Mark Brennan

Small Business Commissioner

Mark provides advocacy and representation of small business interests and concerns to the Australian Government, including referral to business-to-business dispute resolution services.

An important part of his role is to work collaboratively across all levels of government to ensure services for small business are simple and easy to access.

Previously Mark was the Victorian Small Business Commissioner and has run his own small business, MA Brennan and Associates. In 2011 Mark was the Council of Small Business of Australia’s National Small Business Champion.

Three tips for your business:

Develop your business management skills.

Most businesses think they will succeed by working hard, but you also have to work smart.

A key challenge is to look at ways to get better at what you do. I encourage businesses to make use of training courses available through industry or professional associations or take advantage of government programs that provide free (or low cost) small business assistance and advice, such as Small Business Advisory Services or the Superannuation Clearing House.

Stay Informed.

You don't need a degree to open a small business, but you do need to be prepared and informed.

Joining an industry or professional association or chamber of commerce, or subscribing to a business magazine can be an excellent source of information to help you improve your business and to keep you up to date with changes which may affect your business. My website, www.asbc.gov.au, also provides useful information which may assist you.

Seek advice from an accountant, business advisor or lawyer.

I encourage businesses to get advice on things like contracts and leases. Leases and contracts come with obligations that you have to meet and in too many cases small business owners are not aware of or do not fully understand their rights and obligations.

This can get a business into trouble. Get a lawyer to explain the lease or contract and to use a highlighter pens to highlight your obligations and rights in one colour and the landlord's or other parties in another.