Anne Paterson is the General Manager of BECN, The Business Enterprise Centre Northside, based on Chatswood, Sydney. Joanne Mansell is our guest Editor.

Did you read about NEIS last month and then find out you are not eligible for the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme? Or are you already in business and want to do it better? There is still Government Assistance available to you…. Read on to find out what is on offer and where.

Business Enterprise Centres are partially funded by the Department of State and Regional Development and are non-profit organisations that offer practical assistance to people interested in establishing a micro/small business. (Micro businesses have less than 5 employees).

About 200,000 new businesses start up across Australia each year. Unfortunately many fail within the first few years of operation.

The administration and legislative aspects of sustaining a new business often challenges small operators, but advice and guidance from your BEC can result in more ventures finding success in an often-competitive environment.

Anne Paterson says "a lot more people are entering into self employment, despite talk of an economic recession, people are shrugging off corporate life to start their own business". Ms Paterson continues "that even if you have a good business idea it is important to prepare a business plan before commencing the business. This will help to eliminate and reduce the risk of failure".

The BEC runs small business training for people who are unemployed and are receiving a benefit from Centre-link under the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS), a Federal Funded program. NEIS was mentioned in the April edition of "Work from Home".

NEIS provides a six weeks full-time certificate IV in Small Business, a mentor for a year and NEIS allowance for the first year while the new business is being established.

At the end of the course one will have developed a thorough business plan consisting of three parts: an operational plan, a marketing plan and a financial plan.

The BECN has been awarded a contract from the State Department of Education and Training (DET) to provide VETAB accredited courses in small business planning/management for people thinking about becoming self-employed that have a business idea. This course is available to people who are employed and/or are already running their business.

For a minimal fee (around $150) participants attend evening or day sessions over 16 weeks, at the end of which they will have developed a professional Business Plan and receive a Certificate in Small Business Management. Ms Paterson, notes that most small businesses fail due to lack of adequate planning and research.

Both the NEIS and DET training programs ensure that many of those fatal pitfalls are avoided.

The course covers: * business planning * marketing * insurance * ownership structures * cost pricing & breakeven * bookkeeping/budgeting * financial management * business law and taxation * managing people.

"It’s a matter of looking before you leap," Ms Paterson says. "Our programs focus on all aspects of setting up a business, from competitor analysis and pricing strategies to profit and loss projections and preparing for the GST.

Another popular course offered by the BECN is Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training – a must for anyone involved in accreditation or workplace training including presentation or facilitation. The course covers * planning and administering training for adults * delivering and assessing training * evaluating training and promotion * workplace assessment.

Most BEC’s also offer a workshop "Introduction to Small Business".

Some BEC’s also offer business advice and provide practical assistance to small business. This can be in the form of assistance to overcome difficulties, assisting with expansion, or registration of inventions.

• Networking or Mentoring

The services may vary from between BEC’s. They generally offer mentor support and networking (to members) through referrals, members directory, seminars, training courses, business breakfasts and network meetings.

• Facilities and Resources

Most BEC’s have a range of guides and booklets that cover topics such as GST, marketing and advertising. These are available for sale - some (such as GST information from the ATO) are free of charge. The BEC’s also offer a start-up kit for around $25.

At this stage each state has it’s own association of BEC’s. Check your local white or yellow pages phone book under "Business Enterprise Centre". There currently are 130 BEC’s around Australia.

• "Home Based Business Network"

Home Based Business Network (NSW) provides support and networking opportunities for people operating their businesses from home phone (02) 9689 1977 Fax: (02) 9687 0210. Home Based Business Network (NSW) Newsletter is published by the Parramatta Business Enterprise Centre.

Home Based Business Network (NSW) promotes the development of the Home Based Business Sector by:

• Researching and disseminating information which may assist proprietors of home based businesses to operate those business as effectively as possible
• Providing a referral line that provides practical advice and assistance to home based businesses and small enterprises as well as people seeking to establish businesses
• Advising on laws which may affect the operation of a home business
• Providing a forum for the discussion of issues affecting the operation of a home based business
• Developing entrepreneurial skills and values through training and services at a reasonable prices
• Fostering business and employment opportunities
• Providing an informative monthly newsletter which addresses important issues relevant to home based businesses

* Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can also be a great source of information for Small and Home Based Business. ISP’s such as Ozemail have an area specifically for small business. See www.ozemail.com.au/sbguide/