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: Manage overtime, bonuses and commissions easily
Learn how Xero Payroll calculates overtime, bonuses and commissions, so you pay service teams right and on time.
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
Find out what it takes to start and run an online business. With insights from experts and owners who’ve done it before.
Understanding angel investors vs venture capitalists: Small business startup guide
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: Meaning, types and how to use them
Learn how profitability ratios reveal what drives your margins, guide pricing, and show where to cut costs and grow.
How to set up direct debit for small business
Get your invoices paid faster with direct debit for small business, improve cash flow, and cut admin.
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, why it matters, and simple ways to improve yours.
Improve business efficiency: 10 ways to save time fast
Learn 10 practical ways to improve business efficiency, cut admin, and free time to grow profit.
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.
Xero inventory management: track stock and cash flow
Learn how Xero inventory management helps you track stock and sales in real time, cut admin, and protect cash flow.
Leadership
Your intro to building a vision, establishing consensus, and inspiring action. See all leadership guides
Employee retention strategy: How to keep your best people
See how an employee retention strategy keeps your best people, cuts hiring costs, and lifts results.
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?
Accountants do tax and compliance work – we all know that. But the best ones do so much more.
The SBSCH is closing: What your small business needs to do
Employers must find an alternative way to pay their employees’ superannuation before July 2026. Here’s a practical guide.
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 do market research for your small business: Step-by-step guide
Market research helps you understand your customers, competitors, and industry trends.
How to sell on Amazon: Simple steps to start your business
Selling on Amazon opens doors to millions of customers worldwide. Learn the essential steps to launch your business successfully.
Register business name: Step-by-step guide for Australian businesses
Learn how to register a business name, protect your brand, and start trading sooner.
Ecommerce
Your intro to starting, managing, and making money from an online business. See all ecommerce guides
What is dropshipping? How it works and how to start
Learn what dropshipping is and how to start selling without buying stock or handling shipping.
Online reputation management for small businesses
Word of mouth can make or break a business. Especially if you’re online. Learn how to put your best foot forward.
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.