Want To Start Your Own Small Business? Here’s Advice From 4 Women Who’ve Done It

Introducing Square One: a series created in partnership with Square to help inspire small and medium enterprises realise their potential.

In 2021, a whopping 365,480 new small businesses were started in Australia, a 3.8% increase on the previous year. People's shifting priorities and attitudes around work over the last few years have certainly been a contributor, and there's no denying that Aussies are more willing than ever to take that leap of faith.

We know, however, that starting a small business is no easy feat. Statistics suggest that only 54% of new businesses survive four years. Between the long hours, carrying out multiple roles and engaging new customers, bringing your business to life can have a steep learning curve.

While that sounds daunting, there is solace in knowing that everyone who's running a small business has done the hard yards — which is exactly the case for the owners of RUUSK, Collective Closets, Grumpy Donuts and Rumbie & Co. Each of these businesses was founded by women who successfully took an idea and grew it into a one-of-a-kind, community-loved business.

So if you're one of the many Australians that's currently running a new small business, or if you're seriously considering starting one, here's some advice from people who've been there.