A business is an organisation that provides goods or services to meet the needs and wants of consumers. Some businesses exist to make a profit, while others aim to support communities or the environment. In Australia, businesses come in all shapes and sizes — from local cafés and trades to national retailers and global exporters.
In Western Australia (WA), business plays a vital role in the economy. The state is known for its strong mining and resources sector, but also has thousands of small enterprises in construction, tourism, retail, technology, and agriculture. These businesses create jobs, drive innovation, and help local communities grow.
Most businesses in WA are small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These are businesses that employ fewer than 200 people, with small businesses (0–19 employees) making up around 97% of all businesses in WA. SMEs are the heart of the WA economy — from family-owned bakeries to tech start-ups and local tradies, they’re responsible for much of the state’s creativity, employment and economic growth.
In Unit 1, students explore how new business ideas are formed and what it takes to establish a small business in Australia. In Unit 2, the focus shifts to running that business — managing operations, understanding marketing, and learning about the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees.