Australia hubs

Maria

Tailor

AustraliaEnglish (English)$ AUD

Maria is a skilled tailor running a small home-based alteration business in Australia. Balancing self-employment taxes, health coverage, and small business support is her daily reality.

Keeping my business legal and tax-ready

Managing GST, ABNs, and tax deductions is essential to keep the business running without ATO trouble.

Australian Business Number (ABN)

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Any individual or entity carrying on an enterprise in Australia.
What you get
A unique 11-digit identifier for your business dealings.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires TFN and proof of identity.
Common gotcha
You must update your details within 28 days of any change.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Registration

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Businesses with an annual turnover of $75,000 or more.
What you get
Ability to claim GST credits on business purchases.
What it actually costs you
Requires quarterly or annual reporting to the ATO.
Common gotcha
Even if under $75k, you can register voluntarily to claim back GST on sewing equipment.

Small Business Tax Deductions

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Sole traders and small business owners.
What you get
Reduces taxable income by claiming costs like fabric, thread, machine repairs, and home-office electricity.
What it actually costs you
Requires meticulous record-keeping and receipts for 5 years.
Common gotcha
You cannot claim the 'private' portion of your electricity or internet usage.

myGov Digital Portal

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
All Australian residents.
What you get
Centralized access to ATO, Medicare, and Centrelink.
What it actually costs you
Requires identity verification via phone or passport.
Common gotcha
Forgetting to link the ATO service prevents you from filing your tax return.

Instant Asset Write-Off

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Small businesses with turnover under $10 million.
What you get
Immediate tax deduction for the cost of business assets like a new industrial sewing machine.
What it actually costs you
Must be purchased and ready for use in the financial year.
Common gotcha
The threshold amount changes frequently in federal budgets.

business.gov.au Advisory Service

national · Department of Industry, Science and Resources

Who qualifies
Any Australian business owner.
What you get
Free templates, guides, and regulatory checklists.
What it actually costs you
Free; time to read through documentation.
Common gotcha
It provides general advice, not specific legal or financial counsel.

Taking care of my health

As a self-employed person, staying healthy is crucial to keeping the sewing machine running.

Medicare

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Australian citizens and permanent residents.
What you get
Subsidized or free medical care and prescription medications.
What it actually costs you
Funded through the Medicare Levy on tax returns.
Common gotcha
Medicare doesn't cover most dental, optical, or ambulance services.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

national · Department of Health and Aged Care

Who qualifies
All Medicare card holders.
What you get
Subsidized prescription medicines at a capped price.
What it actually costs you
Co-payment required per script until safety net is reached.
Common gotcha
Not all medicines are listed on the PBS.

Medicare Safety Net

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Individuals/families with high out-of-pocket medical costs.
What you get
Higher Medicare rebates once the annual threshold is met.
What it actually costs you
Automatic tracking; no application needed.
Common gotcha
You must register as a family if you want to combine costs.

Private Health Insurance Rebate

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Individuals with private hospital cover.
What you get
Government contribution towards the cost of private health premiums.
What it actually costs you
Income-tested; reduces premium cost.
Common gotcha
The rebate percentage decreases as your income increases.

Mental Health Care Plan

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
People with a diagnosed mental health condition.
What you get
Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychological sessions per year.
What it actually costs you
Requires a GP referral.
Common gotcha
GPs often require a long consultation to prepare the plan.

National Immunisation Program

national · Department of Health and Aged Care

Who qualifies
All Australians based on age and health status.
What you get
Free vaccines for flu, shingles, and other diseases.
What it actually costs you
Free at participating clinics.
Common gotcha
Check if your local pharmacy or GP is a registered provider.

When money is tight

Even with a business, there are times when income drops and I need a safety net.

JobSeeker Payment

national · Centrelink

Who qualifies
People aged 22 to pension age who are unemployed or have low income.
What you get
Fortnightly payment to help with living costs.
What it actually costs you
Extensive asset and income testing; job search requirements.
Common gotcha
As a business owner, your 'assets' might disqualify you even if your cash flow is low.

Low Income Health Care Card

national · Centrelink

Who qualifies
Low-income earners meeting specific income tests.
What you get
Cheaper prescription medicines and bulk-billed doctor visits.
What it actually costs you
Must renew annually.
Common gotcha
Income limits are quite strict; check the current threshold.

Family Tax Benefit (Part A & B)

national · Centrelink

Who qualifies
Families with dependent children.
What you get
Fortnightly payments to help with the cost of raising children.
What it actually costs you
Requires annual tax return lodgement.
Common gotcha
If you overestimate your income, you might get a 'debt' at the end of the year.

Energy Supplement

national · Centrelink

Who qualifies
Recipients of certain government payments.
What you get
Small extra payment to help with energy bills.
What it actually costs you
Automatic if you receive eligible payments.
Common gotcha
It is often bundled into your primary payment, so it's hard to spot.

Commonwealth Rent Assistance

national · Centrelink

Who qualifies
People receiving certain payments who pay private rent.
What you get
Non-taxable supplement to help with rent costs.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of rental agreement.
Common gotcha
Doesn't apply if you live in public housing.

Crisis Payment

national · Centrelink

Who qualifies
People in severe financial hardship due to extreme circumstances.
What you get
One-off payment for immediate needs.
What it actually costs you
Must apply within 7 days of the event.
Common gotcha
Strict definition of 'extreme circumstances' (e.g., domestic violence, house fire).

Protecting myself as a consumer

If I buy a faulty sewing machine or get ripped off, I need to know my rights.

Australian Consumer Law (ACL)

national · Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Who qualifies
All consumers and small businesses.
What you get
Guaranteed rights to refunds, repairs, or replacements for faulty goods.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires proof of purchase.
Common gotcha
Retailers often wrongly claim 'no refunds on sale items'.

Scamwatch

national · ACCC

Who qualifies
All Australians.
What you get
Alerts on current scams and a place to report suspicious activity.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Reporting doesn't guarantee you get your money back.

Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman

national · Independent body

Who qualifies
Any consumer with a phone or internet dispute.
What you get
Free, independent dispute resolution.
What it actually costs you
Must try to resolve with the provider first.
Common gotcha
They only handle complaints about phone/internet providers.

Energy & Water Ombudsman

national · State-based national network

Who qualifies
Consumers with billing or service disputes.
What you get
Mediation for unfair utility bills.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Each state has its own, but they operate on a national standard.

Do Not Call Register

national · ACMA

Who qualifies
Any Australian with a phone number.
What you get
Blocks unsolicited telemarketing calls.
What it actually costs you
Free; takes 30 days to become effective.
Common gotcha
Doesn't stop scam calls, only legitimate telemarketers.

Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)

national · Independent body

Who qualifies
Consumers with disputes against banks or insurers.
What you get
Independent resolution of financial complaints.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
You must lodge a complaint with the bank first before AFCA will help.

State-level schemes

8states & territories — open one to see what it offers.

Australian Capital Territory

As a tailor in Canberra, you benefit from ACT-specific cost-of-living supports and small business grants that help manage the high cost of operating in the capital.

Keeping my tailoring shop running

Small Business Innovation Grant

state · Access Canberra

Who qualifies
Small business owners in the ACT looking to adopt new technology or sustainable practices.
What you get
Matching grants up to $5,000 for equipment upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan and 1:1 matching funds required.
Common gotcha
You must apply before purchasing the equipment, not after.

Commercial Rates Rebate for Small Business

state · ACT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Small businesses with a payroll under a certain threshold.
What you get
Partial rebate on commercial property rates.
What it actually costs you
Automatic assessment based on your business registration.
Common gotcha
Ensure your business address is correctly updated with the revenue office.

WorkSafe ACT Small Business Rebate

state · WorkSafe ACT

Who qualifies
Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
What you get
Up to $1,000 to improve workplace safety equipment.
What it actually costs you
Receipts for safety gear like ergonomic chairs or lighting.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific safety-related items.

Skills Canberra Training Subsidy

state · Skills Canberra

Who qualifies
ACT-based small business owners or employees seeking upskilling.
What you get
Subsidized tuition for vocational courses.
What it actually costs you
Time commitment for enrollment and course attendance.
Common gotcha
Must be an ACT resident to qualify for the subsidy.

Managing my household bills

ACT Utilities Concession

state · ACT Government

Who qualifies
Low-income earners holding a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
Annual rebate on electricity, gas, water, and sewerage bills.
What it actually costs you
Application form and proof of concession card.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply if you move house.

ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme

state · Transport Canberra

Who qualifies
Residents with a permanent disability that prevents use of public transport.
What you get
50% subsidy on taxi fares up to a maximum limit.
What it actually costs you
Medical assessment and application form.
Common gotcha
Only valid for participating taxi companies.

School Smart Kids Rebate

state · ACT Education Directorate

Who qualifies
Low-income families with children in public schools.
What you get
Financial assistance for school uniforms and supplies.
What it actually costs you
Proof of income and school enrollment.
Common gotcha
Funds are often paid directly to the school or via voucher.

Rental Bond Help

state · ACT Housing

Who qualifies
Low-income individuals struggling to pay a rental bond.
What you get
Interest-free loan for the bond amount.
What it actually costs you
Proof of income and rental agreement.
Common gotcha
The loan must be repaid when the lease ends.
New South Wales

New South Wales offers specific small business support and cost-of-living rebates that help a self-employed tailor manage overheads and navigate high urban living costs in Sydney.

Keeping my tailoring shop running

Small Business Support Grants

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Small business owners with an ABN and annual turnover under $75,000.
What you get
One-off cash grants for business equipment or digital upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Requires current BAS statements and ABN registration; processing takes 4-6 weeks.
Common gotcha
You must prove your business is physically located in NSW.

Business Connect Advisory

state · Investment NSW

Who qualifies
Any small business owner operating in NSW.
What you get
Free one-on-one business advice from professional mentors.
What it actually costs you
Zero cost; requires booking an appointment via the portal.
Common gotcha
Many tailors don't realize this covers marketing and bookkeeping, not just legal advice.

Small Business Stamp Duty Exemption

state · Revenue NSW

Who qualifies
Small businesses purchasing commercial insurance policies.
What you get
Exemption from stamp duty on certain business insurance premiums.
What it actually costs you
Automatic if you declare your business size to your insurer.
Common gotcha
You must explicitly tell your insurance company you are a small business to get the exemption.

Fair Trading Dispute Resolution

state · NSW Fair Trading

Who qualifies
Any business owner in a commercial dispute with a supplier or landlord.
What you get
Free mediation services to avoid expensive court costs.
What it actually costs you
Time spent in mediation sessions; no legal fees required.
Common gotcha
It is not a court; the mediator cannot force a decision, only facilitate an agreement.

Saving on my household bills

Low Income Household Rebate

state · Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Who qualifies
Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card holders.
What you get
$285 annual credit on your electricity bill.
What it actually costs you
Requires your electricity account number and concession card details.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply if you change your electricity provider.

Creative Kids Voucher

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Parents of school-aged children in NSW.
What you get
$50 voucher per child per year for creative activities.
What it actually costs you
Requires Medicare card and child's date of birth.
Common gotcha
Vouchers expire at the end of the calendar year; they don't roll over.

Toll Relief Scheme

state · Transport for NSW

Who qualifies
NSW motorists who spend over a certain amount on tolls.
What you get
Cashback or reduced registration fees for heavy toll users.
What it actually costs you
Requires linking your toll account to your MyServiceNSW account.
Common gotcha
You must claim the cashback manually; it is not always automatic.

Active Kids Voucher

state · Office of Sport

Who qualifies
Parents of school-aged children for sports registration.
What you get
Vouchers to reduce the cost of sports club fees.
What it actually costs you
Registration on the Service NSW app.
Common gotcha
Only works with registered providers; check if your local club is on the list first.
Northern Territory

As a tailor in the NT, you rely on unique regional support for small businesses and cost-of-living relief tailored to the Territory's remote and tropical lifestyle.

Keeping my tailoring shop running

Small Business Territory Grant

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
NT-based small businesses with a valid ABN looking to upgrade equipment or digital presence.
What you get
Reimbursement of up to $2,000 for business improvement projects.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 50% co-contribution and quotes from suppliers.
Common gotcha
You must apply before you purchase the equipment, not after.

Business Hardship Register

state · NT Government

Who qualifies
Businesses facing temporary financial distress due to unforeseen events.
What you get
Access to temporary relief on government fees and charges.
What it actually costs you
Requires financial statements and evidence of hardship.
Common gotcha
It is not a cash grant, but a way to defer payments.

WorkSafe NT Small Business Rebate

state · NT WorkSafe

Who qualifies
Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees implementing safety improvements.
What you get
Rebate of up to $500 for safety equipment like ergonomic chairs or lighting.
What it actually costs you
Receipts for safety equipment and a brief safety audit.
Common gotcha
Only applies to items that directly reduce workplace injury risk.

NT Skills and Training Grant

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
NT business owners looking to upskill themselves or staff in specialized trades.
What you get
Funding to cover course fees for accredited training.
What it actually costs you
Application form and proof of enrolment.
Common gotcha
The training must be provided by a registered training organisation.

Managing my household bills

NT Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme

state · Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
NT residents receiving specific Centrelink payments or holding a DVA card.
What you get
Subsidies on electricity, water, and sewerage charges.
What it actually costs you
Proof of identity and pension card details.
Common gotcha
You must renew your registration annually to keep receiving the discount.

NT School Sports and Learn to Swim Voucher

state · Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
Parents of school-aged children in the NT.
What you get
$200 per child per year for sports or swimming lessons.
What it actually costs you
Online registration via the NT government portal.
Common gotcha
Vouchers expire at the end of the school year; they don't roll over.

First Home Owner Discount

state · Territory Revenue Office

Who qualifies
First-time home buyers purchasing a new home in the NT.
What you get
Stamp duty concessions and potential grants for new builds.
What it actually costs you
Conveyancing fees and proof of residency.
Common gotcha
You must live in the home for at least six months within the first year.

NT Vehicle Registration Concession

state · Motor Vehicle Registry

Who qualifies
Holders of the NT Pensioner and Carer Concession card.
What you get
Discount on annual vehicle registration fees.
What it actually costs you
Your concession card number at the time of renewal.
Common gotcha
Only applies to one vehicle per household.
Queensland

Queensland offers specific cost-of-living rebates and small business support that help a self-employed tailor manage overheads and energy bills.

Saving on my shop and home bills

Cost of Living Rebate

state · Queensland Government

Who qualifies
All Queensland households with an electricity account.
What you get
Automatic credit; no application required if you are the account holder.
Common gotcha
It only applies to the primary residential address, not your separate commercial workshop.

Small Business Energy Audit Program

state · Department of Energy and Climate

Who qualifies
Small businesses with an ABN and annual electricity bill over $10,000.
What you get
Requires a quote from an approved auditor and a final report submission.
Common gotcha
You must pay for the audit first and claim the rebate after completion.

Electricity Rebate Scheme

state · Department of Communities

Who qualifies
Pensioners or seniors holding a valid concession card.
What you get
Application form via your electricity provider.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed if you change your electricity retailer.

Tools and training for my sewing work

Small Business Grants Program

state · Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

Who qualifies
Small businesses with 0-20 employees operating for at least 12 months.
What you get
Requires a business plan and proof of matching funds.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; you need to demonstrate how the equipment increases revenue.

Free TAFE for Queenslanders

state · TAFE Queensland

Who qualifies
Queensland residents looking to upskill in specific priority industries.
What you get
Enrolment through TAFE Queensland website.
Common gotcha
Only specific courses are free; check the list before enrolling.

Office of Fair Trading Business Advice

state · Office of Fair Trading

Who qualifies
Any Queensland small business owner.
What you get
Phone consultation or online resources.
Common gotcha
They provide information, not legal representation in court.
South Australia

South Australia offers specific cost-of-living concessions and small business support that help independent tradespeople like Maria manage overheads and household bills.

Keeping the lights on and the rent paid

Cost of Living Concession

state · Government of South Australia

Who qualifies
Low-income earners or those on specific Centrelink benefits who own or rent their home.
What you get
An annual payment of up to $255.60 to help with council rates or energy bills.
What it actually costs you
Application via the SA Gov website; requires your Centrelink CRN and property details.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply or confirm your details every year even if you received it previously.

Energy Bill Concession

state · Department of Human Services

Who qualifies
Pensioners and low-income card holders responsible for energy bills.
What you get
Up to $241.50 per year credited directly to your electricity account.
What it actually costs you
Online application; you need your energy bill account number.
Common gotcha
It is not automatic; if you change energy providers, you must notify the concessions office.

Water and Sewerage Rates Concession

state · SA Water

Who qualifies
Eligible cardholders who are liable for water and sewerage rates.
What you get
A discount of up to $330 per year on water and sewerage bills.
What it actually costs you
Application form via SA Gov; requires proof of property ownership or tenancy liability.
Common gotcha
Only applies to your principal place of residence, not investment properties.

Transport Concession Card

state · Adelaide Metro

Who qualifies
Holders of a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
Significant discounts on bus, train, and tram fares across Adelaide.
What it actually costs you
Free to apply; requires your concession card number.
Common gotcha
You must carry your concession card with you at all times when using the discounted fare.

Running my tailoring business

Small Business Advisory Service

state · Office for Small and Family Business

Who qualifies
Any registered small business owner in South Australia.
What you get
Free or low-cost access to business mentors and workshops on tax and marketing.
What it actually costs you
Time for consultations; requires ABN registration.
Common gotcha
Many people miss the free workshops because they aren't signed up for the newsletter.

Small Business Rebate Program

state · SafeWork SA

Who qualifies
Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees investing in safety equipment.
What you get
Rebates of up to $500 for purchasing safety gear (e.g., ergonomic chairs or better lighting).
What it actually costs you
Receipts for safety equipment; application form.
Common gotcha
You must buy the equipment first and then claim the rebate.
Tasmania

Tasmania offers unique cost-of-living support and small business grants for local artisans like tailors to manage the island's specific economic climate.

Keeping my sewing business running

Small Business Grants Program

state · Business Tasmania

Who qualifies
Small business owners with an ABN operating in Tasmania.
What you get
Grants of up to $2,000 for business growth or equipment upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Requires a business plan and proof of ABN; takes 4-6 weeks for approval.
Common gotcha
You must apply before you purchase the equipment, not after.

Payroll Tax Rebate for Apprentices

state · State Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Employers hiring apprentices in trade-based roles.
What you get
Full rebate on payroll tax for eligible apprentices.
What it actually costs you
Requires registration with Skills Tasmania.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific trade classifications.

Business Tasmania Advisory Service

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Any Tasmanian small business owner.
What you get
Free one-on-one business advice and mentoring.
What it actually costs you
Just your time for a consultation session.
Common gotcha
People often forget they can book multiple sessions.

Small Business Energy Saver Loan

state · Aurora Energy / State Gov

Who qualifies
Small businesses looking to upgrade to energy-efficient sewing machines or lighting.
What you get
Interest-free loans for energy-efficient equipment.
What it actually costs you
Requires quotes from approved suppliers.
Common gotcha
Must use a pre-approved list of energy-efficient products.

Managing my household bills

Tasmanian Electricity Concession

state · Department of Treasury and Finance

Who qualifies
Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
Daily discount on electricity bills (approx $1.50/day).
What it actually costs you
Requires your account number and concession card details.
Common gotcha
It is not automatic; you must notify your electricity provider.

Heating Allowance

state · Department of Treasury and Finance

Who qualifies
Low-income earners and pensioners living in Tasmania.
What you get
Annual payment to assist with winter heating costs.
What it actually costs you
Automatic if you are already on the electricity concession.
Common gotcha
Payment is usually made in a single lump sum in May.

Vehicle Registration Concession

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Pensioners and health care card holders.
What you get
50% discount on annual vehicle registration.
What it actually costs you
Must present your card at Service Tasmania.
Common gotcha
Only applies to one vehicle per person.

Student Assistance Scheme (STAS)

state · Department for Education, Children and Young People

Who qualifies
Low-income families with children in government schools.
What you get
Covers levies and essential materials for school.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of income/concession card.
Common gotcha
Must re-apply every year.
Victoria

Victoria offers specific small business support and cost-of-living relief for tradespeople like Maria to manage workshop overheads and utility bills.

Keeping my workshop running

Small Business Mentoring Program

state · Small Business Victoria

Who qualifies
Registered Victorian small business owners with under 20 employees.
What you get
Low-cost, expert business advice on finance, marketing, and operations.
What it actually costs you
A small co-contribution fee (approx $50-$100) per session.
Common gotcha
Sessions book out months in advance; check the portal regularly for cancellations.

Victorian Energy Upgrades

state · Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Who qualifies
Victorian households and small businesses.
What you get
Discounts on energy-efficient equipment like LED lighting or heating upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Must use an accredited provider; the discount is applied at the point of sale.
Common gotcha
Don't pay full price; ensure the installer is accredited under the scheme before starting work.

WorkSafe Small Business OHS Essentials

state · WorkSafe Victoria

Who qualifies
Small business owners needing safety consulting.
What you get
Free, independent safety advice to ensure your workshop meets legal standards.
What it actually costs you
Time for an on-site visit and follow-up paperwork.
Common gotcha
Many think this is an inspection for fines, but it is purely advisory.

Business Victoria Grants and Programs

state · Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

Who qualifies
Victorian businesses meeting specific industry or growth criteria.
What you get
Varying cash grants for technology adoption or business expansion.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed business plan and financial records.
Common gotcha
Deadlines are strict; once the funding pool is exhausted, the portal closes immediately.

Managing my household bills

Victorian Energy Compare

state · Victorian Government

Who qualifies
All Victorian residential energy account holders.
What you get
One-off cash payments and comparison tools to find cheaper electricity rates.
What it actually costs you
A copy of your latest electricity bill.
Common gotcha
The bonus is only available during specific government-announced windows.

Victorian Public Transport Concession

state · Public Transport Victoria

Who qualifies
Holders of a valid Victorian Health Care Card.
What you get
50% discount on daily and weekly public transport fares.
What it actually costs you
Must have a Myki card linked to your concession status.
Common gotcha
You must renew your concession status annually if your card expires.

State Schools' Relief

state · State Schools' Relief

Who qualifies
Families experiencing financial hardship with children in state schools.
What you get
Vouchers for school uniforms, shoes, and textbooks.
What it actually costs you
Application through the school principal or welfare coordinator.
Common gotcha
You cannot apply directly; the school must facilitate the request.

Utility Relief Grant Scheme

state · Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Who qualifies
Low-income Victorians experiencing unexpected financial crisis.
What you get
Up to $650 per utility type to clear overdue bills.
What it actually costs you
Proof of income and evidence of the financial crisis.
Common gotcha
This is for one-off crises, not for ongoing bill management.
Western Australia

Western Australia offers specific cost-of-living support and small business grants that help independent tradespeople like Maria manage overheads and energy costs.

Keeping my tailoring shop running

Small Business Development Corporation Advisory Services

state · Small Business Development Corporation

Who qualifies
Registered small business owners in WA with an ABN.
What you get
Free business advisory services and guidance on financial planning.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires booking an appointment and providing business registration details.
Common gotcha
Many tailors assume this is only for large companies, but it is open to sole traders.

Energy Assistance Payment

state · Department of Communities

Who qualifies
Holders of a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
Annual rebate applied to electricity accounts to offset shop or home energy costs.
What it actually costs you
Zero; requires submitting your concession card details to your energy provider.
Common gotcha
You must re-verify your card details if you switch energy providers.

WorkSafe Small Business Rebate

state · WorkSafe WA

Who qualifies
Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees implementing safety improvements.
What you get
Rebate of up to $500 for purchasing safety equipment like ergonomic chairs or lighting.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of purchase and installation of safety equipment.
Common gotcha
You must apply for the rebate after the purchase, not before.

Getting around and saving on costs

Transperth Pensioner/Student SmartRider

state · Public Transport Authority

Who qualifies
WA Seniors Card holders or eligible concession card holders.
What you get
Significant discounts on bus, train, and ferry travel across Perth.
What it actually costs you
Small fee for the card; requires proof of concession status.
Common gotcha
You must tap on and off to ensure the correct fare is calculated.

WA Seniors Card

state · Department of Communities

Who qualifies
WA residents aged 65+ working less than 25 hours per week.
What you get
Discounts at hundreds of local businesses and free off-peak public transport.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires proof of age and residency.
Common gotcha
It is not automatic; you must apply once you turn 65.

Cost of Living Rebate

state · Department of Communities

Who qualifies
WA Seniors Card holders.
What you get
Annual cash payment to assist with household expenses.
What it actually costs you
Automatic for registered cardholders.
Common gotcha
Ensure your bank details are updated with the department to receive the payment.