Why it’s time to celebrate our hard-working self-employed

Originally published in Kochie's Business Builder.

We rightly honour and respect people for the livelihoods they carve out and the contribution they make to workplaces and the economy. But what is often missed as a vital and valued path to meaningful livelihoods and economic contribution is self-employment, writes Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.

Hands-on ombudsman tackles digital divide for business

Originally published by The Canberra Times.

WHEN Paul, the proprietor of Zenbar Massage, was setting up his remedial massage business in Dickson last year, one of his early priorities was to promote his service.

After researching online, he engaged a British-based marketing company which, for a commission, sold appointment vouchers.

The promotion appeared to work and, in addition to his other clientele, Paul (who did not want his last name published) was seeing around one customer a day armed with a voucher for his service.