Small businesses make up the vast majority of economic activity in Australia. This chapter outlines the main legal issues confronted when commencing, operating and dissolving a small business. The Law Handbook also contains other information relevant to business, such as employment, tax and dealing with customers.

Reading this chapter will only give you a guide and is no substitute for obtaining professional advice suited to individual situations. Seek advice from a private lawyer or an accountant about running a small business.

The Office for Small and Family Business has a number of resources and workbooks that may help those going into business and can be contacted on 08 8429 3801.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman can help small business owners by providing access to dispute resolution services, as an alternative to going to court, and can provide resources and advocacy.

The National Debt Helpline has financial counsellors with specific knowledge about small businesses (less than 100 employees) and crisis relief measures.