RESOURCESThere are many more resources available on this site to members.
Business Names, Company Names, Domain NamesWhen you choose the name for your new business/company or select an Internet domain name you are creating an identity for your business. Your identity distinguishes your goods and services from your competitors so it is important that it is memorable, meaningful and protected. Business, company names and domain names are best protected when they are also registered as trade marks. Click to download Business Licence InformationSurprisingly few businesses need licences, permits or approvals. However, the problem for business owners or their advisers is knowing which licences may apply. The Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED), as well as the Business Enterprise Centre Network and Regional Boards, offer a centralised and constantly updated database of information on all Commonwealth, State and Local Government licensing needs. Click to download Business NamesOnce you have made a decision on a name for your business it is simply a matter of checking the register of existing names at the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA) to ensure that the name you have chosen is not being used by someone else. You then fill out a form and pay a set fee. This registers your right to use the chosen name for three years, after which time you must renew the name if you are still in that business. You should have some alternative names in mind in case the name you want to use is already registered to another business. Click to download Business PlanningA Business Plan describes a business opportunity. It is like a road map because it tells you what to expect and what alternative routes you can take to arrive at your destination. A number of research studies have indicated that successful small business managers set realistic goals and plan how they are going to reach them. Planning helps you to work smarter rather than harder. It keeps you future-oriented and motivates you to achieve the results you want. Perhaps most importantly, the process of completing a Business Plan enables you to determine what commitment you need to make to the venture. Click to download Buying a BusinessSome points to consider before buying a business. Click to download Buying a FranchiseSome points to consider before buying a franchise. Click to download Choosing a Business StructureIf you are starting out in business or changing the nature of your business, how are you going to choose which business structure is the best for you? Three ways of organising and operating a business are set out below to help you compare the benefits and advantages of each. If you want more information on Partnerships or Proprietary Companies you should refer to the separate BIZFACT sheets available. Click to download Co-operativesA co-operative is an entity voluntarily owned and controlled by the people for whom it was established and who use its services. A co-operative may be formed for the provision of goods or services to its members or for the supply of goods or services to the general public. There are two types of co-operatives under the Cooperatives Act 1997 (the Act): Trading co-operatives - These have a share capital and may distribute profits. Non-trading co-operatives - These do not distribute profits or surpluses to members. They may or may not have share capital. Click to download Electronic CommerceThe main business uses of the Internet:
· To give businesses the competitive edge by researching information on specific industries. Keep in mind that your competitors can also see what you are doing. Click to download Employee or Independent Contractor?A number of matters should be addressed when considering whether a person is an employee or an independent contractor. The criteria set out in this BIZFACT, whilst relevant, should not be regarded as being conclusive. It is not uncommon for some employers to categorise people who were formerly employees as independent contractors in the belief it leads to certain savings, eg. in payroll tax and other statutory entitlements which apply to employees but not to independent contractors. Click to download Employing People in your BusinessThere are several things you should check before deciding to take on your first employee. A little homework will make things easier, cover all the legal aspects and help you to achieve your goal of increasing your productivity and profitability. Follow the steps outlined in this and our other BIZFACTS, consult our business advisers and you will be ready to make the right decision. Click to download Family BusinessThe Family Business Advisor - Newsletters from Family Business Group. Jan '10 Feb'10 July '10 Franchise GuideIf you are thinking about buying, extending or renewing a franchise, you are going to have to make some major commercial decisions. To make the right ones you will need information about the franchisor and its operations. The Franchising Code of Conduct can help you to make better decisions because it requires franchisors to disclose specific information about their business and to follow some rules in their dealings with you. The code is backed by the law. Franchise Guide Help for small businessWhen planning your business, these agencies may be able to help. Click to download Marketing GuidelinesMarketing is often confused with the function of sales. These two functions are combined in many companies and indeed sales is part of the marketing process. However, sales is a very focused function; that of convincing a potential buyer to buy a specific product or service. Marketing, on the other hand, is much broader in that it spreads across many disciplines, beginning with the identification of a need, determination of a solution for that need and a delivery system for the solution. Marketing is in contact with all the business disciplines to identify and satisfy that need. Marketing runs across all functions of a company and is intertwined with everything from product design to manufacture, financial control to sales. Click to download PartnershipsIt is an agreement between two, and up to 20 people, to carry on a business together for profit, with the partners each contributing time, talent and money to the undertaking and sharing the management responsibility. It must be a continuing, not a one-off venture. Generally a Partnership means that you and the others share the profits and accept unlimited personal liability, both jointly and individually, for the debts and losses incurred. Click to download Proprietary CompaniesIf you are thinking about setting up a proprietary company are you really aware of the duties and responsibilities involved? This is set up under a formal legal agreement and gives the company a separate identity (legal entity) from the people who own and manage the business. By law the company is considered to be a person in its own right with the legal and financial obligations that a person might have. It is owed a duty of care by the people who operate the business. Click to download Business BuddyA list of organisations that give small business information and assistance. Click to download Starting Your Own BusinessHave you asked yourself why you want to start in business? Is it because you want to invest your money, time and talent in a profit-making venture, or are you trying to buy yourself a job? Many people find that their hopes turn into a struggle to survive on less than they would have received through regular employment because they have not done their homework. Click to download Using your home as a business premisesIf you want to use your home as a place of business then you must be aware there are controls on the kind of business activities (classed as home activities) that may be allowed under the regulations of the Development Act. These ensure that any use of residential areas for business purposes will not cause problems through noise, traffic, pollution or any visual evidence of a business activity that will affect the quality of life in a neighbourhood. Before you approach your local council for permission to use your home as a business premise, you should be aware of the following points: Click to download |
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