How do I become a small business owner
Get qualified to work as a small business owner with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Small Business Owner.
Common questions
As a Small Business Owner you’ll pay yourself a salary from the business profits. Salaries vary according to industry and business profitability, but $1,080 per week ($56,160 annual salary) before tax is a realistic wage for Small Business Owners at this time.
Courses.com.au Team
There are approximately 2.3 million small businesses operating in Australia right now — across all industries and employment sectors.
Source: Australian Small Business Ombudsman 2019
Courses.com.au Team
Get started as a Small Business Owner with the Certificate IV in Small Business Management, the Certificate IV in New Small Business or the Diploma of Business (Entrepreneurs and Startups). These courses take 6-12 months to complete and will help you develop a business, finance, and marketing plan for your business. Apart from skills and training, you’ll also need working capital and finance to buy an existing business, or get your startup off the ground.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers
10th November 2023
5 jobs for people over 60
21st July 2021All small business owner courses
- Small Business Office Skills
- Tradies Office Skills
- 11210NAT Diploma of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- AUR50116 Diploma of Automotive Management
- Bachelor of Applied Business (Management)
- Bachelor of Applied Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship and Innovation)
- Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship)
- BSB30220 Certificate III in Entrepreneurship and New Business
- BSB40120 & BSB40320 Dual Certificate IV in Business (Sustainability) & Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business
- BSB40320 & BSB40820 Dual Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business & Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication
- BSB40320 Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business
- BSB50120 Diploma of Business (Entrepreneurship)
- BSBESB401 Research and Develop Business Plans
- BSBESB402 Establish Legal and Risk Management Requirements of New Business Ventures
- BSBESB403 Plan Finances for New Business Ventures
- BSBESB407 Manage Finances for New Business Ventures
- BSBOPS601 Develop and Implement Business Plans
- BSBPEF501 Manage Personal and Professional Development
- BSBSMB404 Undertake Small Business Planning
- BSBSS00102 Micro Business Skill Set
- BSBSS00103 New Business Ventures Skill Set
- BSBSS00104 Small Business Management Skill Set
- CPC31320 Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
- CPC40120 & CPC50220 Certificate IV and Diploma in Building and Construction (Building)
- CPC40820 Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Building
- CUA51220 Diploma of Ceramics
- FBPRBK3007 Produce Specialty Flour Bread Products
- FBPRBK3012 Schedule and Produce Bread Production
- FNSTPB412 Establish and Maintain Payroll Systems
- Graduate Certificate in Business
- Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship
- Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- HLT52515 Diploma of Reflexology
- MST30316 Certificate III in Millinery
- SFL40115 Certificate IV in Floristry
- SHB40216 Certificate IV in Hairdressing
- SIRXMKT006 Develop a Social Media Strategy
- SISOKYS003 Paddle a Sea Kayak in Exposed Coastal Waters
- SISOSKT003 Use Snow Craft Skills for Alpine Touring
- SIT40316 Certificate IV in Holiday Parks and Resorts
- SIT40316 Certificate IV in Holiday Parks and Resorts (Housekeeping)
- SITSS00088 Online Engagement for Small Business
- UEERE0060, UEERE0077, & UEERE0078 Grid Connected Design and Install of Battery Systems
- Undergraduate Certificate in Small Business
Small Business Owner careers
Small Businesses in Australia have under 20 staff, but more than 75% have less than 4 employees. These are known as micro-businesses. Small businesses operate in every Australian industry and employment sector — retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and professional services being some of the most common.
Most Small Business Owners have a heavy workload (at least in the first 5-8 years of business) managing daily operations, marketing, sales and production output. At the same time they oversee administration, HR and recruitment, safety, and compliance.
