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 call the office to arrange a time on 8260 8205. 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.

Both the Australian and State Governments have released stimulus packages to support businesses during this time. For more information:
- View Commonwealth Government support for business.
- The Federal Treasury website provides information on support packages for small business.
- The Australian Taxation Office website which provides key information on the implantation an ways to access of a number of the Federal Government support packages.
- Another ATO website which provides details of packages to support employees through their employer.
- 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).
- View State Government support for business.
- 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.
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.
- Business SA has COVID-19 resources for business.
- 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.
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.