Advice & resources that support your business.

RESOURCES for Business including COVID-19 response

The main focus for business is responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Both the Australian and State Government have released stimulus packages to support businesses during this time and the Polaris Business and Innovation Centre has set up sessions to help you navigate through the Government subsidies, or just call 8260 8205 to arrange a time. We are also sourcing other information to help you through this time.

Business resources

Coronavirus Business Support News Update
The following information is provided in supporting business responding to the Coronavirus. Please call us on 8260 8205 if you would like help with Covid-19 related matters.

As South Australia enters Recovery step 2, from 1 June 2020, we will have increased opening up of businesses. Businesses reopening after COVID-19 restrictions will need to create a COVID-Safe Plan. Business allowed to reopen from 11 May as part of Step 1 of South Australia’s Roadmap to Recovery also must complete a Plan before 1 June 2020.

The Australian Taxation Office has extended the enrolment period for JobKeeper until 31 May 2020, and is providing key information on the ways to access of a number of the Australian Government support packages.

Small businesses and not-for-profit entities (with annual turnover of more than $75,000 (excluding GST) that employ South Australians who have been highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may also be eligible to receive a South Australian Government $10,000 Emergency Cash Grant to support the operation of their business. Applications close 1 June 2020. The SA Government has an information hub providing advice, updates and support to help your workplace plan and respond to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Both the Australian and State Governments have regularly released information on stimulus packages to support businesses during this time. For more information:
- This Australian Government website is regularly updated to give you the latest coronavirus news, updates and advice from government agencies across Australia.
- View Commonwealth Government support for business.
- The Federal Treasury website provides information on support packages for small business.
- The Commonwealth Government's business Infoline is available if you need to discuss your situation: Call on 13 28 46 (7 days a week – 7am to 9pm AEST).
- The SA Government’s Department of Treasury website has details including measures relating to payroll and land tax.
- The Fair Work Ombudsman can provide information in relation to industrial relations matters.
- Office of the Small Business Commissioner - can offer you assistance with business to business disputes, retail and commercial leasing and provide you with information and material in relation to starting your small business.
- Business SA has COVID-19 resources for business.
- Safe Work Australia has a range of printable signs and notices for your workplace that cover all aspects of hygiene and advice of business change to operations due to COVID-19.
- The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has the latest information on the rights and obligations of small business in response to events caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Australian Government Jobs Hub – In this ever changing environment, the Australian Government is supporting businesses and those Australians looking for work, through a centralised Jobs Hub. If you are a business with bulk opportunities available, register to have these added to the database. If you are looking for work, search the opportunities available in SA.
- Beyond Blue have issued some timely advice for small business owners, sharing strategies for managing your mental health through COVID-19.
Additional resources that we have found useful:
- Small Business Commissioner's Navigating Your Business Through the Covid-19 Pandemic provides webinar and slides of an event on 23 March 2020.
- CPA Australia has COVID-19 Business advice.
Fitness Australia

If you are running a fitness business, Fitness Australia has a COVID-19 and the Workplace full reference guide that can help you stay up-to-date with current restrictions and advice for your industry. For South Australian-specific requirements, see SA Health.

You can also learn more about the government's free COVID-19 Infection Control Training.

Restaurant and Catering Association

The Restaurant and Catering Association has created a dedicated Coronavirus Information Hub to provide businesses with specific information and resources for your industry. Get the latest health federal and state government health alerts, fact sheets and templates, information on trading restrictions and more here.
Salisbury Grant Hub
The Salisbury Grant Hub is a localised grant finding service for businesses, sporting clubs, community groups and not for profit organisations within the City of Salisbury. Salisbury Grant Hub gives you access to one of Australia’s most comprehensive and up-to-date funding databases, making grants accessible and easy to find.

This free services means you will never miss a grant opportunity again. Council is committed to working in cooperation with local businesses, assisting them to grow and prosper. That is why we are proud to partner with GrantGuru to provide you with this important tool.
Starting or Growing a Business
- The Department for Industry and Skills has a range of tools and information for those looking to start a business or to grow their business.
- Starting and running your own business can be challenging, but very rewarding. With the right preparation, tools, planning, information and support you will be well positioned to see your ideas and goals turn into a reality. Resources available from the Department for Innovation and Skills, will help you in your journey: Starting your business.
- Whether you’re a sole operator looking for a steady income or a major operator intending to expand into international markets, you’ll need to have plans and strategies to provide a foundation for your daily business operations and your long-term productivity and growth. Resources available from the Department for Innovation and Skills, will help you run your business.
- IP Australia has released an educational tool, Trade Mark Assist, to guide people through the trade mark application process. Trade Mark Assist can also help businesses build a strong and enduring brand. If you are wanting to search for a proposed trade mark, search for existing trade marks that may be similar to your own, identify the appropriate classes or begin your own application, Trade Mark Assist will help you.
- Your business is the basis of your financial security and the future security of your family. It may also play a valuable role in your community, therefore it’s important to be aware of the risks you may face in the short or longer term and how to protect against them. The Department for Innovation and Skills provides tools to help you identify and manage these issues.
- The Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC) Small Business Hub provides an array of information for business owners and intenders including a series of one minute guides on popular topics which are short, to the point and written in plain English, useful links giving more information on starting, running and closing a business and the section called ‘Top 10 ASIC small business inquiries', where you'll find the most asked questions from ASIC’s call centre. You can also subscribe to their newsletter.
- ASIC’s First Business modules are a resource designed to help you decide whether starting a small business is right for you. There are eight parts to the First Business Module including getting started, business planning and support, information on laws and regulations, and risk and insurance. Each part includes a scenario to put everything in context, reflect on and help grow your business idea and an activity to apply your new knowledge. You can download the First Business app from the App Store or Google Play to help get you started.