ACCC Small Business Support: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how small businesses and sole traders in Australia can access free guidance regarding their rights and unfair contract terms.
This scheme provides free guidance to help small businesses and sole traders understand their legal rights when dealing with unfair contract terms.
Who it's for
This support is specifically designed for individuals and entities operating as sole traders or as small businesses. It is intended for those who need to understand their rights under consumer law when entering into business agreements.
What you get
You can access free guidance regarding your business rights. This support is designed to help you navigate the complexities of business contracts and understand whether the terms you are being asked to sign are considered unfair. This guidance serves as a resource to help you understand your standing when disputes arise or when you are reviewing new agreements.
What it costs you
There is no cost to access this guidance; the service is provided for free to help small business owners protect their interests.
The catch to know
The most important detail to understand is that to successfully challenge certain terms, you must be able to prove that your contract is a "standard form" contract. This means the contract was prepared by one party and offered to many people without the opportunity for the other party to negotiate the specific terms. If you cannot demonstrate that the contract is a standard form agreement, it may be harder to use these specific protections.
How to apply
- Identify the specific terms in your contract that you believe are unfair.
- Determine if your contract is a "standard form" agreement that was offered without negotiation.
- Prepare any relevant documentation regarding your business and the contract in question.
- Use the official government resources to seek guidance on your rights.