Small Business Owner

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.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $56,160
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a small business owner?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
BSB40320

Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business
Online
10 - 12 months
$2,495 - $4,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Independent Contractor Small Business Owner Entrepreneur
Franchisee
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Independent Contractor Small Business Owner Entrepreneur Franchisee + 1 more
BSB30220

Certificate III in Entrepreneurship and New Business
Online
10 months
$10 - $1,795
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Business Consultant Franchisee Entrepreneur
Small Business Owner Independent Contractor
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Business Consultant Franchisee Entrepreneur Small Business Owner Independent Contractor + 2 more

Bachelor of Applied Business (Management)
Online
24 months
$58,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Project Manager Operations Manager Small Business Owner
Team Leader Business Development Manager Entrepreneur Sales Manager General Manager Management Consultant Human Resources Manager
+ 7 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Project Manager Operations Manager Small Business Owner Team Leader Business Development Manager Entrepreneur Sales Manager General Manager Management Consultant Human Resources Manager + 7 more

Bachelor of Applied Entrepreneurship
Online
24 months
$58,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Innovation Consultant Business Development Manager E-Commerce Manager
Entrepreneur Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Small Business Owner
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Innovation Consultant Business Development Manager E-Commerce Manager Entrepreneur Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Small Business Owner + 3 more
SFL40115

Certificate IV in Floristry
Blended, On Campus
12 - 18 months
$0 - $8,640
  • At least 12 months work experience in a related field OR
  • Completed Certificate III in Floristry or equivalent qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.
Small Business Owner Retail Assistant Shop Manager
Floral Designer Florist
+ 2 more
  • At least 12 months work experience in a related field OR
  • Completed Certificate III in Floristry or equivalent qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.
Small Business Owner Retail Assistant Shop Manager Floral Designer Florist + 2 more
AUR50116

Diploma of Automotive Management
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
6 - 24 months
$0 - $22,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Service Manager Workshop Manager Parts Manager
Fleet Manager Sales Manager Customer Service Manager Small Business Owner Electric Vehicle Mechanic
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Service Manager Workshop Manager Parts Manager Fleet Manager Sales Manager Customer Service Manager Small Business Owner Electric Vehicle Mechanic + 5 more
SHB40216

Certificate IV in Hairdressing
Blended, On Campus
5 - 16 months
$0 - $5,600
  • At least 1 years work experience in a related field AND
  • Completed Certificate III in Hairdressing or equivalent qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.
Salon Manager Small Business Owner Entrepreneur
Hairdresser Barber Stylist
+ 3 more
  • At least 1 years work experience in a related field AND
  • Completed Certificate III in Hairdressing or equivalent qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.
Salon Manager Small Business Owner Entrepreneur Hairdresser Barber Stylist + 3 more
11210NAT

Diploma of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Blended, On Campus
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Small Business Owner Entrepreneur Innovation Manager
Business Development Manager Product Manager Innovation Consultant
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Small Business Owner Entrepreneur Innovation Manager Business Development Manager Product Manager Innovation Consultant + 3 more
CPC31320

Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
12 - 48 months
$0 - $31,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Wall and Floor Tiler Painter and Decorator Construction Labourer
Waterproofer Sales Representative Small Business Owner
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Wall and Floor Tiler Painter and Decorator Construction Labourer Waterproofer Sales Representative Small Business Owner + 3 more

Graduate Certificate in Business
Blended, On Campus, Online
4 - 8 months
$0 - $33,336
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Managing Director Senior Administrator Small Business Owner
Business Adviser Risk Manager
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Managing Director Senior Administrator Small Business Owner Business Adviser Risk Manager + 2 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Cafe or Restaurant Manager

Café or Restaurant Managers oversee daily operations, supervise staff, manage budgets, ensure compliance, and provide excellent customer service.

Avg yearly income $78,000
Skill level Advanced

Franchisee

Franchisees run businesses under a franchisor's brand, following strict procedures and managing operations, marketing, and compliance.

Avg yearly income $93,600
Skill level Advanced

Independent Contractor

Independent Contractors run their own businesses, providing services to clients while managing marketing, invoicing, and tax responsibilities.

Avg yearly income $80,600
Skill level Beginner

Entrepreneur

An Entrepreneur runs a business or social enterprise, turning unique ideas into profit while managing operations and building a customer base.

Avg yearly income $78,000
Skill level Advanced

Creative Entrepreneur

A Creative Entrepreneur develops innovative ideas in creative industries, managing projects and identifying market opportunities.

Avg yearly income $78,000
Skill level Advanced

Common questions

How much do Small Business Owners earn?

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.

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How many small businesses are there in Australia?

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

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Small Business Owner?

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.

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

What can you do with a Certificate IV in New Small Business?

17th August 2021

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 2021

Courses by location