home based business survey report - hume city council · home based business survey 2010 3. survey...

GPs Accessing Hume City Council HACC Services

HUME CITY COUNCIL

HOME BASED

BUSINESS

SURVEY 2010

FINAL REPORT

NOVEMBER 2010

Home Based Business Survey 2010

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Home Based Business Survey was undertaken by Hume City Council’s Research Department and Economic Development Department in order to gather information about the operations of home based businesses in Hume and their needs. Hume City Council’s Research and Economic Development Departments wish to acknowledge and thank Hume residents who participated in the survey for their valuable time and feedback.


Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................ 4

1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 6

2. Methods ............................................................................................................................. 7

3. Survey Findings ................................................................................................................ 8

3.1. Profile of Businesses ................................................................................................. 8

Business Classification ................................................................................................. 8

Where business is conducted ....................................................................................... 8

Years operating current business ................................................................................. 9

Type of employment ................................................................................................... 10

Number of employees ................................................................................................. 11

Principle owners ......................................................................................................... 11

Highest level of educational attainment ....................................................................... 12

Number of hours worked............................................................................................. 13

Source of income ........................................................................................................ 13

Business Activity Statement ........................................................................................ 14

3.2. Training ..................................................................................................................... 15

Training courses attended .......................................................................................... 15

Future training courses ............................................................................................... 15

3.3. Information Technology........................................................................................... 16

Internet connection ..................................................................................................... 16

Business website ........................................................................................................ 16

Use of internet ............................................................................................................ 16

Online trading and sales ............................................................................................. 17

Hume City Council website ......................................................................................... 18

Home Based Business e-newsletter ........................................................................... 18

Social media ............................................................................................................... 18

3.4. Growth and Development ........................................................................................ 19

Business growth ......................................................................................................... 19

Moving out of Hume .................................................................................................... 19

Five year business plan .............................................................................................. 19

Marketing strategies ................................................................................................... 20

Issues impacting on home based businesses ............................................................. 21

Support and networking .............................................................................................. 21

Constraints for home based businesses ..................................................................... 22

Further comments....................................................................................................... 22

4. Appendices ...................................................................................................................... 23

4.1. Open ended questions ............................................................................................. 23

4.2. Survey Tool .............................................................................................................. 28


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In August 2010, Hume City Council’s Economic Development department conducted a Home Based Business Survey across households in the municipality. The survey aimed to gather information about home based businesses operating in Hume City and their needs.

Questionnaires were distributed to all households in the municipality through the delivery of the Hume Pride magazine. A total of 64 questionnaires were returned This report presents the findings of the Home Based Business Survey which was managed in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2000. The key findings are as follows:

Profile of Businesses

• More than one third (35.9%) of home based businesses owners surveyed are classified as ‘Technicians and Trade Workers’, followed by one fifth (20.3%) of businesses owners classified as ‘Professionals’.

• More than half (54.0%) of business owners surveyed conducted their business from home, using the home as a base, with much of the work completed outside the home. The remaining 46.0% of business owners conducted their business mainly from home.

• Almost two fifths (38.7%) of home based business owners have been operating their current business for 1-5 years. One quarter (24.2%) of business owners have been in operation 10 years or more.

• Slightly more than two fifths (43.5%) of businesses have full time staff only, one in ten businesses (11.3%) have part time staff only and 4.8% of businesses surveyed have casual staff only.

• Males made up more than half (55.1%) of the total number of full time employees in the home based businesses surveyed, while females made up a quarter (26.5%).

• More than two fifths (43.5%) of home based businesses have a total of one employee and

one quarter (25.8%) have a total of two employees.

• More than two fifths (44.3%) of home based business owners work between 35 and 50 hours each week. Almost ten percent (9.8%) of owners work less than 10 hours and 6.6% work more than 75 hours per week.

• Seven in ten (69.4%) business owners surveyed reported their home based business is their primary source of income.

Training

• Four in ten (38.7%) home based business owners have attended a training course on owning or operating a business.

• Two fifths of home based business owners are interested in undertaking the training course ‘Developing an online presence’ and ‘Financial information’ (40.6% each). There was also a strong interest in ‘Internet strategy’ (37.5%), ‘Social networking and your business’ (35.9%) and ‘Sustainable business practices’ (31.3%).


Information Technology

• Almost all home based business owners have access to either wireless (43.5%) or DSL/ADSL (41.9%) internet connections. Less than five percent of business owners have cable or dial-up (4.8% each).

• Slightly more than half (53.3%) of those businesses which have internet access, have a business website.

• The three prevailing uses of business internet for the home based business owners surveyed are:

� E-mail (92.2%)

� Internet banking (79.7%)

� Research (65.6%).

• More than half (50.8%) of business owners surveyed do not have an online presence. One quarter are looking to break into the area and one quarter report they are not interested in this area (both 25.4%).

• Eight in ten (80.0%) respondents have accessed the home based business pages on Hume City Council’s website.

• Slightly more than two fifths (44.3%) of respondents are interested in participating in a Hume home based business Facebook group.

Growth & Development

• When asked about business growth, the top three most selected statements were:

� I would like to explore opportunities to expand my business (62.5%)

� My business has grown significantly since starting (40.6%)

� My market is mainly in the local area or region (34.4%)

• Almost two thirds (62.5%) of business owners plan on increasing the size of their business in the next five years.

• More than two fifths (43.8%) plan to acquire more skills in order to expand their business and 42.2% plan on adding products or services.

• Slightly more than two fifths of business owners have done some general advertising (eg, Yellow Pages). One fifth (21.9%) of business owners have completed a written business plan and almost one fifth (18.8%) have completed cash flow projections.

• The three main issues impacting upon home based business owners and the operation of their businesses are cash flow and profitability (both 50.0%), followed closely by business costs (48.4%).

• Almost half (47.6%) of business owners ‘disagreed’ or ‘strongly disagreed’ when asked if they currently have access to all the support they need.

• Two thirds (66.7%) ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ they would be interested in participating in a home based business network or association.

• Business advice/ mentors and marketing advice/ assistance (both 22.0%) were the two main types of support respondents would like to see provided to home based businesses. This was followed closely by financial advice/ assistance (19.5%) and business workshops/ seminars (17.1%).

• Finances – including cash flow, interest rates and the general economy) (41.8%), time constraints (16.4%) and marketing (14.5%) were issues business owners felt limited their growth or development.


1. Introduction

In August 2010, Hume City Council conducted the Home Based Business Survey across households in the municipality. The survey was developed and managed in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2000.

Aim

The overall aim of the survey was to gather information about home based businesses operating in Hume City and their needs.

Objectives

The objectives of the Home Based Business Survey 2010 were to:

• Obtain information about home based businesses operating in the municipality

• Identify the use of information technology by home based businesses

• Ascertain views and information about growth and development of home based businesses

• Identify the support needs and challenges facing home based businesses

• Identify information that businesses would like to receive.


2. Methods The methodology for the Home Based Business Survey was developed by Hume City Council’s Economic Department in consultation with the Research Department.

Survey Design

The survey questions served primarily to collect information to meet the overall aim and objectives of the project. The survey was sectioned into four parts: about your business; training; information technology; and growth and technology. A copy of the Survey Tool can be found in the Appendices.

Sampling

Questionnaires were distributed to all households in the municipality through the delivery of the Hume Pride magazine in July/ August 2010. A total of 64 questionnaires were returned.

Data Management

The survey was managed in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2000. Responses from returned questionnaires were entered directly via an online survey form (Survey Gizmo - a web-based survey tool) set up by Hume City Council’s Research Department. The online form was designed to reflect the structure of the questionnaire, thereby facilitating the entry of data in an efficient and accurate manner. Once data entry was complete, the Research Department exported the raw data from Survey Gizmo and the data cleaning process was conducted. This included checking data entry errors and missing answers. The data was then exported into SPSS statistical software and analysed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel programmes. Open-ended answers were treated as individual responses with equal value; however, as respondents were allowed to offer multiple responses (i.e. give more than one comment) various tables throughout the report do not total 100%.

Reporting and Dissemination

A report outlining the findings of the Home Based Business Survey has been produced for Hume City Council’s Economic Department. The report includes an executive summary, detailed results and an appendix containing open ended questions and the survey tool. The findings and implications of the survey will be presented to, and considered by key stakeholders of the Economic Department and Council.


3. Survey Findings The following section outlines the findings from the Home Based Business Survey. The profile of survey respondents is examined first and is followed by a detailed analysis.

3.1. Profile of Businesses

Business Classification Respondents were asked to specify the nature of their business. These answers were then classified according to the ABS Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZIC), First Edition (ABS Cat. no. 1292.0). Almost one sixth of home based business owners surveyed are classified as either ‘Construction’ or ‘Other services’ (both 14.1%), followed by one in ten business owners classified as ‘Professional, scientific and technical services’ or ‘Arts and recreation services’ (both 10.9%). Table 1 – Business owner’s classification

Business owner’s ANZIC classification Count Percent

Construction 9 14.1

Other services 9 14.1

Professional, scientific and technical services 7 10.9

Arts and recreation services 7 10.9

Administrative and support services 6 9.4

Health care and social assistance 5 7.8

Agriculture, forestry and fishing 4 6.3

Information media and telecommunications 4 6.3

Electricity, gas, water and waste services 3 4.7

Transport, postal and warehousing 3 4.7

Retail trade 2 3.1

Manufacturing 1 1.6

Wholesale trade 1 1.6

Financial and insurance services 1 1.6

Rental hiring and real estate services 1 1.6

Education and training 1 1.6

Mining 0 0.0

Accommodation and food services 0 0.0

Public administration and safety 0 0.0

Total respondents 64 100.0

Where business is conducted More than half (54.0%) of business owners surveyed conducted their business from home, using the home as a base, with much of the work completed outside the home. The remaining 46.0% of business owners conducted their business mainly from home.

Figure 1 – Where business is conducted

Every business owner (100.0%) wthe home as a base, as opposed to each of the business owners (100.0%) within the ‘Arts and recreation services’ classification who work at home. Table 2 – Business owner’s classification by where business is mainly conducted

Business owner’s classification

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Mining

Manufacturing

Electricity, gas, water and waste services

Construction

Wholesale trade

Retail trade

Accommodation and food services

Transport, postal and warehousing

Information media and telecommunications

Financial and insurance services

Rental hiring and real estate services

Professional, scientific and technical services

Administrative and support services

Public administration and safety

Education and training

Health care and social assistance

Arts and recreation services

Other services

Years operating current businessAlmost two fifths (38.7%) of home based business for 1-5 years. One quarter (24.2%) of business owners have been in operation 10 years or more.

46.0%

54.0%

Is your business mainly conducted:

n=63


%) within the ‘Construction’ classification works fromthe home as a base, as opposed to each of the business owners (100.0%) within the ‘Arts and recreation services’ classification who work at home.

Business owner’s classification by where business is mainly conducted


At home From home

Count Percent Count Percent

4 100.0 0 0.0

0 0.0 0 0.0

0 0.0 1 100.0

Electricity, gas, water and waste services 0 0.0 3 100.0

0 0.0 9 100.0

0 0.0 1 100.0

1 50.0 1 50.0

0 0.0 0 0.0

1 33.3 2 66.7

Information media and telecommunications 2 50.0 2 50.0

0 0.0 1 100.0

0 0.0 1 100.0

Professional, scientific and technical services 3 50.0 3 50.0

3 50.0 3 50.0

0 0.0 0 0.0

0 0.0 1 100.0

3 60.0 2 40.0

7 100.0 0 0.0

5 55.6 4 44.4

Years operating current business home based business owners have been operating their current

One quarter (24.2%) of business owners have been in operation 10

46.0%


At home

From home, using the home as a base but much of the work is outside the home


from home, using the home as a base, as opposed to each of the business owners (100.0%) within the ‘Arts and


Total respondents

Count Percent

4 100.0

0 100.0

1 100.0

3 100.0

9 100.0

1 100.0

2 100.0

0 100.0

3 100.0

4 100.0

1 100.0

1 100.0

6 100.0

6 100.0

0 100.0

1 100.0

5 100.0

7 100.0

9 100.0

business owners have been operating their current One quarter (24.2%) of business owners have been in operation 10

Figure 2 – Years operating current business

Type of employment Slightly more than two fifths (43.5%) of businesses habusinesses (11.3%) have part time staff only and 4.8% of businesses surveyed have casual staff only. Table 3 – Number of employees

Type of employment

Full time only

Full time + Part time

Full time + Casual

Part time only

Full time + Part time + Casual

Casual only

Part time + Casual

Total respondents

Males made up more than half (55.1%) of the total number of full time employees in the home based businesses surveyed, while females made up Females numbered almost two thirdsthe casual staff, compared with one quarter 25.0% of part time male staff and 22.2% of casual male staff.

Figure 3 – Number and gender of employees

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Less than 1 yr

1 to less than 5 yrs

12.9

How many years have you been operating your current

0

20

40

60

80

Full time Part time

55.1

25.026.5

62.5

18.4

Number and gender of employees

%

%

n=62


two fifths (43.5%) of businesses have full time staff only, one in ten part time staff only and 4.8% of businesses surveyed have casual

Count

Males made up more than half (55.1%) of the total number of full time employees in the home based businesses surveyed, while females made up one quarter (26.5%).

almost two thirds (62.5%) of the part time staff and fifty percent (50.0%) the casual staff, compared with one quarter 25.0% of part time male staff and 22.2% of casual

of employees



10 yrs or more

38.7

24.2 24.2

How many years have you been operating your current business?

Part time Casual

22.2

62.5

50.0

12.5

27.8

Number and gender of employees

Male

Female

Both male & female


full time staff only, one in ten part time staff only and 4.8% of businesses surveyed have casual

Count Percent

27 43.5

10 16.1

8 12.9

7 11.3

4 6.5

3 4.8

3 4.8

62 100.0

Males made up more than half (55.1%) of the total number of full time employees in the home

(62.5%) of the part time staff and fifty percent (50.0%) of the casual staff, compared with one quarter 25.0% of part time male staff and 22.2% of casual

Both male & female


Number of employees More than two fifths (43.5%) of home based businesses have a total of one employee and one quarter (25.8%) have a total of two employees. Almost ten percent (9.7%) of home based businesses surveyed employ 6 or more people. The average number of employees in the home based businesses surveyed is 2.6.

Table 4 – Number of employees by type of employment

Number of people in business

Type of employment Count Percent Count Percent

1 person Full time 22 81.5

27 43.5 Part time 5 18.5

2 people

Full time 4 25.0

16 25.8

Part time 2 12.5

Casual 2 12.5

Full time + Part time 4 25.0

Full time + Casual 1 6.3

Part time + Casual 3 18.8

3 people

Full time 1 25.0

4 6.5 Casual 1 25.0

Full time + Casual 2 50.0

4 people


4 6.5 Full time + Casual 2 50.0

Full time + Part time + Casual 1 25.0

5 people


5 8.1 Full time + Casual 3 60.0

Full time + Part time + Casual 1 20.0

6+ people Full time + Part time 4 66.7

6 9.7 Full time + Part time + Casual 2 33.3


Average number of employees 2.6

Principle owners

Eight in ten (79.4%) home based businesses surveyed have one principle owner and two fifths (19.0%) have two principle owners. The average number of principle owners is 1.2. Table 5 – Number of principle owners

Number of principle owners Count Percent

1 owner 50 79.4%

2 owners 12 19.0%

3 owners 0 0.0%

4 owners 1 1.6%

Total respondents 63 100.0%

Average number of principle owners 1.2

Gender

Of the home based businesses surveyed, hcompared with 34.9% who are female.

Table 6 – Principle owners - Gender

Principle owners - Gender

Male

Female

Both

Total respondents

Age

Slightly more than one third (35.9surveyed are aged 40-49 years, followed by 29.5% who are aged 50of the principle owner/s is 45.5 years Figure 4 – Principle owners – Age

Highest level of educational attainmentThe highest level of educational attainment achieved by home based businesses surveyed is a University Degree or higher (26.6%). The same numbers of business owners have completed equivalent (26.6% each). One fifth (20.3%) of completed less than Year 12.

Table 7 – Educational attainment

Educational attainment

University degree or higher

Vocational training/ diploma

Completed Year 12 or equivalent

Did not complete Year 12 or equivalent

Total respondents

0

10

20

30

40

50

20-29 30-39

2.6

25.6

Principle owners

%

n=78


Of the home based businesses surveyed, half (49.2%) of the principle owner/s are male, compared with 34.9% who are female.

Count

5.9%) of all principle owners of the home based businesses , followed by 29.5% who are aged 50-59 years. The

45.5 years.

Highest level of educational attainment The highest level of educational attainment achieved by any of the principle owners of the home based businesses surveyed is a University Degree or higher (26.6%). The same numbers of business owners have completed Vocational Training/ Diploma or Year 12 or

(26.6% each). One fifth (20.3%) of home based business owners surveyed

Count

complete Year 12 or equivalent

40-49 50-59 60+

35.9

29.5

6.4

Principle owners – Age


the principle owner/s are male,

Count Percent

31 49.2

22 34.9

10 15.9

63 100.0%

%) of all principle owners of the home based businesses The average age

any of the principle owners of the home based businesses surveyed is a University Degree or higher (26.6%). The same

Vocational Training/ Diploma or Year 12 or business owners surveyed

Count Percent

17 26.6

17 26.6

17 26.6

13 20.3

64 100.0%

Number of hours worked More than two fifths (44.3%) of home based business owners work between 35 and 50 hours each week. Almost ten percent (9.8%) of owners work less than 10 hours andwork more than 75 hours per week. Table 8 – Hours worked per week

Number of hours worked per week

Less than 10 hrs

10-20 hrs

21-34 hrs

35-50 hrs

51-75 hrs

More than 75 hrs

Total respondents

Source of income Seven in ten (69.4%) business owners surveyed reported their home based business is their primary source of income. Figure 5 – Source of income

Almost half (48.8%) of those business ownerssource of income, work 35-50 hours per week. based business is a secondary source of income, work 21

Table 9 – Source of income by number of hours worked

Hours worked

Less than 10 hrs

10-20 hrs

21-34 hrs

35-50 hrs

51-75 hrs

More than 75 hrs

Total respondents

30.6%

Is this Home Based Business your:

n=62


More than two fifths (44.3%) of home based business owners work between 35 and 50 hours each week. Almost ten percent (9.8%) of owners work less than 10 hours andwork more than 75 hours per week.

Number of hours worked per week Count

Seven in ten (69.4%) business owners surveyed reported their home based business is their

48.8%) of those business owners whose home based business is their primary 50 hours per week. The highest number of those

based business is a secondary source of income, work 21-34 hours per week (33.3%).

Source of income by number of hours worked

Primary source of income

Secondary source of

Count Percent Count

3 7.3

5 12.2

2 4.9

20 48.8

7 17.1

4 9.8

41 100.0

69.4%

Is this Home Based Business your:

Primary source of income

Secondary source of income


More than two fifths (44.3%) of home based business owners work between 35 and 50 hours each week. Almost ten percent (9.8%) of owners work less than 10 hours and 6.6%

Count Percent

6 9.8

9 14.8

8 13.1

27 44.3

7 11.5

4 6.6

61 100.0%

Seven in ten (69.4%) business owners surveyed reported their home based business is their

whose home based business is their primary The highest number of those whose home

34 hours per week (33.3%).

Secondary source of income

Count Percent

3 16.7

4 22.2

6 33.3

5 27.8

0 0.0

0 0.0

18 100.0

Business Activity Statement Businesses in Australia must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if their annual turnover is $75,000 or more ($Activity Statement (BAS) is a form submitted to the businesses to report their taxation obligations and must be lodged if GST. Three quarters (75.8%) of business owners surveyed Statement, implying their businesses are earning $75, Figure 6 – Business Activity Statement (BAS)

24.2%

Do you fill out a Business Activity Statement (BAS)?

n=62


Businesses in Australia must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if their annual ($150,000 or more for non-profit organisations).

(BAS) is a form submitted to the Australian Taxation Officeation obligations and must be lodged if they are registered for

business owners surveyed filled out a Business Activity , implying their businesses are earning $75,000pa+.

BAS)

75.8%

Do you fill out a Business Activity Statement (BAS)?

Yes

No


Businesses in Australia must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if their annual profit organisations). A Business Australian Taxation Office by all

are registered for

filled out a Business Activity


3.2. Training

Training courses attended Four in ten (38.7%) home based business owners have attended a training course on owning or operating a business. Table 10 – Training course attendance

Have you ever attended a training course on owning or operating a business?

Count Percent

Yes 24 38.7

No 38 61.3


Future training courses When asked which of a list of training courses they would be interested in undertaking, two fifths of home based business owners nominated ‘Developing an online business’ and ‘Financial information’ (40.6% each). There was also a strong interest in ‘Internet strategy’ (37.5%), ‘Social networking and your business’ (35.9%) and ‘Sustainable business practices’ (31.3%). One sixth (15.6%) of respondents had no interest in undertaking any of the courses listed, nor did they list any other courses they are interested in. Table 11 – Interest in courses

Which, if any, of the following courses or training would you be interested in undertaking?

Count Percent

Developing an Online Business 26 40.6

Financial Information 26 40.6

Internet Strategy 24 37.5

Social Networking & Your Business 23 35.9

Sustainable Business Practices 20 31.3

Business & Environmental Issues 12 18.8

None 10 15.6

Other* 8 12.5

Total respondents 61

*Others specified in Appendices

Note: totals do not add to 100% as respondents could provide more than one answer


3.3. Information Technology

Internet connection Almost all home based business owners have access to either wireless (43.5%) or DSL/ADSL (41.9%) internet connections. Less than five percent of business owners have cable or dial-up (4.8% each). Business website Slightly more than half (53.3%) of those businesses who have internet access, have a business website. Six in ten (61.5%) home based businesses with DSL/ADSL internet connections have a company website, followed by half (51.9%) of those with a wireless internet connection.

Table 12 – Type of internet connection by website

Type of internet connection

Website Count Percent Count Percent

Wireless Website 14 51.9

27 43.5 No website 13 48.1

DSL/ADSL Website 16 61.5

26 41.9 No website 10 38.5

Cable Website 1 33.3

3 4.8 No website 2 66.7

Dial-up Website 0 0.0

3 4.8 No website 3 100.0

Satellite Website 1 100.0

1 1.6 No website 0 0.0

No internet access Website 0 0.0

2 3.2 No website 2 100.0


Use of internet The three prevailing uses of business internet for the home based business owners surveyed are:

• E-mail (92.2%)

• Internet banking (79.7%)

• Research (65.6%).


Table 13 – Business uses of internet

Which of the following business-related activities do you use your internet access for?

Count Percent

E-mail 59 92.2

Internet banking 51 79.7

Research 42 65.6

Receiving payment for product or services 37 57.8

Taking orders for products or services 30 46.9

Online learning 27 42.2

Providing customer support 26 40.6

Monitor markets and competition 23 35.9

Networking with other businesses or associations in your sector 21 32.8

Other* 1 1.6


*Others specified in Appendices


Online trading and sales More than half (50.8%) of business owners surveyed do not have an online presence. One quarter are looking to break into the area and one quarter report they are not interested in this area (both 25.4%). Table 14 – Percentage of business online

What percentage of your business is online trade or sales? Count Percent

Zero – looking to break into the area 16 25.4

Zero – not interested in this area 16 25.4

1-15% 14 22.2

16-30% 6 9.5

31-50% 4 6.3

51-75% 1 1.6

76-100% 6 9.5


Hume City Council website Eight in ten (80.0%) respondents have accessed City Council’s website – www.hume.vic.gov.au Figure 7 – Accessing Hume City Council websi

Home Based Business e-newsletterAlmost ninety percent (87.3%) of respondents are interested in receiving a binewsletter related specifically to home based business ownership issues. Figure 8 – Home based business e-newsletter

Social media Slightly more than two fifths (44home based business Facebook group. Figure 9 – Home based business e-newsletter

20.0%

80.0%

Have you accessed the Home Based Business pages on the Hume City Council

website?

87.3

12.7

Would you be interested in receiving a bimonthly e-newsletter specifically related to

Home Based Business issues?

55.7

Would you be interested in participating in a Hume Based Business Facebook group?

n=60

n=63

n=61


Eight in ten (80.0%) respondents have accessed the home based business pages on www.hume.vic.gov.au.

Accessing Hume City Council website

newsletter Almost ninety percent (87.3%) of respondents are interested in receiving a binewsletter related specifically to home based business ownership issues.

newsletter

Slightly more than two fifths (44.3%) of respondents are interested in participating home based business Facebook group.

newsletter

Have you accessed the Home Based Business pages on the Hume City Council

website?

Yes

No

87.3

Would you be interested in receiving a bi-newsletter specifically related to

Home Based Business issues?

Yes

No

44.3

Would you be interested in participating in a Hume Based Business Facebook group?

Yes

No


the home based business pages on Hume

Almost ninety percent (87.3%) of respondents are interested in receiving a bi-monthly e-

participating in a Hume


3.4. Growth and Development

Business growth Respondents were given a list of statements concerning growth of their home based business and asked to select all those applicable. The top five most selected statements were:

• I would like to explore opportunities to expand my business (62.5%)

• My business has grown significantly since starting (40.6%)

• My market is mainly in the local area or region (34.4%)

• I prefer to stay small so that I can work from home (32.8%)

• Networking with other Home Based Businesses will help my business (32.8%). Table 15 – Business growth

Of the following statements, please select all that apply to you and your business:

Count Percent

I would like to explore opportunities to expand my business 40 62.5

My business has grown significantly since starting 26 40.6

My market is mainly in the local area or region 22 34.4

I prefer to stay small so that I can work from home 21 32.8

Networking with other Home Based Businesses will help my business 21 32.8

My business has export potential 9 14.1

I am involved in importing 6 9.4

I am involved in exporting 2 3.1



Moving out of Hume Almost two fifths of home based business owners surveyed reported that if they were to move their business out of their home and look for commercial space, it would be within Hume (38.7%). Almost the same number of respondents reported they were not looking to move their business out of their homes (37.1%). Less than five percent (4.8%) reported they would look outside of Hume for commercial space. Table 16 – Moving out of Hume

If you were looking to move your business out of home, where would you look for commercial space?

Count Percent

Within Hume 24 38.7

Not Applicable 23 37.1

Not sure 12 19.4

Outside Hume 3 4.8


Five year business plan Almost two thirds (62.5%) of business owners plan on increasing the size of their business in the next five years. More than two fifths (43.8%) plan to acquire more skills in order to expand their business and 42.2% plan on adding products or services. Only one business owner reported on planning to reduce the size of their business.


Table 17 – Five year business plan

What are your business plans for the next 5 years? Count Percent

Increase the size of your business 40 62.5

Acquire more skills to expand your business 28 43.8

Add products or services 27 42.2

Get some support to help your business grow 26 40.6

Continue to develop at the same rate 22 34.4

Employ others 22 34.4

Expand building/premises 9 14.1

Return to fulltime employment 8 12.5

Reduce the size of your business 1 1.6

Total respondents 64 Note: totals do not add to 100% as respondents could provide more than one answer

Marketing strategies Respondents were given a list of statements concerning the marketing of their home based business and asked to select all of those they had undertaken in the past 12 months. Slightly more than two fifths of business owners have done some general advertising (eg, Yellow Pages) however the same number of owners have not undertaken any of the marketing activities (42.2% each). One fifth (21.9%) of business owners have completed a written business plan and almost one fifth (18.8%) have completed cash flow projections. Almost one third (29.7%) of business owners have undertaken at least one of the marketing strategies, 12.5% have undertaken two of the strategies, 7.8% have undertaken three and 7.8% have undertaken 4 or more of the marketing strategies. Table 18 – Marketing strategies

Have you undertaken any of the following in the past 12 months? Count Percent

General advertising (eg, Yellow Pages) 27 42.2

A written business plan 14 21.9

Cash flow projections 12 18.8

A written marketing plan 9 14.1

Direct marketing campaign 6 9.4

A comprehensive analysis of your customer base 6 9.4

None of the above 27 42.2

Total respondents 64 Note: totals do not add to 100% as respondents could provide more than one answer

Table 19 – Number of marketing strategies undertaken

Number of marketing strategies undertaken Count Percent

1 strategy undertaken 19 29.7

2 strategies undertaken 8 12.5





None 27 42.2



Issues impacting on home based businesses The three main issues impacting upon home based business owners and the operation of their businesses are cash flow and profitability (both 50.0%), followed closely by business costs (48.4%). Table 20 – Issues impacting on home based businesses

In terms of impact upon your business and it's operations, please select the THREE issues which are of greatest importance:

Count Percent

Cash flow 32 50.0

Profitability 32 50.0

Business costs 31 48.4

Competition 19 29.7

Sales 17 26.6

Customer relations 12 18.8

Employee skills 11 17.2

Local Government policy and planning 8 12.5

Business technologies and information systems 8 12.5

Interest rates 5 7.8

Exchange rates 4 6.3

Federal and State Government policy and planning 4 6.3



Support and networking Respondents were given a list of statements and asked to state the level of their agreement with them.

• Almost half (47.6%) of business owners ‘disagreed’ or ‘strongly disagreed’ when asked if they currently have access to all the support they need.

• Two thirds (66.7%) ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ they would be interested in participating in a home based business network or association.

• Eight in ten (79.7%) of business owners ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ they would like to find out ways to improve and grow their business.

Table 21 – Support and networking

Please answer the following questions:

Strongly disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Strongly

agree Total

respondents

Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Count

I currently have access to all the support I need

9.5 38.1 25.4 17.5 9.5 63

I would be interested in participating in a home based business network or association

6.3 9.5 17.5 57.1 9.5 63

I would like to find out ways to improve and grow my business

4.7 3.1 12.5 45.3 34.4 64

Business advice/ mentors and marketing advice/ assistance (both 22.0%) were the two main types of support respondents would like to see provided to home based businesses. This was followed closely by financial advice/ assistance (19.5%) and business workshops/ seminars (17.1%).


Table 22 – Support or information to be provided to home based businesses

What type of support or information would you like to see provided to Home Based Businesses?*

Count Percent

Business advice/ mentors 9 22.0

Marketing advice/ assistance 9 22.0

Financial advice/ assistance 8 19.5

Business workshops/ seminars 7 17.1

Business networking advice/ assistance 5 12.2

HBB Newsletter 3 7.3

Nothing/ as it is now 3 7.3

Other 3 7.3

Assistance with business related Council fees 3 7.3

Business/ start-up kit 2 4.9


*Open ended comments further detailed in Appendices


Constraints for home based businesses Respondents were asked to list any restrictions or limitations they had experienced, growing and developing their home based business. Once again, finances – including cash flow, interest rates and the general economy) made the top of the list, with two fifths (41.8%) of respondents citing this issue as a concern. Time constraints (16.4%) and marketing (14.5%) were also issues business owners felt limited their growth or development. Table 23 – Constraints to growing or developing your business

What do you see as some of the constraints to growing or developing your business?*

Count Percent

Finance (cash flow, interest rates, economy) 23 41.8

Time constraints 9 16.4

Marketing 8 14.5

Other (industry or business specific issues) 6 10.9

Lack of support/ guidance 5 9.1

Staffing/ skills 5 9.1

Networking 4 7.3

Competition 4 7.3

IT/ internet 3 5.5

Government restrictions 3 5.5

None 3 5.5

Space (building, parking etc) 2 3.6


*Open ended comments further detailed in Appendices


Further comments Finally, business owners were invited to add any further thoughts they might like to express. As might be expected, these comments were varied - some were congratulating Council on showing an interest in home based businesses but most were just general. These comments are further detailed in the Appendices.


4. Appendices

4.1. Open ended questions

Table 24 – Home Based Business

What is your business? (e.g. accountant, cabinet maker, design and graphics, hairdresser etc - please be as specific as possible)

Animal Communicator

Art & Craft

Artist-Local

Book Keeper

Book Seller

Bookkeeping

Bricklayer

Civil Celebrant

Clinical Psychologist

Commercial Construction

Computer Services

Computer Technician

Conveyancing

Costume Hire

Design and Graphics

Dog Grooming

Education-Colonial History Program for School Groups

Electric Transportation

Electrical

Electrician

Electrician

Engraving/Trophies

Entertainment Agency-Supplying Performers for Club & Corporate Events

Environmental Consultant -Threatened Species

Family Therapy

Farmer Lavender Grower

Finance and Business Consulting

Flyscreen Fabrication

Food and Beverage Takeaway

Graphic Design/Digital Print

Horse Stud

Horsemanship Instructor

Independent Consultant-The Body Shop at Home

Invitation & Craft Making

Landscaping

Lawn Mowing and Gardening

Leak Detection Services

Make Invitations and sell Invitation materials

Management System Consultant (OHS and Quality Assurance)

Marriage Celebrant

Medical Centre

Mobile Massage

Military Medal Mounter and Custom Framing Supplier

Osteopathic Clinic

Painting


Personal Trainer

Plastering

Playground Design and Sales

Plumbing

Plumbing

Plumbing

Promotional Branding

Propagate succulents, cacti, other plants

Quality Assurance Consultant-Food Manufacturing

Sign writer and Mural Artist

Sugargum Farm: children’s party venue, pony rides and equestrian vaulting

Transport

Transport Owner Operator

Travel Agent (Franchise)

Vegetable Grower / Seller

Virtual Office and Secretarial Service

Web Site Developer

Website Design and Development, Marketing

Wholesale Cosmetics

Table 25 – Future training courses

Which, if any, of the following courses or training would you be interested in undertaking? Other specified

General training on new products available in relation to plumbing

Graphic Design and Marketing

Marketing

NEIS

Networking

printing services

Tourism and Government Grants

Training Staff

Table 26 – Business related internet activities - other

Which of the following business-related activities do you use your internet access for? Other specified

Self education


Table 27 – Constraints to growing your business

What do you see as some of the constraints to growing or developing your business?

1 Cash flow 2 Appropriate advise to run business

1 Finance 2 Time 3 Advertising 4 Skills

1 Isolation 2 Would like to find more local opportunities to network and mix with people who are in business

1 Juggling family and my business 2 Costs associated with running my business

1 Lack of knowledge in the community of services available 2 Lack of personal knowledge to promote business

1 Reduced number of pupils per grades 2 Compulsory seat belts in buses 3 The cost of buses

1 Staff lacking good Skills 2 Money, Cash flow

1 Time 2 family commitments 3 Competition

A Hume focus on Industry and little support for tourism, staff are enthusiastic but Council appears to have little interest

Available time

Business is a source of income

Business is merrily very successful at the moment

Cash Flow

Cash flow, appropriate advise to run a business

Climate conditions

Economy, Interest Rates

Every business is individual & ultimately it is up to me to make my business as successful as possible.

Expanding my network and contracts

Experience

Family commitments such as young children at school, child care issues

Finance: My business has some very large company clients but they pay on 90 day accounts

Financial Restraints

financing, parking

Finding good staff & then the costs of employing them

Growing big enough to sustain moving into business premises

How do people find me online to be able to expand the shopfront. Costs associated with getting a shop front.

Hume City Council especially town planners although the Economic Development Department seems to have hands fed. Can someone meet with me and talk?

I am in a residential area so i don't have people who walk or drive past that are potential clients

Internet connection into my house

It’s somewhat unique there is no association for the industry. It is disaster driven

Just a more consistent flow and to be better known

Lack of funds, unable to pay workers

Lack of suitable staff

Level of competition

Limited cash flow for small businesses due to severe competition

Limited target market (niche service)

Local community if Hume does not offer enough support for a business like mine where i have a lot ot offer to the community.

Low cost advertising

Marketing skills

Marketing, access to community networks

Money

No broadband and no shopping centre to open store

No constraints

No Medibank rebate available

Not having enough money to develop my business and it would take me a longer time to develop it


Starting cash flow, information technology, business finance, importing

State Government red tape and lack of communication

Tax

Time management and funds

Time, GST

Time, networking opportunities and most of all having my business taken seriously

Too many people on the one job or the house and it is not profitable

Too many unqualified people acting as plasterers and undercutting the market and not performing a good job

Too small an area allowed for home based business

Utilising more of my time Table 28 – Support you would like to see provided to home based businesses

What type of support or information would you like to see provided to Home Based Businesses?

1 Access to business seminars 2 Networking with similar businesses

1 Financial 2 Customer service

1 Free advice to assists with problems 2 more networking opportunities 3 Grants regardless of age

A few opportunities

Access to mentor

Advertising tips and discounts After hours business workshops/seminars/tutorials/e-learning tutorials

Any kind of information and support. It’s important for home bases business

Business nights, speakers on their experience

Computer Workshops

Discounted Council fees for Council services for local businesses (eg. for my business, discounted tip fees).

Financial, accounting advice specifically related to home based businesses

Free advice and advertising on Council web pages

Government funds learning support in the IT field

Growing in a restricted area where people outweigh services

Help with rubbish removal from running a business i.e. pallets removal, paper waste

How to market the business related courses

Information where I can apply for community grants and tenders

List business names without ABN in Hume online business register

Low cost or free promotional assistance to home based businesses

Marketing

Mentoring

Monthly news letter via e-mail

Networking

Networking is always very good as most Hume based businesses work alone

Networking Marketing

Newsletters to have success stories of small business outgrowing home base

Not so much just home based but more small business

Nothing really, not really your responsibility

Placing all the home based businesses in the Hume mail out magazine would be good.

Promotion and Marketing

Promotion of local business, online business information that goes beyond basics

Provide information to the public about us. Maybe offer discount coupons to encourage people to support local businesses

Similar to what you are doing

Starting a business information kit

Support for start-ups


Tax help

Tax information, legal information, ideas on cash flow and getting people to pay on time. Fee structure for personal services, travel etc

Taxation/Financial Information BAS information

Upgrade or verge of road at entrance to business entrance/drive. Display of business sign at roadside. Display of program details on Hume website.

We are happy the way things are

Workshops Table 29 – Further comments

Do you have any further comments?

Current information on Hume website - Home businesses is too basic - Geared for starting a business rather than increasing a business.

Great that Hume is showing interest

I can’t get access to ADSL broadband into my house

I feel there is heaps of advice and financial assistance offered to the young unemployed and disadvantaged but nothing offered to the people who have an innovative idea on making money. It should be regardless of age.

I have changed my address to 1/41 Ligar St Sunbury

I have tried to help different organisations such as diabetes obesity with no success and I don’t know why?

It is very hard to be a small HBB & make a profit without working long hours

Keep up the good work

Make emergency services e.g. fire; weed sprayers etc. aware of the program, the presence of many children and the business location. This has not been done in the past. An important health and safety issue.

My business is thriving, and do not require any help to expand, can’t cope with flow now

not really but thanks for the survey

Please don’t bother to call me about participating in the networks. Thanks

Pleases that Hume City Council is interested to know more about home based businesses

Pointless to comment, only time something happens is when we are close to an election

Thanks for taking an interest

The recent free tax seminars have been very informative

Would like to hire low cost room for adhoc therapy sessions in Sunbury. Especially when client has limited income and I see clients at no or low cost

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4.2. Survey Tool

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home based business survey report - hume city council · home based business survey 2010 3. survey...

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