Small business takes advantage of 131BIZ hotline

1/08/06
Early results from the State Government's small business hotline, '131 BIZ' (131 249), indicate that business operators are taking advantage of the new service.
Small Business Minister Norm Marlborough revealed that in its first six months of operation, more than 1,800 current and potential small business operators had accessed the new telephone hotline.
"This is the sort of service small business operators have needed, to keep on top of the fast pace of industry changes and statutory requirements they are required to deal with on a regular basis," Mr Marlborough said.
The number of calls to131 BIZ have been building steadily as business people become more aware of the service. There was a 50 per cent increase in the number of inquiries from June to July, when more than 600 business operators used the service.
The 131 BIZ phone number came online in February to help improve access to the services and advice available through the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC).
"The new 131 BIZ telephone number and http://www.131biz.com.au website address, provide a quick link to business information," Mr Marlborough said.
"They save time for those who need to determine the right agency, the right Government department or the right organisation to answer their questions.

"They also provide a vital link to information, particularly for business operators in regional Western Australia who are not able to meet face-to-face with a specialist business adviser."
By dialling 131 BIZ from anywhere in the State, callers will be connected to the SBDC's team of small business advisers for the cost of a local call (mobile phone charges may be higher).
The Small Business Development Corporation can assist on business planning, franchising, marketing, business migration, leasing retail premises, cash flow, e-commerce, small business workshops, providing mentors, helping callers deal with Government departments and agencies, and providing business licensing information.
"131 BIZ has been set up to become the new front desk for small business assistance," the Minister said.
Minister's office: (08) 9213 6500