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To our collective imagination, Tasmania is clean air, Cradle Mountain, the elusive Tasmanian devil, and Hobart’s Dark MOFO festival. Beyond these iconic symbols lies a little known fact: Tasmania is the island of small businesses.

97% of its business population is made of small businesses, a striking fact even without context. Tasmania also boasts Australia’s highest business survival rate, a testament to the resilience of its residents and the value they place on supporting local businesses.

Even so, there are times when a small business needs deeper support than what its local community can offer. When these times arrive, it’s critical to know where you can turn and what help is available. Let’s look at the steps small businesses in Tasmania can take when they need support.

Is my small business idea any good?

If your small business is established in the market, this question mightn’t apply. It definitely applies if your business is still an idea germinating in your mind. A new business idea is exciting, especially when you feel you’re offering something no one has offered before. The danger is letting your excitement run wild, as it leads to impatience and often blinds you to reality.

External idea validation helps reign in the excitement. Taking this step gives you a stronger sense of whether you’re onto a good thing or not. Business Tasmania, an initiative from the Tasmanian Government, has developed a survey to assess new business ideas, called the Unlocking Business Opportunities Tool.

Think of this tool less as an external opinion on the matter and more as a chance for critical reflection on your idea. Remember, a great idea doesn’t always translate to a viable business opportunity, no matter what your friends and family say.

Outside engaging with the Unlocking Business Opportunities Tool, conduct your own research. If you’re looking to break into the men’s skincare market, a logical first step is to find out what the best men’s skincare brands in Australia have to offer and how you can compare.

Don’t stop there. If your idea is a product, make a prototype and unveil it at the local markets. You’ll gain valuable feedback, if nothing else. Create a landing page that compels visitors to act. A landing page is a brilliant opportunity to fine tune your value proposition and the messaging you build around it.

What structure will my business have?

If your idea survives interrogation, it’s time to focus on the structure of your future business. In Australia, you register your business under one of seven different business structures: sole trader, company, partnership, trust, co-operative, indigenous corporation and joint venture.

Seek professional advice before settling on a structure, as each has unique advantages and disadvantages that could help or hinder your progress.

Permits and licences: what do I need?

Rare is the small business that doesn’t require some form of permit or licence. This is a step you can’t avoid, so prepare things early. The best place to start? Visit the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS). This free online service will answer all your questions about permits, licences, approvals and registrations.

It’s important to note that ABLIS is a service applicable to businesses of any size or age. A new business will find they need this help, but so will a business expanding into a new market or simply expanding its range of products or services. Keep ABLIS in the back of your mind and you shouldn’t be caught without the right authority.

Business support for Tasmanians

Our advice comes via a wealth of resources the Australian and Tasmanian governments have available to all Australian businesses. Here are three resources specific to Tasmania:

Business Tasmania

As comprehensive a business resource as you’re likely to find; Business Tasmania can help with pretty much everything, from tools to strategy support to initiatives specific to Indigenous businesses.

The Van Diemen Project

If you feel your business idea can drive positive, lasting change, this is the advisory firm you need to talk to. And not just if you’re a small business. The Van Diemen Project also commits to helping social enterprises and community organisations thrive.

Braddon Business Centre Inc

Want to start a small business on Tassie’s west coast? Braddon Business Centre will be able to help. They provide one-on-one business advice to business owners in the Burnie, Circular Head, King Island, Waratah-Wynyard and West Coast local government areas.

Given Tasmania’s track record for nurturing and maintaining small businesses, it’s no surprise that reliable and free support exists. Regardless of where you are on your small business journey, it’s worth engaging with these resources. A prosperous small business is one that looks to improve whenever it can. To do so, sometimes it needs a little helping hand.

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