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
On Campus, Online
200 hours
$1,250 - $5,600
  • 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
On Campus, Online
30 weeks
$0 - $1,795
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Small Business Owner Independent Contractor Business Consultant
Franchisee Entrepreneur
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Small Business Owner Independent Contractor Business Consultant Franchisee Entrepreneur + 2 more

Bachelor of Applied Entrepreneurship
Online
24 months
$58,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Entrepreneur Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Small Business Owner
Innovation Consultant Business Development Manager E-Commerce Manager
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Entrepreneur Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Small Business Owner Innovation Consultant Business Development Manager E-Commerce Manager + 3 more
SHBBHRS010

Provide Waxing Services
Online
6 weeks
$1,799
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beautician Salon Assistant Beauty Therapist
Spa Therapist Small Business Owner
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beautician Salon Assistant Beauty Therapist Spa Therapist Small Business Owner + 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

Small Business Office Skills
Online
10 weeks
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Small Business Owner
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Small Business Owner

Tradies Office Skills
Online
10 weeks
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Small Business Owner
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Small Business Owner
11210NAT

Diploma of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Blended
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Small Business Owner Entrepreneur
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Small Business Owner Entrepreneur

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

Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$45,426 - $55,680
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Entrepreneur Small Business Owner
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Entrepreneur Small Business Owner
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Cafe or Restaurant Manager

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Independent Contractor

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Avg yearly income $80,600
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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
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A Creative Entrepreneur develops innovative ideas in creative industries, managing projects and identifying market opportunities.

Avg yearly income $78,000
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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.

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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)

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