Figures from the first quarter are in…
Business investment has faced a major hit in the first quarter of 2009 – with the next quarter looking to follow. It is reported that spending on equipment and machinery fell over 10 per cent whilst investment in building and structure fell 4.7 per cent, both of which will adversely affect the GDP.
This prompts us to ask, what will small businesses be doing with their recently announced tax break boost? This is move will have given businesses incentive to make positive differences to their running, and now should be the time that they seriously consider what they can do with the boost.
The small business tax break boost enables businesses with a turnover of less than $2 million to claim a 50 per cent tax bonus on eligible business assets purchased between the 13 December 2008, and 31 December 2009. All other businesses can continue to receive a 30 per cent tax break for assets obtained before 30 Jun ’09, and 10 per cent for those they commit to investing in between 1st July and 31st December 2009.
We’re sure that many businesses have plans on how to employ this tax break in such a way as to boost productivity and inject some more life into their business in these tough times. We encourage all business owners to share their tips and queries on ZaaBiz - sometimes the right support is just a click away!
Signing Off,
Louise
Dining in style
In a financially tight world, some would think it was our luxuries that disappear first. The daily coffee, for many, might be the first step toward living on a smaller budget.
However, South Australians have denied the trend, with their hospitality sector turning in record amounts over the last few months and showing that as far as dining goes, we’re not ready to give up on our little luxuries just yet.
While restaurants are reporting that customers are making more economical choices, and spending less per person, they are still heading out for meals. The message? If restaurants employ strategic business practices to keep their meal prices low, they should not lose customers. Perhaps ensuring your menu covers a range of price points, to attract those on a budget, and hopefully, once they’re in your restaurant there is a higher chance they’ll spend a little bit more.
If you make the choice to stay in for meals, however, there is no reason to get rid of your little luxuries at home. Many food magazines are taking the tough financial situation into account, and are packed with suggestions for meals that come to a low cost per serve. And there are many affordable wines out there to top off a great meal.
Even with the doom and gloom on the news each night, there is really no excuse not to dine in style!
Signing off,
Louise.
May is Autism Month
According to Richard Barrett of The Values Centre there are seven levels of organisational conciousness. Survival, Relationship, Self-Esteem, Transformation, Internal Cohesion, Making a Difference and Service. Based on Maslow’s heirachy of human needs, an even spread of attention and development over all levels is a sign of a healthy business; from being financially sound, to building networks of business contacts, and looking outward from the organisation toward a more sustainable future.
While ZaaBiz can assist you with building strong contacts and meeting with others whose advice can help you secure the lower levels of organisational culture, the ability to feel grounded enough to look outward from your business, make a difference and be of service to your community is one that none of us must forget.
One organisation whose aim is overwhelmingly one of service is ASPECT.
ASPECT, or Autism Spectrum Australia, is the country’s largest autism specific non-for-profit service provider. They aim to overcome the isolation of autism through education, information and other services, for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, their families and communities. The three main barriers those with Autism Spectrum Disorders have to overcome are impairment in social interaction, difficulties with communication and restricted or repetitive interests, behaviours or activities. These barriers prove very difficult for not only the people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, but also their families and people around them. This is why support and information are paramount to assisting people deal with a disorder that has really only broken into the public consciousness in the past five to ten years.
May is Autism Month, and even though the month is drawing to a close it is a time to be mindful of the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Along with Autism Month, ASPECT has launched a new awareness campaign, and you can buy Thomas the Tank Engine (an official supporter of ASPECT) stickers to raise awareness.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Workshop
At ZaaBiz we have always strongly advocated the importance of building strong networks, of working collaboratively with others and embracing the spirit of innovation. So we were very proud to see some of our valuable members joining forces to empower the great entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
A group of keen young people spent five hours on Saturday morning in a workshop in Vibewire’s Enterprise Hub, in Ultimo, Sydney. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Workshop was run by Todd Heslin, founder of the Apathco Group and moderator of the Young Entrepreneurs group on ZaaBiz. It was this latter role that bought Todd to the attention of non-profit organisation VibeWire.
Word on the street is that the participants left feeling energised and ready to take on any opportunity that heads their way. So look out for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow!
This was the second such workshop for VibeWire,with more to follow soon. ZaaBiz is happy to count Annie Le Cavalier, Julia Rebutin, and Rachel Beaney from VibeWire amongst our members.
Signing Off,
Louise.
National Career Development Week
Reach new heights with National Careers Development Week
Date: 18 May- 24 May 2009
National Career Development Week commenced this week across Australia. It is an initiative for individuals, workplaces, educators and event organisers that provide valuable resources to help promote the importance of career development and management.
Who is involved in National Career Development Week? The Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) is running the initiative as CICA members are experts in career development. Everyone can get involved by running or attending an event so encourage your friends, colleagues and family to participate. Perhaps you’re trying to decide on a career path? Perhaps you’re helping someone make a decision on a new career direction or thinking about changing jobs? Maybe you just want to learn more about different types of occupations?
What events are being held?
There’s a calendar of events on the website which details events in your area and across Australia.
Why should you take part?
By participating in, or running an event, you could:
• raise the profile of your organisation
• increase opportunities for your business
• be better informed when choosing your career
• enhance your understanding about your own skills and preference
• build links with the local community
• improve the skills of your staff and volunteers
• learn about other peoples career experiences and the lessons they learned.
Thanks to our Zaabiz member Robin Henry, we can keep updated daily on the developments over the five days at his blog.
