Get help for your business
There are many ways you can find and get help for your business. Our suggestions below are simply to get you started.
Talk with us directly
We understand operating a business can be complex and it can be overwhelming trying to find the right information.
Our support team can:
- provide information and support to businesses affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19)
- help you find information about government grants, programs and services
- provide information to help you start, run or grow your business
- assist you to use the online Business Registration Service
We’re available from 8am - 8pm, Monday to Friday, across Australia.
Network with your peers through events and workshops
Attend networking events and workshops to help you:
- stay up-to-date on industry and local information
- promote your business
- learn key skills from other businesses
The business workshops and seminars cover topics such as:
- planning for your business
- record keeping and budgeting
- understanding design and your intellectual property (IP)
Find grants and financial help
While the government generally doesn’t offer funding to start a business, there may be other forms of assistance available to help you.
Try searching for activities that suit your business, such as research and development, trade, innovation or employment.
Use our tool to find grants, funding or assistance programs to help your business succeed.
Find financial services and support.
Outsource tasks
Outsourcing some tasks may be more efficient than trying to do everything yourself. Tasks that are time-consuming or require specific skills may be better in the hands of a contractor or business that specialises in that field. For example, many businesses outsource for their website design, bookkeeping or information technology needs.
Talk to a business adviser
You don’t have to do it alone — working with an experienced business adviser or expert can help solve business problems, connect you to funding and grow your industry networks.
Chat to a business adviser or expert online, over the phone or face-to-face — some mobile advisers can even visit your business.
You can also contact your local Business Enterprise Centre to help you find a business mentor near you.
Government services
The ATO offers a number of online services for you to do your business reporting and transactions with them. These online options are convenient, secure and can be accessed at any time.
Most of your business reporting and transactions with the ATO can be completed online using:
- Online services for business
- Standard Business Reporting (SBR) enabled software
- MyGov - if you’re a sole trader.
The Department of Home Affair’s SkillSelect is an online service that helps you to quickly and easily find skilled workers from overseas to fill skill shortages. If you’re unable to find employees with the skills you need in your business, the service can help you to connect with potential overseas workers with the skills you are looking for.
Read more about sponsoring workers from overseas.
If you have employees, the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) is a free online service that lets you pay your employees’ super guarantee (SG) contributions in a single electronic payment. The SBSCH then distributes the payments to your employees' funds.&nbsYou can use this service if you have either:
- 19 or fewer employees, or
- an annual aggregated turnover of $10 million or less
Find out more about using and registering for the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House on the ATO website.
Stay Smart Online is an online safety and security website. The website can:
- help you understand the risks
- provide simple steps you can take to protect your online information
Ombudsman services
Small business commissioners and ombudsmen provide advice and can help you to manage disputes.
- Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) – provides information and assistance to small businesses, including referral to dispute resolution services.
- Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) – provides information and advice about Australia's workplace rights and rules.
- Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner – assists and advocates for small business in New South Wales.
- Small Business Commissioner South Australia – provides information and advice to help small businesses in South Australia resolve and manage disputes.
- Victorian Small Business Commissioner – supports Victorian small business and provides independent advice on business disputes.
- Small Business Development Corporation – provides free advice for small businesses in Western Australia.
Ombudsmen are also available to help resolve disputes within specific industries.
- Australian Financial Complaints Authority
- Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland
- Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria
- Energy Ombudsman Tasmania
- Financial Ombudsman Service
- Postal Industry Complaints (Commonwealth Ombudsman)
- Produce and Grocery Industry Ombudsman
- Public Transport Ombudsman
- Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
- Tolling Customer Ombudsman
If you have a dispute with a government agency, check the relevant government ombudsman website for available support.
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