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Australian Government Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
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Small Business 

This area of the site is intended to provide a brief overview of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research's role in assisting the small business sector, as well as a range of small business information.

In short, the Department is a focal point for the development and consideration of small business policy issues within Government. It is responsible for promoting and maintaining links across the Australian Government departments and agencies responsible for implementing elements of the Government's small business policies.

Among the Department's key objectives in relation to small business are to:

  • provide policy advice and support to portfolio Ministers on small business issues
  • ensure effective delivery of small business programs for which it has policy responsibility
  • build and maintain effective links with small businesses and their representative organisations and
  • foster an understanding of the critical factors influencing the start up and growth of small firms and the small business sector generally.

For further information relating to small business, visit the business.gov.au website. 

Key facts and statistics

Key facts and statistics about small businesses.

Independent contractors

Information for independent contractors and the businesses that engage their services.

Support for small business

The Small Business Ministerial Council (SBMC) provides a forum for Ministers to discuss small business issues and promotes a national approach to small business policy and development.

The Small Business Advisory Committee (SBAC) has been established as part of the Government’s Better Regulation Agenda.  The SBAC is responsible for reviewing and providing expert advice on regulatory proposals that have a significant impact on small business.

The Australian Government is providing $125.2 million over four years from 2010-11 for the Australian Business Number (ABN) Business Names Registration Project.

The 'Look before you lease: Avoiding the pitfalls in retail leasing' booklet gives warnings and checklists to help people decide how and when to ask for expert help when signing a new lease for a business location.

On 27 August 2008, the Commonwealth Government responded to the Productivity Commission Inquiry: The Market for Retail Tenancy Leases in Australia.

The Legal Help Guide for Small Business provides information about legal issues affecting small business, sources of assistance, and preventative measures.

Small Business Impact Statement

The Guide to Preparing a Small Business Impact Statement assists Commonwealth Government departments and agencies to prepare a Small Business Impact Statement as part of the policy development process.  The guide provides assistance on how to identify and assess the impact of policy proposals on small business and inform decision-makers about these impacts.

Working with contracts

A guide for small business on working with contracts.

The Liability Risk Assessment Guide for FMA Act Agencies encourages procurement officers to eliminate the use of any onerous tender and contractual requirements that seek to unnecessarily shift risk to business. Suppliers (particularly small business suppliers) can also benefit from gaining an understanding of its existence and contents when negotiating procurement contracts with FMA Act agencies.

Codes of conduct

Background information about the Franchising Code of Conduct.

The Code of Conduct for the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry commenced on 1 September 2006.  

Dispute Resolution

An options paper examining proposals to establish a national dispute resolution service for small business has been released for comment.

 

 Recent Updates

 

Small Business Support Line

The national Small Business Support Line provides small business owners with a single point of contact for access to information and referral services to improve their business sustainability and better manage their business.

Telephone: 1800 77 7275
[Monday-Friday I 8am-8pm AEDST]
Email: SBSL@innovation.gov.au

The Small Business Support Line also maintains the Small Business Credit Complaints Clearing House Form.