Fast Facts

The Department of Business and Employment has produced a range of Fast Facts, designed to provide general information on common business issues.

Bad Debts

Bad debts are an unfortunate feature of doing business. A bad debt occurs when payment is not received for goods/services rendered.

Balance Sheet

The balance sheet sets out your assets and liabilities to show the net worth of your business. Assets owned less liability owed equal the net worth of your business.

Business Advice

A good accountant and lawyer is aware of the economic, legal and financial environment affecting business, so use their knowledge and experience to anticipate changes and plan for survival and growth.

Business Finance

It takes money to make money, and every small business needs money to get started, to operate, and to expand and grow.

Business Plan

Business Planning fast fact - planning is the key to the survival of your business.

Business Structures

One of the first business decisions you may need to make is to decide on the most appropriate structure for your business operations.

Buying a Business

Buying a business can be much less risky and more quickly profitable than starting your own business from scratch, but is not entirely risk-free.

Cash Flow Planning

Although profits from a business venture are a measure of success, the flow of cash in and out of a business can be said to be its lifeblood.

Copyright

This information sheet gives general information about copyright, including how to ensure that your business complies with copyright obligations in using material created by other people.

Exporting and Importing

Whilst there are no hard and fast rules for success in exporting, you will need to invest a great deal of time, effort and money in doing your homework.

Franchising

Franchising is one of the fastest growing business sectors in Australia. Franchising is a unique way of doing business, built on mutual trust.

Fraud in Business

Many business owners are unaware of the fraud risks inherent in their businesses and as a result, fail to adequately monitor these risks.

Home-Based Business

The main challenge of a home-based business is to overcome distractions and to be productive in an environment where it is all too easy to put it off until tomorrow.

Insurance for Business

Insurance is vital to guard you against your business being affected by actions that are not necessarily within your control.

Leasing Business Premises

It is always very important before you sign any lease or lease renewal option, that you always understand exactly what you are signing and you should always consult with a solicitor.

Marketing Your Business

Your business needs to offer goods and/or services that are unique, if it is to stay ahead of increasing global competition.

Names - What is the Difference?

Before you register your business name, you should be aware of the differences between a business name, a company name, and a trademark and what rights each of these provide to you.

Preparing a Business Profile

A business or company profile is a marketing document designed to catch the attention of and inform potential purchasers about your goods or services.

Profit and Loss Statements

The trading, profit and loss and appropriation accounts can be explained in three parts - the trading statement, the profit and loss statement and the appropriation statement.

Promoting Your Business

Promotion is a marketing activity that aims to persuade others and influence their attitudes and behaviour about your business and what you are selling.

Selling Your Business

The average life cycle for owning a business is between 7 to 14 years, and many people have thoughts of moving on around then.

Small Business Survival

Three major reasons cited for business failure are lack of planning, lack of capital and economic conditions.

Spam Legislation

Spam is the sending of unsolicited commercial electronic messages which includes e-mail, instant messaging and SMS.

Taxation

It is wise to budget for tax, like any other expense, and it is essential that you keep good records to substantiate your business income and deductions.

Tendering

A Tender is an offer to provide goods and/or services for a particular price and upon strict conditions. Tenders can include quotations, proposals, offers, and estimates, prices and bids.

What is e-Business?

e-Business (electronic business) is using technology to improve your business processes.