Small business

Start-ups urged to start planning for carbon pricing

11:41PM | Wednesday, 9 November 2011 |  Experts say small businesses should plan early for the carbon tax, which passed through the Senate yesterday, by conditioning customers for price changes and promoting green credentials.

NBN Co. to offer tailored services to small firms

11:32PM | Wednesday, 9 November 2011 |  The National Broadband Network Company will allow wholesale internet service providers to cater for small firms and home operators, enabling businesses to tailor their broadband services.

A nearby business wants to strike up a partnership arrangement. Should I do this?

11:51PM | Tuesday, 8 November 2011 |  I say, seize the opportunity. But before you get too involved, make sure it’s all in writing so you’re all clear what you want out of the partnership.

Start-up team Print My Life win Startup Weekend competition

11:13PM | Monday, 7 November 2011 |  A hastily-formed group of strangers have been handed the chance to develop their venture in a top Singapore-based incubator after winning Melbourne’s latest Startup Weekend competition.

Should you be speed dating your mentor?

11:44PM | Monday, 7 November 2011 |  Mentorship no longer requires a lengthy courtship. Mentor network PushStart has introduced the concept of mentor “speed dating” for start-ups that need a quick-fire dose of advice from multiple industry experts.

Are there any good ways that we can keep our operational costs down in our new office?

11:37PM | Monday, 7 November 2011 |  Smart office managers tend to keep one eye on the bottom line and one eye on environmental performance, so reducing energy use is clearly a win/win proposition.

Funding and support failures holding back Aussie start-ups: Report

11:00AM | Monday, 7 November 2011 |  More needs to be done to improve start-ups’ access to funding and support, despite Australia’s status as one of the best places to launch a business in the G20, a new report claims.

WA Franchising Bill falls over but Liberal MP Peter Abetz still confident

11:25PM | Friday, 4 November 2011 |  Advocates of state-based franchising laws have suffered a setback after a private member’s bill in WA failed to pass through Parliament earlier this week, falling short of just one vote.

MYOB and PayPal launch eCommerce “starter package”

11:46PM | Friday, 4 November 2011 |  MYOB and PayPal have launched a new initiative enabling small businesses to set up a website and begin accepting payments within an hour, in a bid to cash in on the growth of eCommerce.