Media Statements - A boost for home-based businesses (with pic)

30/11/00

The State’s home-based businesses have received a boost with the launch today of a guide for this growing sector.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business Hendy Cowan said 61.6 per cent of all Western Australian businesses were operated either at, or from, home.

“In line with trends throughout Australia, WA has experienced a rapid growth in the number of home-based businesses, particularly in the number being operated by women,” Mr Cowan said.

“Women account for more than two-thirds of all home-based businesses and this figure grows daily.

“An initiative of the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC), Home Truths addresses many issues, including balancing personal and business life, isolation and networks, finances and marketing.

“The reasons for the increase in home-based businesses are varied and include developments in technology that make home offices more feasible and affordable, the shift towards a service-based and knowledge-focused economy and the trend towards out-sourcing.

“There is also a desire among many people to take more control over their employment lifestyle.”

Personal benefits include self-accountability, freedom to choose projects, work styles and times, no office politics, a relaxed atmosphere, flexibility and an opportunity to create roles tailored to personal skills and goals.

Mr Cowan stressed that the challenges faced by home-based business operators were not overlooked in the book. These included little or no back-up, isolation, erratic workload and cash flow, the risk of not being taken seriously by prospective clients and the time needed to build up the business.

On a personal level, challenges included the difficulty of taking holidays and sick days, the need to separate home and business life and the need to switch-off and leave the office behind.

Mr Cowan said the information provided in the book complemented the guidance offered by SBDC and the State-wide Business Enterprise Centre network. York was chosen as the site of the launch because focus groups - held during the development of the book - were held in the region.

Home Truths is available from the Business Information and Licence Centre at 553 Hay Street Perth or via the SBDC website at http://www.sbdc.com.au

Media contacts: Peter Jackson (Minister’s office) 9222-9595
Tracy Taggart (SBDC) 9220-0222

Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan (left) with home-based business operators Ingrid Martin (IMA Ltd), Sally Edwards, Mary Henry (The Curiosity Company) and SBDC general manager George Etrelezis at the launch.

Small Business Minister Hendy Cowan launches Home Truths at York.