Sources of Information

An SME owner cannot know everything; that’s why knowing where to find information from other people and organisations is critical.

• Professional advisors: accountants (financial advice), solicitors (legal advice), bank managers (business / financial advice), management consultants (specific issues). Each of these professional advisors run their own businesses in dispensing this advice; it must be paid for (expense) but can have huge benefits in the long run.

• Government agencies: Business Enterprise Centres (BEC), business.gov.au, asic.gov.au. State and Federal Governments want your business to succeed and they provide advice on all aspects of establishing your business.

• Other: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Industry Associations, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Small Business Association