We say this throughout our website: Western Australia already has a free, government-funded advisory service for small businesses. If that service can solve your problem, use it.
Here's what the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) does, where it can help, and when you might benefit from additional support.
What is the SBDC?
The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) is a Western Australian Government agency that has been supporting small business owners for more than 40 years.
Its services include:
- Free one-on-one business advisory sessions
- Advisers with real business ownership experience
- Low-cost workshops and training programs
- Free assistance with certain small business disputes
For many business owners, it is an excellent first point of contact when trying to work out what to do next.
How to contact the SBDC
Phone: 133 140
At the time of writing, advisory services are delivered by phone and Microsoft Teams. There is no walk-in advisory service.
Where the SBDC can help most
Starting a business
The SBDC can help you understand the practical steps involved in setting up a business, including:
- Business structures
- Registrations and licences
- ABNs and GST
- The typical order in which things should be done
Business planning and general guidance
If you're trying to get your bearings, the SBDC can provide general information and direction on business planning, operations and next steps.
Business disputes
One of the SBDC's most valuable services is assistance with resolving small business disputes, provided at no cost.
Workshops and training
The SBDC regularly delivers practical workshops covering topics such as:
- Business fundamentals
- Finance and bookkeeping
- Marketing
- Digital tools
- Compliance requirements
Many workshops are low cost, and some programs are government-funded — introductory business-start-up sessions are often available free of charge. Fees and program availability can change over time.
How is this different from mentoring?
The SBDC is designed as a generalist service.
Its role is to support any small business owner in Western Australia, regardless of industry, experience level or business type. That broad coverage is one of its greatest strengths.
It can help with a wide range of questions, but it is not intended to provide deep, industry-specific guidance or hands-on decision-making support.
Mentoring serves a different purpose. A mentor typically provides:
- Industry-specific insights
- Personal experience in a particular field
- Detailed discussion of complex decisions
- Ongoing support and accountability
- Face-to-face conversations where available
Neither service replaces the other. They simply solve different problems.
In many cases, the best answer is both
A common approach is to use a free SBDC advisory session for general business setup and compliance questions, then work with a mentor for more specific industry, growth or operational decisions.
If your question is better suited to the SBDC, we'll tell you. There is no point paying for advice that is already available free of charge.
Important note
SBDC services, delivery methods and program availability can change over time, so this note reflects our understanding as at the date above.