Business Support Services
There are a range of free or low cost business support services offered by not-for-profit organisations as well as state and federal government agencies.
The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) offers free business advice to help current and aspiring small business owners in Western Australia.
The SBDC can assist with:
- starting a small business;
- business structures;
- writing your business plan;
- market research;
- developing your business skills
- business licences and permits; and
- online business resources.
The SBDC has a range of online resources to help you assess new business ideas and provides online advice on a range of topics including from marketing to business planning, intellectual property to employing staff and everything in between.
The Digital Solutions – Australian Small Business Advisory Services program works with small businesses to make the most of digital tools and offers broader advice specific to your business needs such as:
- how digital tools can help your small business
- websites and selling online
- social media and digital marketing
- using small business software
- online security and data privacy
Digital Solutions offers a 7-hour packaged service that includes 3 hours of one-on-one tailored support as well as group workshops or webinars
NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a free and confidential mental health coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners, including sole traders the support they need.
Over six sessions, coaches with a small business background will work with you to overcome difficult issues, providing you with practical skills to manage stress and get you back to feeling like yourself.
The service is free and confidential and is for businesses with less than 100 employees experiencing financial difficulties. Small Business Financial Counsellors are qualified professionals who assist with independent information, advice, support and referral.
Flexible appointment options are available.
If you need help, financial counselling can help you take control of your finances by:
- Helping you with Consumer Credit issues
- Giving you access to information such as pamphlets and budgeting sheets
- Providing information about policies and laws relating to bills, debts and fines
- Informing you about government assistance that may be available
- Helping you to develop money management skills
- Referring you to other organisations that may be able to help
- Outline your consumer rights and responsibilities
- Provide you with general information about Bankruptcy.
New Business Assistance with NEIS can help you turn your business idea into a viable business. Over the last 36 years, NEIS has helped over 194,000 people become their own boss by starting their own business. NEIS offers free accredited small business training, business plan development, business mentoring and, if eligible, NEIS Allowance.