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The ultralight start-up: how to launch a business without clout or capital
David Wilson Launching a start-up is easier than ever. But, because entry barriers verge on non-existent and everyone wants to be the next Facebook, Twitter or Dropbox, competition is fierce.
Severely late bills hit one-year high
Chris Zappone The number of bills being paid "severely" late by Australian businesses have hit a one-year high, rising by almost 30 per cent in the December quarter.
Big rise in business failure rate
Clancy Yeates The number of corporate insolvencies has surged to its highest level in more than a decade.
More small companies fear damage from high dollar
Clancy Yeates More than on third of small companies in survey cite strong Australian dollar as a concern.
Bad debts: tardy payers hurt small business
Christopher Niesche For a small business, a couple of bad or late payers can be devastating, putting the business under financial stress or potentially dragging it under.
How to start a multi-million dollar venture with $10,000
Tony Featherstone Consider this: a young entrepreneur starts an online furniture retailer with $10,000. Another starts an online pharmacy with $20,000, and a construction franchise gets going with $25,000.
How to increase prices without alienating clients
Christopher Niesche Increasing prices can be tricky at any time, but in the current soft economy small businesses risk losing customers if they mishandle the price rise.
Retail
American retailers are coming, but there's no cause for alarm
Michael Baker Big US retailers such as Gap are said to be eyeing off the Australian market, but small operators here shouldn't panic, writes Michael Baker.
