Resources and assistance schemes
General information
The WA Department of Consumer and Employment Protection has plenty of information and advice about the rights and responsibilities of consumers and businesses under the Western Australian fair trading laws. Give it a go.
For a wealth of information and services for people in business and those contemplating going into business try the Small Business Development Corporation.
If you’re interested in developing a home based business, check out the Home Based Business Network website. There’s information, guidance, an interactive forum, success stories and a kit that addresses all aspects of operating a business from or at home. There’s no place like home.
Doing Business in WA, provided by the State Library of Western Australia, has a range of resources to help you research and get started in your small business. It’s all there for you.
It’s important to understand business tax issues. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has a wealth of information about operating a business and financial matters. Follow the For Businesses link to GST essentials Don’t let tax be a tax on you.
Coming from the Queensland government, the Home Based Business Manuals site has lots of information and worksheets for you to use if you are considering a home-based business.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has great information on improving market conduct, enhancing competition, promoting fair trade and informing people in small business of their rights and obligations. Try their Small business easy access point. It’s not hard.
Check out your local Business Enterprise Centre. There are 37 independent centres throughout Western Australia. They provide free, independent, confidential and practical assistance on a wide range of business related issues. Follow the National Network link and find a centre near you.
The business.gov.au site is a gateway to all the government information and services you need for starting and running a small business. Check out their How-to Guides and Home-based business links.
NSW Business Chamber is a useful NSW site to check out. You'll find loads of information in their library about employment laws, financial management and the latest economic trends. It’s member-based but free to join. Make it your business to check this site out.
Assistance schemes
Follow the Business Assistance link on the Department of Industry and Resources’ Business and Industry site. They provide both financial and non-financial assistance to support economic development initiatives for a range of activities. You can plug into a huge range of business schemes and opportunities.
The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme is an assistance program offered by the Federal Government for job seekers who want to go into elf-employment. All the information and conditions are available on this job network site.
If you’re looking for assistance to help your business become more innovative and internationally competitive try AusIndustry. It’s the Commonwealth Government’s business unit for business assistance and information. You’ll find a number of assistance programs to help you.
Networks and associations
The Home based business network provides guidance and can connect you to others operating or starting a home based business. There are many useful tools here.
You’ll find networks and information for online small business at The Small Business Support Network.
If you’re interested in moving further a field, the Small Enterprise Association of Australia and New Zealand aims to promote communication and dissemination of research, ideas and information to develop small enterprise and enterprise management.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry has a whole range of services on offer including information on building, managing and maintaining your small business.
Try the Master Builders Association of WA to find what services they offer and how they represent members in the building and construction industry.
For professional services and training related to the transport industry, check out the Transport Forum of WA (Inc). They also lobby government on relevant issues.
The Retail Traders' Association of WA offers members help and advice on a range of issues, a monthly newsletter tailored to the industry and gives retailers a chance to have their say on policies and laws that affect their business.
If you’re interested in information technology and communications, the Australian Computer Society helps to promote standards, ethics, practices and policies for the benefit of members, organisations and the community.
The Motor Trades Association of WA (Inc) provides industrial and safety information and advice to assist and protect its members.
The development of the shearing industry is the aim of the Shearing Contractors Association of WA (Inc). It coordinates meetings and forums to address significant industry matters and provides training and consultation.
Advice to and representation of members of the restaurant and catering industry can be found on the Restaurant and Catering Association of Australia.
Special interest groups
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
If you’d like help to achieve increased economic independence by building, establishing and operating business enterprises go to the WA Department of Industry and Resources’ Business and Industry. Select Doing business in WA, then Aboriginal Economic Development from the menu on the right.
Check out Indigenous Business Australia for information about their skill development services and ways of financing a small business.
If you want to start up your own business but you’re not sure how to go about it, check out The Australian Government’s Indigenous Capital Assistance Scheme (ICAS). It has loads of information and provides culturally appropriate professional and mentoring support services to help you get started.
Try the Programs and services for Indigenous Australians section on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) site. You'll find links to information about programs and services to support and increase Indegenous involvement in business.
If you’re already in business but would like to develop and expand it, the Indigenous Small Business Fund (ISBF) can help. It can support any Indigenous community-based organisations to help Indigenous people learn about business, develop good business skills and learn ways of expanding a business.
Migrants new to WA
If you’re looking for assistance and support for business migration to Western Australia, The Small Business Development Corporation’s Business Migration WA is a great place to start.
People with disabilities
Want to find out what it’s like working in a small business environment? The Hills Community Support Group (HCSG) takes on contract work to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to work in a small business environment.
Young people
So you’d like to be an entrepreneur? Check out the Enterprise Network for Young Australians website for information about being entrepreneurial and for ideas and opportunities.
If you want to get into a business, try the Young Business Network. There’s lots of information, inspiration and support for you to get going.
Mature age people
If you’re thinking about taking up a trade apprenticeship in mid-career the Australian government’s Skills for the Future program provides financial incentives to help you.