from Kochie's Business Builders

Looking to start a business but not sure where to start? There are a whole host of great resources out there to help you learn how to run a business, what you need to get started in business and some of the common challenges new business owners face. We’ve cherry picked the best of the bunch to help you on the road to small business prosperity.

Industry & Investment NSW’s Small Business Toolkit

You don’t have to run a business in NSW to take advantage of the wonderful array of resources in this great tool kit. If you’re just starting out you can use this website to work out whether being in business is right for you. The site will also teach you all about the building blocks of successful business ownership. It’s also packed with information about business planning, marketing, finance, employment, your legal obligations, and how to start exporting, as well as tips on how to develop the right leadership skills to steer your business toward success.

The site also helps to test your knowledge of the fundamental aspects of business and also walks you through how to set up business, marketing, finance and export plans. Go to http://toolkit.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/dsrd/index.php to get access to this great resource.

Other states also have great websites dedicated to supporting small business owners. Try:

• Business Victoria

www.business.vic.gov.au

• The Qld Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation www.business.qld.gov.au

• The SA The Department of Trade and Economic Development

www.southaustralia.biz

• The WA Small Business Development Corporation www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au

• The Tasmanian Department of Economic Development, Tourism and The Arts

www.development.tas.gov.au/business

• The Northern Territory’s Department of Business and Employment

www.nt.gov.au/dbe

Business.gov.au

The Australian Federal Government has useful advice for small business owners that can be accessed at its site www.business.gov.au. It covers things like business structures, how to choose a name and how to get great advice when starting a business. The site also addresses topical issues like how to meet your superannuation guarantee obligations, as well as advice about getting access to government grants.

Business Enterprise Centres Australia

Another great site for small business owners is run by Business Enterprise Centres Australia: www.beca.org.au. Use this site to find information on franchising, environmental management and how to run a home-based business. You will also find information on how to get in touch with your local BEC, as well as a calendar of events for small business owners in every state and territory.

Enterprise Connect

Enterprise Connect is a network of business advisers who give practical support to small business owners around the country. It includes a Manufacturing Network as well as Innovation Centres. The Manufacturing Network has centres located in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Burnie. There are Innovation Centres in Sydney, Newcastle, Geelong, Mackay and in Alice Springs. Go to www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au for more details.

Don’t forget the Kochie’s Business Builder website is also packed with information about how to get started and running your own business. Don’t forget to check out the site if you’re thinking about running your own show.