To become a small business owner, there are several steps you need to follow.  These include:

• researching the industry relevant to your business, to ensure there is enough demand for your product or service
• choosing a suitable trading name
• setting up a business strategy
• having a clear financial plan.

Although no tertiary qualifications are required to set up a small business, courses in retail, management, marketing or finance may be beneficial.

It's important to keep developing your business skills after you have a small business up and running. There are many workshops and courses for small business owners who are interested in ongoing training and development.

Small business owners may also attend business seminars and industry conferences.

Useful experience for small business owners includes work in business management, sales or marketing.