A business is generally regarded as small if it has the following characteristics:

• it is independently owned and operated;
• it is a non-public company;
• it is closely controlled by owners / managers who also contribute most, if not all, the operating capital; and
• the principal decision-making functions rest with the owners / managers.

In most cases, small businesses have been identified for statistical purposes as businesses which employ less than 20 people, including non-employing businesses.

Small businesses represent 96% of all businesses in WA

Operating across a range of industries from manufacturing to business services, retail, transport and many others, small businesses are everywhere. Even in industry sectors where large businesses dominate, their success is still dependent on the support and expertise of smaller businesses.

Take a look at the latest information and data highlighting the valuable contribution of small businesses to the diversity of our economy.