Volume 4 Issue 4 April 2015
From the Commissioner
We often hear that small business is the engine room of the economy, and the lifeblood of the community, and I wholeheartedly agree.
But nothing brings this message home more effectively than counting how many times we engage with small business on any given day. I’ve recently moved house, not far, but far enough to need real estate agents, an electrician, a plumber, painters, removalists, cleaners and gardening contractors – a veritable army of small business operators.
I noticed how professional, skilled and considerate they were of my family’s needs. They recommended the services of other small businesses and they dove-tailed their services to complement each other. True professionals.
This year, all indicators show small business confidence remaining high, and our own Business Expectations Survey indicates small business owners are expecting to find and retain staff more easily in 2015.
I am pleased about the government’s intention to cut small business tax by 1.5 per cent and that there are some serious moves being made by State and Federal governments to cut red (and green) tape for small business. The cost of compliance, in time and money, has long been a problem for small business, so it’s encouraging to see it being acknowledged and addressed. The SBDC is playing its part in identifying areas of compliance for improvement or elimination.
We hope you enjoy this edition of the SBDC e-news and that our tax tips will help you prepare for the end of the 2015 financial year. If you are part of an organisation, we also encourage you to pass this information on to your members and associates.
David Eaton
Small Business Commissioner
Small Business Matters and Small Business Day – Saturday, 11 July 2015
The Small Business Matters project is designed to be a ‘movement’ with no one person or organisation owning or running it, but everyone joining in. An important element of the project is the inaugural Small Business Day on 11 July 2015. See how you can get involved … read more
SBDC Snapshot – Aboriginal Business Directory WA
The Aboriginal Business Directory WA, launched at the SBDC in October 2012, now has more than three hundred Western Australian Aboriginal businesses registered – many of which are involved in commercial projects around the State….read more
Check that load – new ‘Chain of Responsibility’ laws for small business
Small businesses transporting goods by road, or whose customers transport goods away from the business need to be aware of their responsibilities as new laws kick in on 27 April 2015…read more
Payments to affected businesses – 2009 home insulation program
The Australian Government has announced the development of a payment scheme in regard to the former Labor government’s Home Insulation Program. Businesses adversely affected by this program can register now….read more
Dealing with online reviews – good and bad
76 per cent of people read online reviews before choosing a local business and 80 per cent of consumers will change their purchase decision based on a bad review. Treating online reviews as feedback instead of criticism can help to improve your business in the long term. For our top tips for dealing with online reviews…read more
SBDC tax tips – what to do before 30 June
With just ten weeks until the end of the financial year, now is your last chance to get tax measures in place to maximise your benefits…read more
SBDC Small Business Bulletin Board
Check out what’s happening for small business in WA, from business awards to free offers…read more
Video of the month – Dealing with negative online reviews
If you’d like to have more confidence when handling negative online reviews, check out this month’s short video…here
SBDC Workshops for May 2015
The SBDC offers a range of practical, affordable business skills workshops for small business owners and operators. Whether you’re starting a new business or developing an existing business, our workshops can help you make better-informed decisions. For the full schedule of workshops in May… read more
