To be considered for the Small Business Owner category, you must meet all the following criteria:
- demonstrate that you have established and operated your business (solely owned) in Tasmania for at least 6 months
- demonstrate that the business is highly likely able to give you a personal income that would meet the minimum taxable income requirement set by Home Affairs for the subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. Currently, that is AU$53,900 per year for at least 3 years in the next 5 years
- show that you have an understanding of the responsibilities and requirements around treating employees fairly by completing key units on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s online learning centre.
All applicants must provide a comprehensive business plan with:
- evidence of thorough research into, and understanding of, the target market
- research and understanding of relevant industry conditions, licensing and/or registration requirements for the business in Tasmania
- realistic market opportunities for the proposed business in Tasmania, particularly where the business would be competing with other similar existing businesses already established in Tasmania.
Additional considerations include the applicant’s prior business ownership or business management experience and also the nature of the business and its long-term benefit to Tasmania.
** Franchise and part-owned or passive business investments are not acceptable under this category.
** Service stations, massage clinics, and taxi/uber related businesses are not supported under this category.
Other helpful websites include:
- Business Tasmania for information about establishing and running a business in Tasmania
- Small Business Showcase – a set of resources in a single easy to access and navigate hub to help small business employers understand their workplace rights and obligations
- The Fair Work Ombudsman also publishes useful information to assist small business owners
- Fair Work handbook – a useful reference guide that summarises your responsibilities under the Fair Work Act 2009, the National Employment Standards, awards, enterprise agreements and other registered agreements.
