SmallBusiness.wa.gov.au
The Small Business Specialists
Phone: 131 BIZ
Website: www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au
31 December 2009
New year resolutions for small business
With the new year about to begin, and the State’s economy on the rise, now is the time for small business operators to turn those resolutions into action.
Acting Managing Director of the Small Business Development Corporation,Ms Jacky Finlayson says small business operators should begin planning for another busy year.
“Business planning is one of the most important aspects of running a business, but is often one of the most neglected,” Ms Finlayson said.
“Now is the time to plan where you want your business to be in one, three or five years time.”
New year resolutions for 2010 may include:
For more information, contact us on 131 BIZ (131 249).
Media contact: Di Graham (08) 9220 0218 or 0409 089 159.
30 December 2009
The latest business poll conducted by the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) indicates that small business operators have not experienced difficulties with workforce levels over the past twelve months and are not expecting difficulties in the next twelve months.
SBDC Acting Managing Director, Ms Jacky Finlayson, said the SBDC's 'flashpoll' of small and medium sized businesses shows that business operators had found ways of retaining staff during the global financial crisis, in the hope of being better staffed when business activity returned to normal.
"72 per cent of small business respondents said they'd had no trouble attracting and retaining staff over the past year, by providing flexible working conditions, offering financial bonuses and taking on mature aged workers," Ms Finlayson said.
Of most concern however, is that very few of the respondents indicated a belief that demand for "skills" was on the increase, or that demand would increase significantly next year.
"It appears that many small business operators are unaware of the likelihood that skills shortages will soon be a major issue for Western Australia once again," Ms Finlayson said.
"Some indicated that although they didn't expect to hire more staff,it was likely that they would increase the hours of their part time staff,if business demand increased."
With regard to skilled migration, the SBDC business poll showed that small business operators were prepared to employ skilled migrants and provide on-the-job training for local workers:
However, 31 per cent of respondents indicated they would not consider employing or sponsoring a migrant to fill a vacancy.
Ms Finlayson says it is of concern that a large number of respondents(73 per cent) did not expect to face any difficulties in recruiting new staff over the next 12 months.
"With all economic indicators signifying a return to high employment levels, competition will be strong for good quality workers. Despite this,only 35 per cent of respondents recognised that it may become more difficult to retain staff in the year ahead," Ms Finlayson said.
"With large infrastructure and resource projects ready to commence around the State, initiatives aimed at retaining good workers would be a wise priority for small business operators."
In general, 46 per cent of respondents indicated they were planning to employ more staff, with anticipated requirements including:
Respondents to the SBDC business poll were predominantly located in the metropolitan area with small business operators in the Goldfields, Great Southern, Mid West, South West and Peel regions also represented. The top four sectors represented by respondents were:
Our Ready Response Network survey of small and medium sized businesses was conducted on 17 December 2009 and is based on 80 responses.
Media contact: Di Graham (08) 9220 0218 or 0409 089 159.
26 December 2009
With the new Fair Work Act coming into force from 1 January 2010, small business operators will need to know how these changes will affect their business.
Small Business Development Corporation Acting Managing Director, Ms Jacky Finlayson, says although Western Australia still has its own State system,many employers (essentially incorporated entities) and their employees will be subject to the Fair Work Act 2009 under the national system.
Only sole traders, partnerships, other unincorporated entities and non-trading corporations and their employees will continue to operate under the WA State system. In addition, there are two National Employment Standards (NES) entitlements that apply to all full-time and part-time employees, whether they are covered by the national workplace relations system or not. These are in regard to parental leave and related entitlements, and notice of termination.
“Time is running out for small business operators to identify what changes need to be made to their employee entitlements in order to comply with the new national laws,” Ms Finlayson said.
The NES are set out in the Fair Work Act 2009 and comprise 10minimum standards of employment.
In summary, the NES involve the following minimum entitlements:
Maximum weekly hours of work – 38 hours per week,plus reasonable additional hours.
Requests for flexible working arrangements – allows parents or careers of a child under school age or of a child under 18 with a disability, to request a change in working arrangements to assist with the child’scare.
Parental leave and related entitlements – up to12 months unpaid leave for every employee, plus a right to request an additional12 months unpaid leave, plus other forms of maternity, paternity and adoption related leave.
Annual leave – 4 weeks paid leave per year, plus an additional week for certain shift workers.
Personal / carer’s leave and compassionate leave – 10 days paid personal / carer’s leave, two days unpaid carer's leave as required, and two days compassionate leave (unpaid for casuals)as required.
Community service leave – unpaid leave for voluntary emergency activities and leave for jury service, with an entitlement to be paid for up to 10 days for jury service.
Long service leave – a transitional entitlement for certain employees who had certain LSL entitlements before 1/1/10 pending the development of a uniform national long service leave standard.
Public holidays – a paid day off on a public holiday,except where reasonably requested to work.
Notice of termination and redundancy pay – up to 4 weeks notice of termination (5 weeks if the employee is over 45 and has at least 2 years of continuous service) and up to 16 weeks redundancy pay, both based on length of service.
Provision of a Fair Work Information Statement – employers must provide this statement to all new employees. It contains information about the NES, modern awards, agreement-making, the right to freedom of association, termination of employment, individual flexibility arrangements, rights of entry, transfer of business, and the respective roles of Fair Work Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman.
For more information, contact us on 131 BIZ (131 249).
Media contact: Di Graham (08) 9220 0218 or 0409 089 159.
17 December 2009
With Christmas trading hours now in place, small business retailers are being urged to pace themselves to avoid fatigue.
Small Business Development Corporation Managing Director, Stephen Moir, says many small business operators, particularly in the retail sector, will be working longer than usual to handle the Christmas shopping rush during the next few weeks.
“Although we are generally not experiencing the labour shortages of the past few years, it is still important to plan for adequate rest periods for business owners and employees,” Mr Moir said.
This year, the approved Sunday trading extensions are from 10.00am to 5.00pm consistent with previous years and 6.00pm closures on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve have also been maintained.
These variations will not apply to shops in the City of Rockingham, on Rottnest Island or in the localities of Two Rocks and Yanchep, where specific extended trading Orders will continue to have effect.
Trading hours for Christmas 2009 are as follows:
| Thursday 17 December | 8.00am to 9.00pm |
| Friday 18 December | 8.00am to 9.00pm |
| Saturday 19 December | Normal Trading |
| Sunday 20 December | 10.00am to 5.00pm |
| Monday 21 December | 8.00am to 9.00pm |
| Tuesday 22 December | 8.00am to 9.00pm |
| Wednesday 23 December | 8.00am to 9.00pm |
| Thursday 24 December | 8.00am to 6.00pm |
| Friday 25 December | Closed |
| Saturday 26 December | 10.00am to 5.00pm |
| Sunday 27 December | 10.00am to 5.00pm |
| Monday 28 December 2009 | 8.00am to 9.00pm |
| Tuesday 29 December | 8.00am to 9.00pm |
| Wednesday 30 December | 8.00am to 9.00pm |
| Thursday 31 December | 8.00am to 6.00pm |
Media contact: Di Graham (08) 9220 0218 or 0432 750 565.
1 December 2009
Business owners intending to take advantage of extra tax deductions announced in this year’s Federal Budget, will need to do so before the 31 December deadline.
Acting Managing Director of the Small Business Development Corporation, Ms Juliet Gisbourne, says the tax incentives are good for business, provided the goods being purchased are necessary items.
“For those intending to buy business-related equipment or machinery, the tax deduction is a bonus, but it’s important to recognise that it’s not a case of getting things at half price,” Ms Gisbourne said.
“The Federal Government’s 50 per cent tax deduction is not a tax rebate and the true value of the deduction depends on the individual’s marginal tax rate.”
For example, if the cost of the goods purchased is $30,000, the 50 per cent tax deduction would mean you reduce your taxable income by $15,000, saving you the tax on that amount. If your marginal tax rate is 30 per cent, then you would save 30 per cent of $15,000 or $4,500.
Now this is still a sizeable discount, but not as good as the $15,000 you might have imagined at first glance.
The best thing to do if you are considering taking advantage of the Federal Government’s offer is to check with your accountant or contact us for further information. But do so before 31 December 2009.
Media contact: Di Graham (08) 9220 0218 or 0432 750 565.
26 November 2009
The Small Business Development Corporation, in collaboration with Curtin University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, is providing unique opportunities to create a strong business sector, better equipped to weather all economic conditions.
At the launch of the BIZFIT EXTEND program this morning, Minister for Commerce, the Hon. Troy Buswell, said the State Government appreciated the enormous contribution made by the small business sector and was committed to boosting training opportunities for owners and operators in Western Australia.
“The Government has provided $2 million over the next two years to ensure the program is widely available to business owners in metropolitan and regional areas.
“With over 196,000 small businesses in Western Australia, it’s important to encourage them to reach their potential,” Mr Buswell said.
“This program is designed to provide opportunities that are affordable and suitable for business owners with limited spare time.”
To date, the BIZFIT program has been an outstanding success with 190 participants attending business forums in October and November, and 50 participants taking part in BIZFIT Extend programs in November and December.
Curtin University of Technology Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jeanette Hacket, said Curtin was pleased to be involved in the State Government's BiZFiT Extend initiative.
"Curtin's Centre for Entrepreneurship has gained a strong reputation over the past 15 years for bringing a positive change to the local business community.
"This new partnership with the State Government and SBDC will provide great opportunities for us to inspire and assist more small businesses in their entrepreneurial activities."
SBDC media contact: Di Graham (08) 9220 0218 or 0432 750 565.
Curtin University media contact: Kristy Jones (08) 9266 1930 or 0402 517 300.
6 November 2009
The Small Business Development Corporation congratulates the winners of the 2009 GWN Western Australian Regional Small Business Awards.
The Kimberley region swept away with four Awards in the 2009 GWN Western Australian Regional Small Business Awards, and Peel, the South West and Great Southern regions also picked up major category awards.
The Minister for Commerce, Hon. Troy Buswell MLA, who presented the awards, said small business was vital to the success of our regions, and the winners were worthy examples of the high calibre of regional businesses.
"From the Kimberley to the Great Southern, small business operators are proving how innovative, creative and successful they can be, and these Awards are a fitting tribute to their endeavours."
The winners are:
The 2009 GWN Regional Small Business "Business of the Year"
Pumphouse Restaurant Kununurra.
Owners: Thomas and Dominique Brieg
The Sensis Yellow Pages Award for Best Home Based Business
POJO Kids Mandurah
Owner: Pauline Lee
The Lawrence Business Management Award for Best Franchise Business
Mr Rental South West, Bunbury
Owners: Mick and Bronwyn Caddy
The Small Business Centre Network Award for Best Business Achiever
Sassy Divas Bunbury
Owner: Carrie Trigwell
The Steel Blue Award for Best Micro Business
Business Solutions (WA), Mandurah
Owner: Terry Collier
The WA Business News Award for Best Business with 5-10 employees
Ryan Waugh Hairdressing Albany
Owners: Ryan and Rebecca Waugh (cousins)
Telstra Countrywide Award for Best Business with 10-20 employees
Pumphouse Restaurant Kununurra
Owners: Thomas and Dominique Brieg
The Small Business Development Corporation Award for Best Indigenous Business
Lombadina Aboriginal Corporation Broome
Owners: Lombadina Aboriginal Corporation
In addition to the awards, the 2009 Inductee to the Regional Small Business Hall of Fame was announced.
Ms Elsia Archer, President of the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley, Board Member of the Kimberley Development Commission and Chair of the Small Business Centre - Derby was acknowledged for her commitment to small business success throughout the Kimberley region.
Managing Director of the Small Business Development Corporation, Mr Stephen Moir, said the GWN Western Australian Regional Small Business Awards is the highlight of the regional business calendar, and the number of guests in attendance is a indication of how popular the event is.
"There was a very enthusiastic crowd of almost 300 guests from around the State at tonight's event at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, and regional pride was evident," Mr Moir said.
"The winners were obviously popular choices, and it was pleasing to see groups in the audience from right around the State."
Mr Moir said the new category introduced this year for Best Indigenous Business, is an important addition to the WA Regional Small Business Award program.
Media contact: Di Graham (08) 9220 0218 or 0409 089 159.
1 November 2009
The State Government's new Aboriginal Business Unit located within the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) is encouraging owners and operators of Aboriginal businesses to access the full range of services now available to help their businesses grow and prosper.
SBDC Managing Director, Mr Stephen Moir says while the SBDC's services have always been available to everyone, the Aboriginal Business Unit will help smooth the way for those who may have been reluctant to seek out such assistance in the past.
"As part of the SBDC, the Aboriginal Business Unit provides a substantially increased range of services including business skills workshops and specialist business advisors," Mr Moir said.
"Through a network of 25 Small Business Centres located throughout regional and metropolitan areas, these expanded services are also locally available to businesses right across the State."
Mr Moir says these business services are provided on a 'no paperwork, no cost' basis eliminating the need for lengthy forms to complete and enabling advisory and mentoring services to be provided free of charge.
"Our staff are experienced in working with Aboriginal businesses and will assist clients over extended periods to develop a business idea or to grow an existing business," Mr Moir said.
"We want to develop long term relationships for long term success with these businesses, providing a strong foundation on which to build very successful enterprises.
"In addition, the Aboriginal Business Unit will draw on the services of other private and public agencies around the State to assist clients whenever necessary."
Aboriginal business owners and operators are encouraged to contact the SBDC or their nearest Small Business Centre by calling 131 BIZ (131249).
To acknowledge the current success of Aboriginal businesses in Western Australia, the SBDC has introduced a new category for the WA Regional Small Business Awards this year. For the first time, the Best Indigenous Business Award will be presented on 6 November at the Perth Convention Centre.
Media contact: Di Graham (08) 9220 0218 or 0409 089 159.
29 October 2009
The Brew Small Business Expo sponsored by The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) will be held at The Challenge Stadium Mt Claremont on 4 and 5 November, 2009.
SBDC Managing Director Mr Stephen Moir, says the Brew Small Business Expo promises to be a major attraction for small business operators, current and potential.
“The Brew Small Business Expo Perth is a business-to-business trade show for local product and service providers and incorporates a program of business development seminars covering issues such as marketing, finance, recruitment, leadership and regulations,” Mr Moir said.
The Brew Expos have been operating in other States for 13 years, but 2009 will be the first expo of its kind for Western Australia.
According to Expo organisers, the Growden Group, over 90% of participants at expos in Victoria, NSW and Queensland reported that the event was worthwhile and that they planned to attend again next year.
The content of the West Australian expo has been created for the local business community and the majority of presenters will be local business operators.
The Expo will be presented from 12 noon to 5.30pm Wednesday 4 November and 9.00am to 4.00pm Thursday 5 November. Enquiries to 1300 55 32 35.
Information about exhibiting, to view the program or to register your free attendance please visit www.thebrew.com.au
Media contact: Di Graham (08) 9220 0218 or 0409 089 159.
20 October 2009
The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) is calling for owners and operators of small and medium sized enterprises in Western Australia to take part in the State Government's BiZFiT business resilience program.
SBDC Managing Director, Stephen Moir, says the $2 million program being conducted over the next two years will help businesses strengthen their operations and prepare them for success regardless of global economic conditions.
"Businesses taking part in the BiZFiT program will have the edge on their competitors and will be better prepared to deal with good and bad economic conditions," Mr Moir said.
"The program has been designed to help build business resilience and teach business owners how to work smarter to increase profits and grow their businesses for the long term."
The first stage of the program is starting now with Local Business Forums in both metropolitan and regional centres.
"The BiZFiT program provides direct access to specialist business advisers, economic forecasts tailored specifically for your local region and access to a business mentor," Mr Moir said.
"It's a unique opportunity to work on your business and develop high value, practical business skills with only minimal time commitment." Opportunities also exist for participants to apply for scholarships to attend professional business management courses.
The first of the BizFiT events will be held in Perth, Fremantle, Stirling, Busselton, Manjimup and Bunbury with more to follow in other regions. To find out more information and to register for BiZFiT, visit the Small Business Development Corporation website at www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au email BiZFiT@sbdc.wa.gov.au or phone 131 BIZ (249).
Media contact: Di Graham (08) 9220 0218 or 0409 089 159.
19 October 2009
The State finalists for the 2009 GWN Western Australian Regional Small Business Awards have been announced today.
SBDC Managing Director, Stephen Moir, says the calibre of entrants in this year’s awards is extremely high and choosing the finalists was a difficult job.
We had a record number of entries from around the State this year so these finalists are the cream of the crop,” Mr Moir said.
“The process of entering competitions like this can be very beneficial to a business, giving applicants the opportunity to take a close look at their business and make improvements if ecessary.”
The finalists for each category are:
HOME BASED BUSINESS
Bumbak’s Preserves & Icecreams (Gascoyne region)
El i Si Therapies (Pilbara region)
Loose Goose Chalets (South West region)
Pojo Kids (Peel region)
FRANCHISE BUSINESS
Auto One Broome (Kimberley region)
Dome Cafe Albany (Great Southern region)
Mr Rental South West (South West region)
Sign A Rama (Peel region)
SBC ACHIEVER
Ebb n Flow Day Retreat (Kimberley region)
OZ Tech Security (Peel region)
Sassy Divas (South West region)
MICRO BUSINESS
Brackson House Quality Accomodation (Wheatbelt region)
Business Solutions (WA) (Peel region)
Sentosa Charters (Kimberley region)
Smart Burn Pty Ltd (South West region)
BUSINESS WITH 5 - 10 EMPLOYEES
Combined Team Services (South West region)
Hopkinson Painting (Mid West region)
McLaren Hire Karratha (Karratha)
Ryan Waugh Hairdressing (Great Southern region)
BUSINESS WITH 10 - 20 EMPLOYEES
ERG Electrics Pty Ltd (South West region)
Life and Soul Fitness Club (Karratha)
Newmarketing Pty Ltd (Peel region)
Pumphouse Restaurant (Kimberley region)
INDIGENOUS BUSINESS
Brooking Transport (Kimberley region)
Civil Road and Rail SX5 Pty Ltd (Karratha)
Lombadina Aboriginal Corporation (Kimberley region)
The winners will be announced at a gala presentation evening on 6 November 2009 at the Perth
Convention Exhibition Centre.
Media contact: Di Graham (08) 9220 0218 or 0409 089 159.
16 September 2009
The West Australian Regional Small Business Awards have signed Sensis as a key sponsor for this year.
There are now 5,000 more reasons for home based businesses in regional Western Australia to get involved in the Western Australian Regional Small Business Award (WARSBA) program for 2009.
Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) Managing Director Stephen Moir, says having Sensis Business Index on board as a category sponsor is welcome news.
Sensis will join major event sponsors GWN Network and a star-studded line up of other sponsors for the biggest regional business awards event of the year.
The WARSBA's gala presentation night will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, 6 November 2009 and involve small businesses from all over the State.
"The WARSBA contest is the most exciting business awards program in Western Australia and we welcome the support of Sensis to boost our prize pool even higher," Mr Moir said.
Sensis will be sponsoring the Home Based Business Category which is awarded to the most outstanding regional small business operating at, or from a home base. Businesses that have won this category in their own regions this year will compete for this overall State prize.
"The winner of the Sensis Award will walk away with a $5,000 package of Sensis services including Yellow Pages advertising," Mr Moir said.
"For a small business operating from home, $5,000 worth of promotion and advertising in the Yellow pages is a terrific prize and will be a very useful boost for the business."
Media contact: Di Graham (08) 9220 0218 or 0409 089 159.
1 September 2009
A recent survey by the SBDC shows many small business operators have limited knowledge of their industrial relations obligations.
According to the Small Business Development Corporation’s (SBDC) latest survey, many small business operators are unsure whether their business is governed by State or Federal industrial relations (IR) laws.
The SBDC regularly polls its Ready Response Network as a litmus test of the small business sector in Western Australia. In this survey, participants were asked about their industrial relations knowledge and for feedback on the small business exemptions from Federal unfair dismissal laws. The survey coincided with the introduction of the new Federal industrial relations system, which came into force in July 2009.
SBDC Managing Director, Stephen Moir says there appears to be a lack of awareness by many small business operators of their industrial relations responsibilities.
The majority of respondents to the survey employed between one and ten employees with 39 per cent identifying as falling within the State IR system, 26 per cent within the Federal system and 36 per cent unsure of which system applied to their business.
“It is of concern to us that more than a third of respondents who employ staff are unaware of which IR system applies to their business and that they may not know of the employment standards that apply to their staff,” Mr Moir said.
“It was also significant that of those under the Federal IR system, 44 per cent were unaware of the recent changes, including changes to the unfair dismissal provisions for small business operators and as a consequence, the vast majority have made no changes to their business operations.”
Mr Moir says business operators wanting to know how the new laws will impact on their businesses, and what changes if any, should be made to their operations should contact the SBDC.
“We have a team of experienced business advisers who can help small business operators get on top of their industrial relations requirements as well as a dedicated IR specialist from the Department of Commerce Labour Relations Division to provide advice,” Mr Moir said.
“It may be as simple as establishing whether your business is governed by State or Federal IR laws, updating procedure manuals and making sure supervisors are aware of the changes.”
“We can also advise businesses on where to go for free confidential mediation services in the event of workplace disputes,” Mr Moir said.
Media contact: Di Graham (08) 9220 0218 or 0409 089 159.