How crowdfunding works

Are you an entrepreneur wondering how to fund your next big idea? Or maybe you’re an investor curious about tapping into the world of innovative startups? Crowdfunding could be the solution you’re looking for. Crowdfunding isn’t just about raising money—it’s about building a community, validating your ideas, and creating exciting opportunities. But how does it work, and how can you make it work for you? Stick around as we break…  Read more

What is a Trade Mark and how do I register?

A trade mark is a vital tool in protecting your business and building your brand. It can bring value to your business, protect your products from competitors and help create a brand that customers are loyal to. In this article, we will explain what a trade mark is, and the basics of trade mark registration. What is a Trade Mark? A trade mark is a sign that you use to…  Read more

The timeless wisdom of ‘The E-Myth Revisited’: Lessons for today’s business owners

Think back to when you started your business. What drove you? Maybe it was the dream of freedom, the excitement of being your own boss, or the simple fact that you loved what you did. Fast forward to now—are you thriving and in control, or are you stuck juggling a million things, feeling like you’re working harder than ever with little to show for it? That’s the exact scenario Michael…  Read more

Practice Update – March 2025

How to master employer obligations in 2025 Taxpayers who employ staff should remember the following important dates and obligations: Fringe benefits tax (‘FBT’) 31 March 2025 marks the end of the 2024/25 FBT year.  Employers should remember the following regarding their FBT tax time obligations.  They should identify if they have provided a fringe benefit.  If they have, they should determine the taxable value to work out if they have…  Read more

How to successfully negotiate the sale of your business

Selling a business isn’t just about signing on the dotted line and handing over the keys. For small business owners, it’s more than just a transaction—it’s often the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and dedication. Whether you’re passing the baton to focus on new opportunities or preparing for retirement, negotiating the sale of your business will determine whether you walk away satisfied—or leave money on the table. The…  Read more

Lessons from ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear

When you’re running a business, every day feels like a balancing act. Emails, meetings, planning strategies—it’s overwhelming. But what if the secret to long-term success wasn’t massive overhauls or inspiring “aha” moments? What if it was small, consistent changes that compound over time? That’s the premise of James Clear’s bestseller Atomic Habits, and it’s a game-changer for modern business owners. Here’s how some of the book’s most powerful lessons can…  Read more

Avoid a cash flow crisis with these simple tips

is crucial for small business owners. Even if your business is profitable, poor cash flow management can create significant challenges. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to help you avoid a cash flow crisis and ensure your business remains financially healthy. Understanding cash flow Cash flow refers to the money moving in and out of your business. Cash inflows come from sales, interest earned, and investments. Cash outflows cover…  Read more

What is Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)?

If you’re a small business owner or a startup founder, you’ve probably heard about Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). But what does it really mean, and why is it crucial for your business’s success? Understanding COGS isn’t just about accounting—it’s about making smart decisions for profitability, pricing, and more.  This blog walks you through everything you need to know about COGS, from defining the term to showing you how to…  Read more

Getting approved: What your bank really wants!

If your company is experiencing rapid growth, you might find yourself navigating a good news/bad news situation: while your sales figures climb, managing cash flow becomes increasingly complex, pushing you to seek additional financing to meet the rising demand. Consider this scenario: A well-known retailer expresses interest in your products, presenting an exciting opportunity that could significantly elevate your business. However, they have a requirement: they want a substantial discount…  Read more

Business Valuation is more than just profits

When it comes to valuing a business, most people’s first thought is straightforward—profits. While financial success is undoubtedly a critical aspect, it’s far from the only factor determining a business’s true worth. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, understanding the complexities of valuation can offer a clear roadmap for sustainable growth and long-term success. Here is a fresh perspective on what makes a business truly valuable. We’ll discuss traditional valuation…  Read more

Stop losing money! The job order costing hack every business needs to know

Ever wondered how companies price custom projects accurately? The secret can be found in a method called job order costing. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, understanding this process could be the key to increasing your profitability and ensuring that every job is priced just right. Welcome to a world where every material, man-hour, and overhead cost is meticulously tracked to unveil the true cost of doing business. Let’s explore…  Read more

Social media marketing basics

Social media can feel overwhelming. With so much noise and so many platforms, where do you start? The truth is, a great social media strategy can transform how you connect with customers and help to grow your business. The reach and accessibility of social media platforms are unprecedented. They connect businesses with a vast audience, in real-time. Besides their broad reach, social media platforms also serve as a valuable tool…  Read more

The human advantage: thriving in a tech-driven world

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We are currently witnessing a remarkable transformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. While these advancements promise to enhance efficiency and speed, business owners must recognise the enduring importance of soft skills in their teams for long-term success and competitiveness. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report highlights the disruption of skills we will see in the coming years, pinpointing critical competencies for future success: Analytical thinking Creative…  Read more

Business Update – 18 December 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Chalmers skirts budget deficit question Jim Chalmers declined to directly answer whether a total of forecasted $122.1bn in deficits will increase in the mid-year budget update set to be released on Wednesday. Appearing on Sky on Sunday, the Treasurer declined to directly answer whether the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal…  Read more

Business Update – 11 December 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Australia’s economy growing at slowest pace in decades, propped up by government spending Household spending did not pick up in the September quarter in the way economists were hoping. Australia’s economy recorded its weakest annual growth rate in decades in the September quarter, outside of the pandemic. Private demand…  Read more

Practice Update – December 2024

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Can staff celebrations attract FBT? With the holiday season coming up, employers may be planning to celebrate with their employees. Before they hire a restaurant or book an event, employers should make sure to work out if the benefits they provide their employees are considered entertainment-related, and therefore subject to fringe benefits tax (‘FBT’).  This will depend on: the amount they spend on each employee; when and where the celebration…  Read more

Business Update – 04 December 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Small-business complaints to AFCA on the rise The number of complaints raised by small businesses to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reached a record high in 2023-24, the agency reported. Small businesses took 4,466 complaints to AFCA in 2023-24, a rise of 17 per cent on the previous…  Read more

Business Update – 27 November 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. What the RBA is really looking at when it sets interest rates Eight times a year, the Reserve Bank meets to decide whether to raise, hold or cut interest rates. The decision impacts the 3.2 million Australians who have a mortgage on their own home and has flow-on effects across the entire…  Read more

Business Update – 20 November 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Is this employment data a sign we are nearing the end of the great resignation? New data on the Australian workforce could suggest the great resignation may be winding down, at least here in Australia, anyway. Findings from Mercer’s Total Remuneration Survey published as part of its Australian Salary…  Read more

Practice Update – November 2024

Hiring employees for the festive season As the festive season approaches, employers that hire new employees to help with their business should remember the following when it comes to their employer tax and super obligations: Employers should make sure they are withholding the right amount of tax from payments they make to their employees and other payees, especially as this will help their employees meet their end-of-year tax liabilities; Employers…  Read more

Business Update – 13 November 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Australia ‘not immune from trade tensions’, Chalmers says Australia’s economy will not be immune from escalating trade tensions, Jim Chalmers has warned, as the Albanese government prepares itself for an incoming Donald Trump administration. In a speech on Monday, the treasurer will outline the risks of an “uncertain world characterised…  Read more