safety legislation. The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has introduced new Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws for Western Australia. Here are seven things...
Food trucks have become a popular feature at many outdoor events. What do you need to know before starting a food truck business?
Since it started in Western Australia in late 2020, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has had significant scrutiny, with final reports on the Royal Commission and a formal review of the scheme delivered in 2023. The Australian Government’s response has included making legislative changes that started on 3 October 2024 that you should...
Applying for a grant or tendering opportunities can involve formalising, adopting or reporting on practices you might not have considered before, such as sustainability practices, inclusion and diversity, and modern slavery risks. More than ever, government bodies and corporations are taking a formal approach to addressing climate change through...
While the process of setting up a business partnership is relatively straight forward, finding the right business partner to work with is an entirely different ball game. While you might think starting a business with a friend or relative is a great idea, there are some important factors to consider before entering into a business partnership. Five...
The latest advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have made headlines around the world. Here’s a simple starter guide to using AI in your small business – including what it’s good for and what you might like to avoid. Once confined to the imagination of Hollywood filmmakers, the powers of artificial intelligence (AI) are fast becoming a normal...
When you’re a small business owner, there are a number of government regulations and compliance requirements you need to stay on top of. While it may seem challenging to be across all the changes that may affect your business, there are three easy steps you can follow to ensure your business is meeting its legal requirements. Use subscriptions to...
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...
Taking a few small steps towards developing a sustainable business can deliver long term benefits for not only the environment, but also your business’s bottom line, contributing to your long term profitability and building customer loyalty. It can also help you win tenders and contracts, with sustainability increasingly becoming a focus and...