New small business service starts today

• ​$10.7 million over three years for State-wide business advisory service
• Small Business Development Corporation initiative

Western Australia's 211,658 small businesses have access to a new, more efficient, advisory service with Business Local up and running from today.

Small Business Minister Joe Francis said the new service, which replaces the small business centre network, would be delivered by seven organisations to 12 regions covering the State.

"The State Government is committed to providing consistent, high-quality advisory services to support a dynamic small business sector.  Business Local will have a greater focus on service delivery and long-term client relationships," Mr Francis said.

"The new service will be overseen by the Small Business Development Corporation and will provide advice and guidance for owners starting a new enterprise or developing existing businesses.

"The new service will be a more structured process including initial assessments for small businesses, with follow-up support through all stages of their business development."

The Business Local service is the result of an extensive review carried out in 2014 that recognised the need for more streamlined services, better targeted to the needs of WA small businesses.

"We have vast distances to cover to ensure all businesses have access to the service, so various methods of service delivery will be available, from face-to-face and site visits, to phone and online alternatives," the Minister said.

The State Government has allocated $10.7 million over three years to provide the Business Local service across all regions of the State and the metropolitan area.

Fact File

• 211,658 small businesses in WA (55,203 in regional WA) representing 97 per cent of all businesses in the State
• Small business sector estimated to contribute $44 billion to the WA economy
• Small and medium-sized businesses provide more than three quarters of all employment

Minister's office - 6552 6500

Business Local providers and regions below: