general resources

Free and useful online resources for designers and developers. The site includes easy-to-understand pieces on digital know-how and applications, from advertising to blogging, RSS, eCommerce and widgets.

The Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia (IPTA) is the peak professional body representing Australian patent and trade mark attorneys. IPTA provides a free consulting service. Select "IP Creators and Users" tab and then choose "Free Consulting Service" from the menu at the left.

Part of the NSW Government Industry and Investment 'small business toolkit' the Managing Intellectual Property component focuses on understanding intellectual property (IP) and its significant impact on your business. It also includes IP commercialisation, IP management and IP protection.

IP Australia your main point of contact for intellectual property allows you to check if your name, brand, design or patent is already registered and provides access to a range of related intellectual property information as well. Here you can also search the IPA databases.

IP Australia's 'Smart Start' website is an Australian Government initiative which introduces intellectual property and covers IP concepts relating to buying an existing business and starting a new one. It contains a range of information, tools, case studies and IP related event information.

In the interest of small businesses the ACCC provides plenty of solid government information on handling customers, working with other businesses, business start up checklists and codes of conduct and more.

Finding the best - or at least most appropriate - business bank accounts, business loans or business credit cards is a worthwhile exercise. InfoChoice is a commercially run site but there's plenty of good independent comparison information here.

Startup Australia is a good first stop for anyone looking to start a company, and particularly in the IT/web/technology space. It is an open wiki listing with many resources on how to get started, useful events for entrepreneurs, key people in the start-up community and their blogs, jobs, funding, grants, awards, going to Silicon Valley and more

A government resource which offers simple and convenient access to information, services and contacts you need to start running your business. It's basic 'how to' layout guides you through the initial burning business questions.

An initative of'business.gov.au' Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) is a non for profit organisation with a national network of centres to provide clients with a local point of contact for information and regional tailored advice. In addition to locating your local BEC the website offers a number of online resources, 'how-to-guides' and detailed information on a range of business related topics.

ASIC's National Names Index is an online tool that allows you to check what other people are calling their new business or company venture. A good place to visit to check the availability of names - preferably, before you start printing letterheads for your new business.

Governments small and large, State and Federal are providing information and resources to assist SMEs. This information is generic however is still valid for your creative business - as it provides practical how-tos and go-tos. Access resources for planning, starting and growing businesses. Find out more here: http://www.business.act.gov.au http://www.business.nsw.gov.au

ASIC keeps a close eye on the comings and goings of Australian companies - large and small especially business and company name registration and other regulatory fundamentals. The website provides information about starting, registering and running your business.

"Export Magazine is a bi-monthly magazine published for the growing number of Australian businesses seeking to successfully market their goods and services offshore. Specifically tailored for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), export holds special relevance for new and emerging exporters while further developing ideas and strategies for existing exporters. Each issue is packed with highly engaging, yet easy-to-read 'how-to' articles, case studies, market analysis, industry developments and articles on exporter experiences in international markets as well as the insights of industry leaders and policy makers."

A 'small business toolkit' a focus on export including information on how to identify and research potential export markets, strategies to enter the international market and conduct market research. The chapter also covers a SWOT analysis and a export readiness assessment.

Anthill is an online business magazine with a focus on small to medium enterprises and the issues that are relevant to rapid growth potential companies.

This American Arts Journal was founded in 1999 and places precedence on art, culture and ideas. It's weblog The Artful Manager written by Andrew Taylor (Director of the Bolz Centre for Arts Administration in Wisconsin) has an arts and culture business focus.

State libraries have evolved and are a great access point for information and a resource in themselves. Have a look at the State Library of NSW's Business: Industry Information resource. Plenty of useful practical information for creative business types and normally expensive industry reports can be accessed free of charge.While you're there flick through glossy design and architecture magazines from around the world you've always coveted for inspiration.

Smartcompany is a website for small to medium enterprises featuring business news, business information and business blogs. Information available extends to feature articles, entrepreneur interviews and business webinars cover topics such as advertising and marketing, buying or selling a business, starting a business, growing a business, SEO, superannuation and tax.

Part of the NSW Government Industry and Investment 'small business toolkit' the marketing module provides a clear chapter by chapter guide to marketing accompanied by video, audio and PDF components. The layout incorporates optional continual knowledge testing at the end of each section.

One of 'business.gov.au' 'how-to-guides' with a focus on marketing plans. It contains information and links which outline the key principles of marketing in addition to a guide to writing your own marketing plan. A link to business.vic.gov.au enables you to download an interactive marketing plan template which provides a detailed layout complete with guided questions and examples of responses using a fictional company.

eMarketer aggregate and analyse worldwide sources—assembled in one easy-to-search database of reports, charts, videos, articles and interviews. Free registration for the email newsletter.

Standing Room Only, a book by Philip Kotler and Joanne Scheff is a great introductory guide to marketing for performing arts organisations. If you work with the performing arts or are concerned about their future, this book is for you. It is an indispensable tool for arts managers, marketers, board members, educators, fund-raisers, donors, corporate sponsors, arts journalists, and consultants. Details - as well as other insights on arts marketing - can be found on their website:  http://www.artsmarketinginsights.com/

Government Grant Guru provides an overview of current government grants that are on offer across Australia. The site can assist you with preparing and submitting your applications.

Ausinvent is designed to assist inventors and innovators develop their ideas into business opportunities. The website provides online information, advice and support as well access to a self assessment tool to test the likelihood of success of your idea. Ausinvent also provides access to an indepth technical and commercial assessment which includes an initial consultation, analysis and written report.

Located within the Australian Technology Park (ATP), on the fringe of the Sydney CBD, ATP Innovations supports one of Australia's largest clusters of emerging technology businesses. It's programs focus on value-added services to accelerate business growth, and whilst many clients are located at the ATP, its virtual program supports businesses regardless of location.