RESOURCES for Business

Aside from the services offered through the Polaris Business and Innovation Centre, a number of online resources are available to help you navigate starting and growing a business from State and Federal Government agencies. A selection of key information that we find useful has been provided below.

Business resources

Venue Hire
Are you looking to hold a meeting, run a workshop or host a training day and need a venue? The Polaris Business and Innovation Centre has small meeting rooms, a board room and a training room that can be hired.

For details on Polaris venue hire fees (as of 1 July 2019), please download our venue pricing PDF. For further information, please email us or call (08) 8260 8205.
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 of Industry 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 of Industry 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 of Industry 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.
Grants & Assistance
If you are looking for grants or assistance, visit the Federal and State Government grant websites:
- Business Gov Website
- Grant Assist Website
As a potential supplier of goods and services to government, it's important that you know where to look for business opportunities. Find out more information on the South Australian Government’s tender and contracts.
Career Advice
Are you unsure how to write a cover letter or resume? Don’t know how to prepare a letter of resignation or are you thinking about your career plan? Seek has a number of free templates to help you get started and career advice that may answer your questions or provide you with motivation.
Marketing
- The Department for Industry and Skills has a range of helpful information to assist businesses with their marketing strategy.
- Marketing Your Business - A Guide for Operators (PDF).
- Learn how to use Facebook advertising tools through Blueprint.
Exporting
- Find out how ready you are to export by using Austrade's International Readiness Indicator.
- Learn more about exporting, through Austrade’s Guide to Exporting.
- SA Export Accelerator Program is a financial assistance program for South Australian Businesses looking at export markets.
- Keep abreast of events and workshops that provide tangible support for business to expand internationally the State Government’s Business Education Program.
- If you are interested in exporting to Asia, Asialink provides Country Starter Packs to help businesses expand into China, Indonesia, Korea and Thailand. These packs can be downloaded and featuring business, marketing and legislative information, market insights, specific opportunities and practical case studies.
- If you are exporting agricultural products, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources maintains the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR) as a resource for exporters of Australian agricultural products. If you are exporting agricultural products, it is recommended that you are across any requirements.
- Learn more about exporting by contacting your local TradeStart representative.