Surf's up! Eastern Suburbs BEC launches small business website

Lack of work or sales remain the no 1 concern of Australia's SMEs: latest key findings from the Yellow Pages Business Index

Time running out for employers to fulfil super obligations: latest ATO report

Passionate about your business? Take a look at the Telstra Business Starters Program

ESBEC is a five star provider of the NEW Enterprise Incentive Scheme

Blitz your Business Plan!

Surf's up! Eastern Suburbs BEC launches small business website

We are excited to announce the launch of the first phase of our website this month, www.easternsuburbsbec.com.au. 

I invite you to explore the site where you will find plenty of information about our activities and how we can help you start and build your business. Phase 2 will bring even more resources and support.

We are also launching a sister site to ESBEC, www.clearlybusiness.com.au. This resource is directed at businesses which have passed the two year mark. We acknowledge that the needs of this sector are different from those taking the first vital steps in the business life cycle.

Whether a new or established business, I encourage you to enter your details in our Business Directory.

This valuable resource will allow you to promote your business and utilize the services of other businesses associated with ESBEC.  In this way we can build a network of small businesses which support and promote each other.

Please enjoy exploring the site, and don't forget to check our calendars for upcoming training and networking events.

Regards

David Baumgarten, Centre Director, ESBEC

Lack of work or sales remain the no 1 concern of Australia's SMEs: May 2003 Yellow Pages Index

According to the latest Yellow Pages Index we are seeing a slight drop in business confidence from a historically high base.

While confidence remains quite strong, both current perceptions and future expectations of the Australian economy strengthened further during the quarter.

However this was offset by a noticeable decline in the vast majority of business indicators. This was particularly the case for crucial indicators such as sales and profits.

In terms of current business concerns a lack of work or sales remain the No 1 concern of Australia SMEs, while the issues of the drought declined in significance since last quarter.

The Federal Governments 's approval rating with SMEs improved noticeably over the quarter. Other key findings from the Business Index are included in the following five sections of this Executive Summary:

For more details and an overview of the Business Index go to www.sensis.com.au

Time running out for employers to fulfil super obligations

The Tax office is warning employers to ensure they fulfil their Superannuation Guarantee (SG) obligations of face an audit and substantial penalties on outstanding contributions.

The warning follows the notification of 26,000 employers who have been identified as at risk of non-compliance as a result of Tax Office data matching.

Deputy Commissioner of Taxation Mark Jackson said the Tax Office is now following up some 21,000 of these employers who had not responded, asking them to clarify their position and ensure they understand their obligations.

"Employers who haven't fulfilled their SG obligations need to get their SG records in order and lodge an SG statement as soon as possible to avoid penalties and mounting up" Mr Jackson said.

"The community expects the Tax office to deal firmly with employers who fail to meet their obligations and so we will be pursuing those who have not responded".

 Employers who have not fulfilled their SG obligations will be liable for added cost and charges including penalty interest of up to 200% of the amount owing.

"A further 15,500 employers who came to the Tax Office's attention through employee complaints or through other compliance activities have been audited this financial year for failing to make SG contributions on time and in full." Mr Jackson said.

"The message to employers is clear. If you are not doing the right thing you will be caught and will face substantial penalties".

Superannuation Guarantee is the employer-funded contributions made on behalf of eligible employees. It is an amount equivalent to 90% of an employee's ordinary-time earnings.

From 1st July 2003, employers will be required to make SG contributions at least each quarter rather than at least once a year, as is currently the case.

Employers who are unsure of their obligations or who would like more information can contact the Tax Office Superannuation Info line on 13 10 20 for the price of a local call or visit the website at www.ato.gov.au/super.

Canberra

01 Jun 2003

Telstra Business Starters Program

Starting your own business can be one of the most exciting ventures you can ever undertake. But setting up a business also presents many choices and decisions that you may never had to deal with before.

That's why Telstra has developed a Business Starters program, designed to make starting your own business less confusing and less time consuming.

Telstra are working with selected Business Enterprise Centres to provided specific telecommunications information to small and startup businesses.

For more information and your Free Business Starters Pack go to www.telstra.com.au/starters/bec

ESBEC is a five star provider of the NEW Enterprise Incentive Scheme

The Eastern Suburbs BEC was one of a select number of managing agents who were awarded the converted "5 star ranking" as a provider of the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme.

This achievement takes into consideration a number of factors, most important of which is the number of businesses started that are still in operations 15 months after commencement on the program.

The ESBEC strike rate was 89%, which in itself is testimony to the business training provided, the twelve month mentoring, and the determination and entrepreneurial spirit of participants.

For more information on the program click here or to utilise the services of our businesses under this initiative visit www.neisdirectory.com.au

Blitz your Business Plan!

We have all heard the saying "if you fail to plan, then plan to fail" but do we apply it? Often not, because we can get caught up in the day to day details of our business and consequently fail to capitalize on new opportunities.

Businesses lacking focus and losing momentum is something that is very prevalent in Australia, particularly with new or growing enterprises. It is easy to lose sight of the vision for our business enterprise and forget to take the small steps every day that will move the business forward.

Without a clear and detailed plan this happens very quickly. It also happens if the plan is not regularly updated. To assist with ongoing effective business planning, Clearly Business has created the following programs:

Business plan blitz program: designed for people that are either starting a new enterprise or in an existing enterprise but operating without a detailed business plan. Covers all major aspects of marketing, finance and operations.

Business plan upgrade program: designed for people with a recently compiled business plan who desire to upgrade their plan regularly. Covers all major aspects of marketing, finance and operations.

To take advantage of this opportunity see the Clearly Business Training Calendar

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