Resources for small businesses
The following resources range from general information by the Australian Taxation Office to personalised one-on-one resources in the local area, to help build resilience and support small businesses before and during this period of construction. TMR will also work with the appointed contractors to identify and minimise impacts to the community and local businesses throughout delivery of the project.
Logan City Council (LCC) are your local advocates and can connect you with resources and services to grow your business.
- Logan Office of Economic Development (LOED) – LOED is a division of the LCC dedicated to the economic prosperity of the City of Logan. Their website hosts a suite of resources and information aimed at growing businesses within Logan, and their business support service provides free and low-cost services including:
- confidential one-on-one meetings/consultations
- referrals to relevant programs and services
- assistance with council requirements
- business workshops in partnership with various organisations
- combined LOED and Chamber of Commerce Events (more information on local Chambers of Commerce included in the “Network” resources)
- linking your business to local opportunities
- assistance finding local staff.
- LCC Library Business resources – Run by LCC, your local library has more than just books to check out. From their website you can access short business courses from Lynda.com and upskill in technology skills through The Computer School. The library itself offers The Hive, a coworking space for use by small business owners, and Logan West Library offer the Creative Lab, where business users can access commercial design tools and business resources.
Brisbane City Council (BCC) has a range of resources targeted toward supporting and encouraging economic development within the City of Brisbane.
- Doing business in Brisbane – BCC is committed to supporting Brisbane businesses. On their site you can find useful information for a business of any size within the City of Brisbane as well as a link to their Facebook community. BCC also runs 133 BNE (133 263), a 24/7 business hotline.
- Suburban Business Hub, Nundah – The council run Suburban Business Hub is a free space for local businesses to work, meet and grow. In addition to regular events and workshops, there are Council officers onsite to provide more information on council-run business support.
The Queensland Government recognises the importance of small businesses within local communities and facilitates a number of programs designed to support small businesses to operate and thrive.
- Business Queensland - Business Queensland is a resource hub that covers the essentials of operating a business in Queensland, with information on all topics including:
- finance, accounting, and profit
- employing and managing people
- marketing and sales
- digital business and IT
- business planning
- suppliers and stock management
- legal obligations and consumer laws
- environment and business
- workplace health and safety
- managing risks.
They also offer online tools such as the Business Launchpad, business health checker, a market research kit and performance assessment tools. If you would prefer to speak with someone by phone, there is a small business hotline available at 1300 654 687.
- Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) - The QSBC was formed as a response to the unique challenges small businesses faced during the COVID-19 pandemic but was transitioned to a permanent service in 2022. Their main function is to enhance the operating environment for small businesses in Queensland, and reduce the time and costs associated with resolving disputes.
- Queensland Revenue Office (QRO) - Understanding tax obligations as a small business can be challenging, but the QRO website covers off on the essentials such as understanding when and how to register for Payroll tax, a list of taxable and non-taxable items and available exceptions and allowances.
Running a small business in Australia requires an understanding of your obligations under the law when it comes to things like trading, advertising and employment. The following resources provide insight on how to meet these legal obligations.
- business.gov.au - An Australian government website which provides information, grants, services and support from across government to help your business succeed.
- Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) - The ACCC is an independent Commonwealth statutory authority that regulates competition and fair trading in Australia. They can provide information about your rights and obligations under law, accept reports of concerning practices and behaviours, and refer you to another agency if required.
- Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman - As the name suggests, the ASBFEO provides specialised support for small businesses and family enterprises including assistance with dispute resolution, advice on policy and advocacy.
- Fair Work Ombudsman - The Fair Work Ombudsman can provide information to help ensure small businesses are following the laws that make all workplaces equal and fair.
A 2022 report into small business owners and their experience with mental health and wellbeing indicated that mental ill-health is higher than average amongst this group, who are also less likely to seek support. Your business cannot run without you, so the time taken to care for your mental health is a worthwhile business investment.
- Beyond Blue NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO) – NASBO is a confidential guided self-help mental health coaching program funded by the Treasury. The program is run over 6 sessions and guided by a trained mental health coach with a background in small business. It is a free service and does not require a GP referral.
- Ahead for Business – Another Treasury funded initiative, Ahead for Business is a digital hub developed with and for small businesses. The hub provides tailored resources, peer support, check-ups and personalised action plans and showcases the experiences of small business owners through podcasts, videos, blogs and case studies.
- 1300 MH CALL: Mental health access line – Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) is a confidential mental health telephone service provided by the Queensland Government. The service is staffed by professional mental health clinicians and can be accessed by anyone in Queensland.
Online resources and hubs to help connect your business with potential employees.
- Logan Jobs – LoganJobs.com.au is an online job board connecting local people with local jobs.
- Workforce Australia – An Australian Government initiative that provides information and services for small businesses to find, recruit and train staff.
- JobAccess – A national hub which provides advice and support for businesses employing people with disability to facilitate more inclusive workplaces.
The following sites contain information developed to help small businesses understand and manage financial concerns such as tax, debt and tenancy agreements.
- ATO – The Australian Taxation Office small business page includes learning resources, tools and services to support small businesses understand and fulfil their tax obligations, including calculators, tools and even Podcasts and videos on tax and super.
- Small Business Debt Helpline – A free, independent and confidential helpline staffed by small business financial counsellors who can provide advice to anyone struggling with business finances. They can provide information on loan repayments, bills, leases and rent, bankruptcy and insolvency, as well as how to find and apply for government funding, programs and events for small business owners. You can call Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm AEDT on 1800 413 828.
- Small Business Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland - Funded by the Queensland and Australian governments, this organisation provides free, impartial and confidential financial counselling and business wellness coaching to small businesses in the southern Queensland area.
Tips and tricks for businesses from online and offline safety experts, as well as resources that are available if your business is ever the victim of criminal activity.
- Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) – In the 2021-2022 financial year, the average cost per cybercrime reported rose to over $39,000 for small businesses. The ACSC has resources available to help small businesses improve their cyber security.
- Business security (QPS) – Information from the Queensland Police to help you assess your business security and identify ways to make your workplace as safe as possible.
Connecting with likeminded people can be an invaluable source of local and technical knowledge, as well as professional and personal support.
- Beenleigh and Yatala Chamber of Commerce – The Beenleigh Yatala Chamber of Commerce facilitates local business networking events, offers education opportunities, represents the needs and values of businesses within the community and provides members with opportunities for promotion.
- Logan Chamber of Commerce – The Logan Chamber of Commerce represents the Logan business community through connection to all tiers of government and industry, as well as providing a place to connect for local business owners.
- Business Chamber Queensland – The state-wide Chamber of Commerce, providing support, connection and advocacy for businesses all over Queensland.
- Mentoring for Growth – A Business Queensland initiative that connects eligible businesses with mentors to help them grow and thrive in the current business environment.
Hear from leading business experts from the comfort of your home, commute or office.
- Tax inVoice – A podcast released by the ATO which explores different elements of tax and super information.
- Bouncing Back – Listen to a 6-part podcast series designed to share the voices of small business owners and how they tackle challenges.