Small Business Guides
Find guides and articles to help you do better business, and understand the often weird world of accounting.
Starting and growing a business
Your intro to the milestone moments in small business.
Xero Payroll for overtime, bonuses and commissions
See how Xero Payroll helps you manage overtime, bonuses and commissions with less admin.
How to improve project profitability in service-based businesses
Discover how to track, measure and grow project profitability in your service business, so you can make every cent count.
How to start a business
Thousands of new businesses open every day. If all those people can do it, why not you? Here’s what to do, and when.
How to start an online business in Australia | Xero
Learn how to start an online business in Australia, from picking your idea to getting your first sales.
How to find investors for your small business: steps
Need finance for your business? Learn about the types of finance, approaching lenders and investors and more.
Business development plan: how to write one for growth
Are you ready to drop the hammer and take your business to the next level? Let’s look at how to grow.
How to hire employees
Hiring help can improve your business, and your lifestyle. But it’s a big process. Here are the main things to keep in mind.
How to invoice
Looking for help on making and sending invoices and getting them paid? Check out these tips on the art of invoicing.
Small business bookkeeping: basics, setup and software
Bookkeeping includes everything from basic data entry to tax prep. Let’s look at the core jobs and see how they’re done.
What is bookkeeping?
Whether you’re bookkeeping for a family business, or planning a career in it – this is a good place to start learning.
Guide to inventory
Inventory management is more than just knowing what’s been sold and what you’ve ordered. Find out what else is involved.
GST and BAS Guide For Business
Making a start with GST and BAS? Don’t worry. It’s a little extra admin, but this guide will help you get sorted.
Payments
Your intro to getting money in from customers, and out to suppliers and employees. See all payments guides
Profitability ratios: types, formulas and business uses
Profitability ratios show how well your business turns revenue into profit. Learn the main types and how to use them.
Direct debit for small business: setup, costs, timing
Direct debit can save your small business time and help you get paid on time. Learn how to set it up.
Your compliance-ready guide to construction payroll management
Complete guide to construction payroll in AU & NZ. Learn award wages, super, allowances, and compliance essentials.
Money
Your intro to budgeting, cash flow, and what to do when you need more money. See all money guides
Business credit score: what it is and how to improve yours
Learn what a business credit score is, how to check it, and practical steps to improve yours.
How to improve business efficiency: 11 ways to save time and grow
Learn 11 practical ways to improve business efficiency, cut waste, and free up time to grow your small business.
Planning and performance
Your intro to business planning, goal setting, key performance indicators, and financial reporting. See all planning and performance guides
How to do a business plan: steps, tips and template
Learn how to do a business plan in 10 steps, so you win funding, set your goals, and stay on track.
Inventory management: track stock and improve cash flow
Learn how to build an efficient inventory management system that cuts costs, stops stockouts, and improves cash flow.
Leadership
Your intro to building a vision, establishing consensus, and inspiring action. See all leadership guides
Employee retention strategy: a complete guide for small businesses
Learn how to build an employee retention strategy that reduces turnover and keeps your best people.
Accounting and bookkeeping
Your intro to financial admin, taxes, and the technical side of running a business. See all accounting and bookkeeping guides
What does an accountant do? How they help your small business
Learn what an accountant does and how the right one can help your small business grow.
Small Business Super Clearing House: closure guide
Learn what the Small Business Super Clearing House closure means and what your business needs to do next.
FBT compliance guide for service businesses in Australia
Navigating FBT season? Here’s how to manage your fringe benefits and comply with tax rules.
Marketing
Your intro to finding and winning new customers, and keeping the old ones. See all marketing guides
How to conduct market research for your small business
Learn how to conduct market research for your small business, and make faster, smarter decisions.
How to sell on Amazon: steps, fees and pricing guide
Learn how to sell on Amazon, from setting up your account to listing products and making your first sale.
Register business name in Australia: step-by-step guide
Learn how to register your business name in Australia and set your business up the right way.
Ecommerce
Your intro to starting, managing, and making money from an online business. See all ecommerce guides
What is dropshipping and how does it work? Pros, cons and how to start
Learn what dropshipping is, how the model works and how to launch your own store in Australia.
Online reputation management guide for small businesses
Protect your business with practical steps to manage reviews, build trust, and handle feedback.
Tools and reports
Free templates
Download helpful templates for things like quoting, invoicing, reporting and planning.
Calculators
Use accounting calculators to help plan and run your business.
Glossary
Learn the meaning behind all those weird and wonderful accounting terms.