Have you found yourself in a situation where you’ve finished a job only to discover you’ve only just broken even or perhaps actually lost money due to underquoting? First of all, don’t beat yourself up. Most small business owners discover at some point, particularly when starting out, that they have underquoted. Here are some tips to help you avoid...
There’s a common myth in small business that it’s a waste of time and effort to register for goods and services tax (GST) before your business generates $75,000 in revenue each year. Here’s the truth behind that myth and why you might need to consider GST registration sooner than you think. When you’re just starting out or coming through a tough...
When opening and evolving their landscaping supply business in Albany, owners Jane and Ian sought guidance from advisers at the Albany Business Centre, the SBDC’s Business Local provider in the Great Southern. Designer Dirt in Albany is more than your average landscaping supply centre. Opened in 2012, the business could be seen as an extension of...
As you dive into the new year in small business, it’s important to take stock of your achievements during the past 12 months and to set your business goals for the next. We have put together a few tips to help ensure smooth sailing in the year ahead. Get on top of your finances Take some time to put your finances in order by reviewing your...
While some businesses have their peak season over the Christmas and New Year period, other businesses experience a lull or schedule a shutdown. If December and January are usually quiet for your business, you can plan ahead to make the most of your downtime. At the end of a busy year, it’s important to take some time to relax and recharge when...
If you’re like many business owners, you might find yourself putting off certain tasks, actions or decisions until after the Christmas break. Here’s your festive inspiration to take action now. We asked our business adviser, Peter Frey, for his thoughts on what kind of actions business owners tend to delay at this time of year – and what to do...
When deciding to structure your business as a Pty Ltd Company, it’s important to understand exactly what protections operating under a company structure does and doesn’t offer. An incorporated company, often recognised by the addition of Pty Ltd after the company name, is one of the structures you may consider for your new business. A company is a...
The start-up costs calculator will help you work out the costs involved in starting and running your business.
Accessing the free advisory services available from state and federal governments can help small business owners avoid the costly mistakes others have made when it comes to wages and underpayments. Celebrity chefs and national convenience store franchises have done much in the past few months to throw the issue of staff wages and underpayments into...
Three new local government authorities are commencing the SBDC’s Small Business Friendly Approvals Program to streamline their licencing and approvals processes. The City of Karratha, City of Busselton and Town of Cambridge are the latest local government authorities to start the journey of examining and improving their regulatory processes through...
Learn how to use Instagram as part of your overall social media strategy to effectively engage and grow your audience.
The way you’re feeling can often be aligned with how well your business is doing. The thought of whether you can pay the bills or wages, or whether your business can actually continue, are burdens that can weigh heavily on any business owner. There are a number of ways you can manage any stress and anxiety you are feeling. Unfortunately due to...