Small Business

COVID WRAP: WA records 617 COVID cases overnight as the opposition labels the state government's $67 million in business support evidence the initial package was "inadequate".

The City of Perth has offered free night time parking, free alfresco dining and $5,000 cash grants to support businesses as COVID-19 curbs visitor and worker activity in the CBD.

Industry groups are hoping the March 3 date to reopen Western Australia's borders will resolve skills shortages and provide certainty for businesses.

Perth has posted its highest inflation rate in 20 years, at 5.7 per cent in 2021, as national prices lifted 3.5 per cent.

Hepa filters, CO2 monitors and N95 masks should be on the list for WA businesses as they prepare for state borders to reopen, Andrew Miller says.

In four years, the owners of Flower Box Home Fragrance have transformed their brand from a home-based startup to a nationally recognised candle, diffuser, and perfume retailer.

Rising consumer spending has helped Western Australia’s domestic economy grow 0.6 per cent in the September quarter, while the national economy shrank 1.8 per cent.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA has condemned “concerning” reports that businesses may be forced to pay tax on grants they received during COVID-19.

Wages lifted 0.8 per cent in the three months to September in Western Australia, slightly more than the national increase.

Perth retailer Daneechi Swimwear continues to carve a niche in a saturated market.

Growth in Western Australia’s domestic economy was the second lowest nationally in the June quarter, but state final demand was still 12 per cent larger than June quarter 2020.

Losses due to the pandemic have led to some upheaval in the sector.

The state government will have a chance to alleviate rising cost and wage pressure for small businesses in its upcoming budget.

The state’s peak industry body has vowed to defend allegations its CEO told a staff member her family obligations meant the organisation ‘may not be the place for her’.

Business registrations in Western Australia hit the highest level in at least 10 years, recent data shows.

The number of businesses collapsing in Western Australia fell by almost half in the 2021 financial year, matching decreases across the country.

Cheeky Brothers is scaling up production capacity after signing a deal with Coles.

Rising fuel and rent costs have contributed to a spike in inflation in Perth, with prices up 4.2 per cent in the year to June.

Four companies including VeinTech and Vision Pharma have been selected as finalists in the Great for the State category at the Innovator of the Year Awards.

The state opposition has slammed the state government over the eligibility criteria attached to its latest COVID business relief package which result in a raft of businesses being excluded.

A rise in the number of men seeking work has led to a rise in the state’s unemployment rate by almost 0.5 percentage points in June.

The state government has announced a $41.5 million support package for the thousands of small businesses affected by last week’s four-day lockdown.

The state government has tasked Treasury with assessing potential compensation for small businesses affected by the latest snap four-day lockdown.

The state’s unemployment rate may be nearing the full employment level, the state’s business lobby has warned, amid concerns about a worker shortage.

A COVID-19 restructure supercharged T-shirt business Oli’s evolution.

It’s instructive for businesses to examine how their own startup ‘teaser deck’ may look.

The state’s peak business association has called on the state government to increase its relief for businesses affected by the lockdown and subsequent restrictions.

Work to improve access for vendors at Yagan Square will get under way within weeks, new Lands Minister Tony Buti says, after the precinct suffered a wave of closures.

RAC’s BetterLabs Ventures has closed four new deals, including an investment into a previous Business News 40under40 winner’s startup, The Volte.

The Morrison government has cautioned against a major increase in Australia's minimum wage, citing concerns about job creation.

Australia’s second oldest family business, Lionel Samson Sadleirs, has sold its Plantagenet Wine business to Tom Wisdom, a sixth-generation descendant of founder Lionel Samson.

Growth in Western Australia’s internal economy was slower than most other states in the December quarter, while national output grew 3.1 per cent.