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.
We’ve all been there at some point, unhappy at work and looking for a career change, or just wanting to make a go of it on your own. Starting a new business is a big deal. To help you decide if your business idea could work, we’ve put together some thought starters to get your head (and idea) in the right space. Is there a demand? If you think your...
It’s an unfortunate fact that small business owners are regularly the target of scammers – trying to take their money, business contacts, or business or personal identification details. Scammers often pretend to be from a government agency, like the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), or a well-known company you may have heard of, such as Telstra...
Thinking about using your know-how to start your own consulting business? Here are some important things to consider to help you make a business from your expertise.
Because intellectual property (IP) is not a physical asset, it can easily be overlooked. Safeguarding your business’s IP is an important step in developing and maintaining a successful business. Your business may have a wealth of IP, from the name on your door, to an innovative new process – consider the things that differentiate you from your...
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...
You may have seen recent media reports about insurance issues for a range of home-based businesses across Australia. If you’re starting a business, you can take steps now 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...
For self-taught bakers Sam Dawson and Rhiannon Moon, their successful business story has hinged on ingenuity, opportunity and sheer hard work – all in equal measure. A move from Perth to Albany revealed a gap in the market for traditional sourdough, at a time when the resourceful couple was tinkering with breadmaking at home. “We saw that there was...
The SBDC’s Small Business Friendly Local Governments initiative has celebrated five years and passing 50 members with local government stakeholders. Chief Executive Officers and economic development specialists from WA local governments joined the Minister for Small Business, Hon Reece Whitby MLA and Small Business Commissioner and Small Business...
Running a business is challenging, and while many business owners are focused on optimising sales, marketing and accounts, essential information technology (IT) requirements can be easily neglected. Here are five IT areas that are easy to do and can give your business a big boost. 1. Maximise your web presence When was the last time you gave your...
A business plan is a valuable document for business owners as it helps you clarify your thinking, set a tone and direction for your business and gain a deeper understanding of your market.
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...