Other helpful sites
Government
The appointment in 2016 of Kate Carnell as Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) was one of the best moves ever for the small business sector. The Ombudsman is a federal government appointed independent advocate for small business owners. Kate Carnell’s unit has already acted to help SMEs in areas like improving payment times, eliminating unfair contract terms and engaging banks and non-bank lenders to improve access to and understanding of SME finance options. The ASBFEO office also provides small businesses and family enterprises with assistance and advice should they find themselves involved in a business dispute.
The Federal Government’s Small Business Support Line provides advice to small businesses in areas like finance and cash flow management as well as advice on a range of other matters including registration and licences, government grants, business planning and marketing.
The ATO’s Small Business Assistance program is designed to help new and established businesses on a range of topics not just related to taxation.
ASICs Insolvency Guide for Directors should be compulsory reading for anyone who takes on the position of accompany director.
MoneySmart is a website by ASIC designed to help people including small business owners to better manage their financial affairs.
SME Groups, Industry Associations and others
Financing Your Small Business is a website developed by the Australian Bankers Association (ABA) with support from CPA Australia, COSBOA (see below) and the NSW Business Chamber to help SMEs improve their engagement with banks. The website contains useful tips and templates that will assist small business owners in areas like applying for a bank loan. The downside of this resource though is that it only mentions bank options which is perhaps understandable as the ABA represents the banks but it doesn’t reveal the full picture.
One of the most comprehensive and well presented websites comes from AABRS, a London-based firm of insolvency specialists that provides a range of services and advice to small businesses and individuals. Read more at A Complete Guide to Managing Small Business Finances
Flying Solo provides a broad range of resources for a community of over 80,000 micro and small business owners. There are different memberships packages including a basic free option.
The Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA) describes itself as “Australia’s peak body exclusively representing the interests of small businesses”. It acts as a voice for SMEs especially when dealing with government.
SME Australia is a private not for profit membership based organisation whose mission is to equip small businesses for success and economic growth.
Family Business Australia is the peak body representing family businesses in Australia and provides a range of services including key areas like Succession Planning.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry promotes itself as “the nation’s peak council of business organisations & the authentic voice of Australian enterprise & industry”. The ACCI website www.toobigtoignore.org.au promotes causes of interest to small businesses including reducing government red tape and simplifying the tax system.
The Australian Institute of Company Directors Company Directors Course is widely regarded and well worth undertaking particularly for first time company directors.
Victorian Leaders is a privately owned network that assists the next generation of leading companies through the sharing of experience, knowledge and leadership from industry experts. Similar chapters exist in other states of Australia.
Online Small Business Media
Free online information including articles on small business banking is available from a number of media outlets including:
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