When you’re starting a business, quick answers to complex questions are essential. As much as it may feel like you should be moving forward on your own, it’s important to remember there are lots of people who want to help you succeed. 

During SmallBiz Week in Melbourne, CommBank’s General Manager for Working Capital Elizabeth Huxley said, “There’s a lot of help out there. Just ask a question; you’re not expected to know everything.”

Getting your operation up-and-running may be costly, but Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Bruce Billson, reminded attendees that the most precious resource may be the one in the shortest supply – time. “Most small businesses are time poor. We want to make it easy for small businesses to find the tools they need.”

Innovation through digitisation

Finding the right tools can automate tedious tasks, adding time back in your diary to focus on providing more value to your business. There are tools available to small businesses through various government agencies, the Australian Taxation Office and your financial provider. For example, CommBank’s Small Business Resources provides a range of content and tools from managing your business online to ways to start, run and grow your business.

“Digital is not a trend,” said CommBank’s General Manager for Digital Business Institutional, Soraya Alali. “It’s an enabler to solve business problems.”

Using digital tools and solutions such as:

Catering to the customers of the future

Different generations have different expectations. Leaning on digital tools will set your business up for future success. “Gen Z and Millennials are digital natives. They have high expectations of the customer experience and prioritise convenience,” said Helen Hey, Managing Director of CommBank-backed loyalty start-up, Cheddar.

With these changing expectations it’s essential to make sure your business is set up for success in the online world. With CommBank’s eCommerce solutions, you’ll be able to accept payments over the phone or online with a payment gateway that integrates seamlessly with your website.

CommBank is proud to partner with businesses at every stage of their journey, from starting, running or growing your business. CommBank provides insights, tools and services on a range of business needs, meaning you don’t have to go it alone. 

Learn more about CommBank’s SmallBiz Week

Looking for more resources to help your business?

Things you should know

  • 1 To use CommBank Invoicing you need to be 18 years or older with a CommBank Business Transaction Account and a NetBank client number. You will need to be the Authorised Operator on your CommBank Business Transaction Account and have your method of operation set as ‘one to sign’. You will also need to be registered for NetCode and be a sole trader or a director of a private company (Pty Ltd) – only you will be authorised to use CommBank invoicing.

    2 This information has been prepared without taking into account your individual or business needs and objectives. You can view the Terms and Conditions for Business Transaction and Savings Accounts, our Financial Services Guide and the Electronic Banking Terms and Conditions and should consider them before making any decision about these products and services. Bank fees and charges may apply. 

    The target market for these products will be found within the product’s Target Market Determination, available here.

    This article is intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product advice. You should consider seeking independent financial advice before making any decision based on this information. The information in this article and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations are reasonably held or made, based on the information available at the time of its publication but no representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made in this article.

    Xero is a registered trademark of Xero Limited. MYOB is a registered trademark of MYOB Australia Pty Ltd. QuickBooks is registered trademarks of Intuit Inc.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 234945.