FAQAbout Southern Success Business Enterprise CentreWhat is Southern Success BEC?It is a not for profit organisation funded by the three levels of government. As a Registered Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) we are one of 10 BECs in South Australia and over 130 BECs nationally. What can you do for me?We can help you get your new business started and help existing businesses grow. Why should I come to you?Our qualified Business Advisers are experience in providing support to Small Businesses in a relaxed and confidential environment. Can SSBEC give me money?No, however we can help you identify and apply for grants that may be available. Are you a government agency?No, though we are funded by the three levels of government. How much will it cost me?Our services are free or low cost. Do I have to be a member to use the BEC?No, you can access our services without being a member however there are substantial benefits in being a member. Link to membership information Can I go to another BEC closer to me?Yes, while BEC boundaries are linked to the councils funding a BEC, the state and federal funding allows for a BEC to assist businesses outside of these boundaries. I have a business in another area but live in Onkaparinga; can I still come and see you?Yes, however it is important to tap into local knowledge so engaging with a BEC where your business is located is recommended. You can engage with more than one BEC. Can you come to me?Yes, it helps us understand your business better by seeing your operation. It is also beneficial for you to come and see how we operate. Are after hours appointments available?Where we can, we will always try to accommodate requests for after hours appointments. What hours is the SSBEC open?Office hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday except public holidays. Do I need an appointment to come see the SSBEC?Yes, so we can manage our time to assist as many clients as possible and avoid you waiting around. To what services is the SSBEC linked?We have an extending network of links. Links page.
Business LicensingDo I need a license to start a business?Most businesses require some form of licensing, whether it’s a general licence or and activity-specific licence. Business licenses include registrations, approvals, licensees, permits and other compliance requirements such as notifications. What licenses do I need?The types of licensees you will need will depend upon what type of business you are planning on opening. To find out what types of licensees your business may need, see http://sa.bli.net.au/ Where do I get licenses from?There are many places that you can get licences from depending on which license you need, for more information see www.safework.sa.gov.au How much will a license cost me?The cost of licenses will vary depending on what licence it is that you need. For more information see www.safework.sa.gov.au
Business PlanningWhat is a business plan?A business plan is a document that precisely defines your business; it identifies your goals and can be used as a guide to the day-to-day running of the business. Business Plan 1 Business Plan 2 Business Plan 3 Why do I need a business plan?A business plan is an essential element of running any successful business; it is a tool to keep you on track and to measure your progress. A business plan is also required for bank loans, tendering, grant applications and more. Talk to our business advisers on how a business plan can impact on your business. Click to download
Business StructuresWhat business structure should I use?The choice of a business structure is one area where you should seek professional advice from your accountant and also your solicitor. All aspects of each structure should be explored and a choice made which best suits the way you intend to run the business. More detailed information about each structure can be obtained from the information sheet titled "Business Structure" which is available from your local Business Advisory Service or Click to download
Where can I get statistical information on the local area?You could start with www.southaustralia.biz/EasyData that has the most up-to-date information on each region in South Australia. Another great one is the Australian Bureau of Statistics http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/nrpmaps.nsf/NEW+GmapPages/national+regional+profile?opendocument
Buying / Selling a BusinessWhat should I be aware of when buying a business?When purchasing a business, you should consider: The products and services offered by the business; the markets served by the business; the business' management team, personnel and internal operations; the condition of the business' books and finances; the nature of any contracts, agreements, or other obligations that the business is bound to or possesses the right to; a fair market value for the business; and the purchase terms for the business that can be supported by the resources of the business and the buyer - just to mention a few. To properly evaluate these things, a potential buyer will, at a minimum, require the expertise of an attorney, an accountant, a business appraiser, an experienced business broker, and a qualified business consultant . Click to download
Employing StaffHow do I go about employing someone?If you want to employ someone, you need to decide on their employment status and find out what requirements there are for the status you choose. There are also a number of obligations and laws that you need to be aware of when hiring people. For more information see www.business.gov.au or click here Click to download
GrantsWhat grants are available to me?There are grants available for many types of businesses. To see if you might qualify for a grant here are some sites, www.business.gov.au, www.pir.sa.gov.au, www.employment.sa.gov.au, www.southaustralia.biz Is there a grant for starting a business?There is no single grant for starting a business; however it is a good idea to check to see if your business will qualify for specific grants. Sites including www.business.gov.au, www.pir.sa.gov.au, www.employment.sa.gov.au, www.southaustralia.biz, may help to find out if you qualify for a grant. Will anyone give me money to start a business?No not everyone will give you money to start a business, however places like the NAB bank may be able to help you with finance in order to start your business. InnovationWhere can I get help ascertaining if my invention is commercially viable?Help on innovations can be found at the SA Centre for Innovation on www.centreforinnovation.org.au Is there any Government assistance for new inventions?Yes, the South Australian Centre for Innovation in association with the South Australian Department of Trade and Economic Development has two grants set up, the Small Business Development Grant and the Innovation development grant. For more information see www.centreforinnovation.org.au What is a confidentiality/secrecy agreement?Confidentiality Agreements, sometimes called Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) or Secrecy Agreements, are a legal document that you will need to use as you journey through idea evaluation, product development and business in general. For more information see http://xlinnovations.com/ip-protection/confidentiality-agreements/
InsuranceWho can I speak to about getting information about the different types of insurance that I will need?Depending on the type of business you are involved in, there are various types of insurance cover available. The easiest way to ensure that you are covered for what you need to be covered for is to appoint an insurance agent or broker to take care of your insurance needs. It may also be beneficial to speak to your industry association as they may be able to recommend insurers that specialise in your field. Click to download Intellectual Property (IP)What is IP?Intellectual property represents the property of your mind or intellect. It can be an invention, trade mark, original design or the practical application of a good idea. In business terms, this means your proprietary knowledge - a key component of success in business today. It is often the edge which sets successful companies apart and as world markets become increasingly competitive, protecting your intellectual property becomes essential. Click to download
LegalWhat agreements do I need to be aware of/need for my business?Distributor Agreement, employment agreement, confidential disclosure agreement, shareholder agreement, agreement to engage independent contractor and agreement to review are some types of agreements you should be aware of, however it’s advised that you see a professional for more information on the specific agreements for your situation. Click to download
Occupational Health and Safety/ Work coverWhat is OH&S?Occupational health and safety (OH&S) refers to the legislation, policies, procedures and activities that aim to protect the health, safety and welfare of all people at the workplace. What are my OH&S requirements?OH&S requires that employers provide a safe working environment, safe systems of work, adequate facilities, adequate OH&S information, instruction and training, adequate human and financial resources to implement OH&S strategies and safe and timely return to work programs for all injured workers. Click to download
TaxationWhat Taxes could affect my business?Pay As You Go (PAYG), Goods and Service Tax (GST), Payroll Tax, Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), Stamp duty may affect your business. For more information talk to your accountant or contact the Australian Taxation Office www.ato.gov.au |
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