SMALL BUSINESS SURVEY

Your participation in the Small Business Survey will help us to understand the issues and challenges
you face in your business - and give you a chance to make an input to our campaign strategies.

None of the questions below are 'mandatory' - feel free to skip those that do not interest you. Please
be assured that your responses will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Where is your business based?

        
When was your business established?

Within the past year

1 - 5 years ago
more than 5 years ago
more than 10 years ago
What does your business supply?

Products to consumers
Products to businesses, public utilities and/or government
Services to consumers
Services to businesses and/or the third sector
Services to, or on behalf of utilities (e.g. Telstra, energy suppliers) and/or government
Which sector/s do you operate in?

Accounting/Finance/Legal Services
Antiques/Art and Craft/Floristry/Interior Design
Bookshop/Newsagency
Building and Construction
Building Maintenance/Pest Control
Childcare
Cleaning
Clothing
Computing and IT
Consulting
Electrical/Electronics
Engineering and Metal Trades
Entertainment
Environmental Technology and Services
Farming
Fishing
Food and Hospitality
Gifts and Homewares
Health/Fitness/Beauty
Horticulture/Gardening/Landscaping
Manufacturing 
Marketing
Medical/Dental 
Mixed business (groceries, smallgoods, etc)
 Motor Sales, Service and Repair
Office Supplies 
Postal Services 
Printing 
Real Estate and Property Management
Recruitment/Training 
Telecommunications
Tourism and Travel
Transport
Other (please specify)

What was the gross income for your business in the last financial year?

less than $50,000 

$50,000 - $250,000 
more than $250,000
Based on current projections, is the net income for your business in the current financial year
likely to be higher, or lower than it was in the last financial year?

Higher
Lower
About the same
How many people does your business employ on a regular basis (including the proprietor)?

One person only

2 - 5 people
More than 5 people
Which of the following remuneration options does your business offer to workers other than the
proprietor?

Wages
(Fixed) contract payments
Fee for service payments
Commission payments
Cash bonuses
Profit-sharing
Shares/dividends
Other non-cash incentives (e.g. car/mortgage payments)
None (sole proprietor business)
What are the most significant challenges your business is likely to face in the next five years?

Are there specific problems affecting small businesses in your sector/region?

No
 Yes (please describe)

Are you willing to have your response/s to the last question used in publicity to present the case
for small businesses in your sector/region?

Yes
No
If you answered "Yes" to the question above, do you want to be identified?

No
Yes (please write your details below)
Name

Name of business

Business phone
(for confirmation)
Are there any comments you would like to make about the use of the information?

Has your business been adversely affected by increases in insurance premiums?

Yes 
No
Are there any comments you would like to make on insurance issues?

Has your business been adversely affected by changes in the tax system?

Yes 
No
Are there any comments you would like to make on taxation and/or the services provided by the
Australian Tax Office (ATO)?
What is your opinion of the quality of current arrangements for superannuation?

Good
Adequate
Poor
Are there any comments you would like to make on retirement planning?

What is your opinion of the quality of the information services provided by State government
departments?

Good
Adequate
Poor
Never needed them
What is your opinion of the quality of the resources provided by State/local governments for
resolving disputes (with suppliers, competitors, customers, clients, neighbouring businesses,
etc)?

Good
Adequate
Poor
Never needed them
Are there any comments you would like to make on the services provided by State/Local
governments?

Does the person in charge of your business have any formal training and/or qualifications in
business management?

Yes
No
Are there any comments you would like to make on the availability of suitable training courses for
the managers of small businesses operating in your sector/region?
Have you ever sought assistance from your local Business Enterprise Centre (BEC)?

Yes
No
Not sure there is one
Do you think Business Enterprise Centres (BECs) play a useful role in supporting small
businesses?

Yes
No
Not sure
Are you satisfied with the range of banking options available to small businesses?

Yes
No
Have you tried to raise venture finance for a new project/business within the past 5 years?

Yes - and was successful

Yes - without success
No
Are there any comments you would like to make on financial support for small businesses?

What are the key issues the Centre should take up in campaigning for small businesses?