Small business resources
If you own a small business, there are many free resources and services that can help you.
business.gov.au
business.gov.au is a great website to visit if you have questions about starting, running or growing a business in Australia. For example, it provides information about how to set up your finances, improve your cashflow, manage disputes and manage being in debt.
business.gov.au also provides helpful tools and templates, such as a cashflow template, marketing plan template and cyber security checklist.
Moneysmart
The Moneysmart website provides free tools, tips and guidance about money. For example, it provides information about:
Financial counselling
The Small Business Debt Helpline provides free advice for small businesses that are having trouble with their finances.
Mental health support
NewAccess for Small Business is a free mental health coaching program run by Beyond Blue. The program helps small business owners and sole traders manage stress and anxiety.
For more free resources and services, see business.gov.au’s page on Mental health and wellbeing support for business.
Loan and credit contracts
When you sign a contract for a business loan or credit, you should check the terms to make sure they are fair.
We have published an information sheet that explains how the law protects small businesses from unfair terms in contracts for financial products and services. It also outlines what small businesses can do if they think a contract term is unfair:
Information sheet 211 Unfair contract term protections for small businesses (INFO 211)
Resolving disputes with other businesses or government agencies
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) can help you resolve disputes with other businesses and government agencies. They can:
- provide you with information to help you resolve a dispute in a timely low-cost way
- help you access low-cost legal advice (eligibility criteria applies) and arrange dispute resolution, such as mediation.
For more information, see ASBFEO dispute support.
Information for companies
Running a small business as a company
If you run, or are planning to run, a small business as a
A company is a legal entity that is separate from the people who own and run it. A company must be registered with ASIC under the Corporations Act 2001. It has the same legal rights as a natural person. For example, it can get into debt, sue and be sued. Companies are owned by members (shareholders) and have officers who make key decisions.
Running a small business in Australia: What you need to know (PDF 2.8 MB)
Read the booklet in other languages:
Our website provides more information about running a company:
Sustainability reporting
Our website provides information about Australia’s mandatory sustainability reporting requirements and what it means for small business:
Sustainability reporting for small business
News and alerts
For the latest news and alerts from ASIC about small business, see our resources and news for business and companies.