什么是小型企业？

让我们从定义何谓小型企业开始，来概述战略和小企业管理原则。根据澳大利亚统计局（Australian Bureau of Statistics）的定义，澳大利亚的小型企业是指雇员少于 20 人的企业。这包括雇员少于五人的微型企业，以及没有雇员的个体经营者。

在澳大利亚，约有六成的小型企业为个体经营者，其中许多是在家经营的企业，通常位于主要商业区域（CBD）之外。这些企业多属于创业型，而非收购型；许多业主原本是受雇者，后来辞职自行创业。在家经营的小型企业大多属于服务业，而非制造业，通常是非常劳动密集的行业。小型企业通常会有澳大利亚商业号码（ABN）并注册商品及服务税（GST）。

(Clark 等人，2012）

What is a small business?

Let's look at an overview of strategy and small business management principles, beginning with the definition of what a small business is. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, a small business in Australia is one with less than 20 employees. This includes micro businesses, with less than five employees, and sole traders with zero employees.

Around 60 percent of all small businesses in Australia are sole proprietors and many of these are home based and typically outside of major CBD areas. They are often a startup rather than an acquisition, very commonly the business owner has been an employee that has left that employment situation and has started their own business. Small home-based businesses are mostly within service industries, rather than manufacturing, and are often very labor intensive. A small business will usually have an ABN and be registered for GST.

(Clark et al. 2012)

小型企业的七项特征

7 distinguishing features of small businesses

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业主影响力强：

微型和小型企业通常被认为是业主个性特质的自然延伸，尤其是在个体经营者的情况下更为明显。随着更多员工加入团队，企业文化开始逐步形成与发展，但仍然受到业主的强烈影响。

Strong owner influence:

Micro and small business is often referred to as a natural extension of the owner's personality, especially with a sole trader. As more employees join the team, then a culture starts to emerge and form, but is still strongly influenced by the owner.

集中式管理：

小型企业具有集中式的控制或管理结构，这意味着企业通常由一位或少数几位人士负责经营管理，并由他们制定企业的所有决策与计划。

Centralised control:

A small business has centralised control or management, which means it is often managed by a single person or a small group of people, who make all decisions and plans for that business.

融资能力有限：

小型企业在取得资金与融资方面通常受到限制。例如，您之所以参加本课程，可能正是因为资金筹集对您的企业而言是一项重要课题。

Limited ability to obtain finance:

There are limitations to how small businesses can gain access to capital and finance. For example, you may be participating in this course because raising capital is an issue relevant to your business.

局限的產品/市场组合：

产品与市场组合通常相当有限。

Narrow product/market mix:

There's usually a very narrow product market mix.

直觉式决策：

直觉式决策相当常见，且常被高度重视。所谓直觉，是技能、经验与知识的综合体，有人称之为「凭感觉行事」，而这种决策方式并不一定需要理性化的说明。

Intuitive decision making:

Intuitive decisions are common, and they are also highly valued. Intuition is the combination of skills, experience and knowledge. Some call it gut feel and it may not need to be rationalised.

强烈的独立意识：

如前所述，小型企业主开始创业通常是因为他们意识到通过销售产品和服务赚取收入的潜力。他们可能不想再为老板或组织工作，而选择自行创业。也有一些人原本并非积极想创业，但由于商机极具吸引力，最终成为小型企业主。

Strong desire for independence:

As mentioned previously, small business owners often start their own business because they've recognised a potential to earn and derive an income through sales of product and service. They may not want to work for a boss anymore, or an organisation. Some are even reluctant small business owners, but the opportunity is so great.

缺乏规划：

小型企业主通常拥有创意与动力，但往往缺乏完善的规划。制定商业计划书能协助您因应不断变化的环境，并维持明确的方向与信心。此外，若计画申请政府补助、银行贷款或吸引投资者，商业计划书更是必不可少的文件。

（Reynolds等人，2000年）

Lack of planning:

Small business owners might have ideas and motivation but lack planning. A business plan can assist you to keep up to a changing environment and maintain direction and confidence. If applying for government grants, bank loans or attracting an investor you will need a business plan.

(Reynolds et al. 2000)

小型企业的角色与影响

📌97% 的企业属于小型企业（雇用人数少于 20 人）

📌小型企业对国民生产总值的贡献达40%

📌为消费者提供更广泛的选择

📌对服务行业作出重大贡献

📌为偏远地区的主要雇主

The role and impact of small business

📌 97% of businesses are defined as small (employing fewer than 20 people)

📌 40% of the Gross National Product is contributed by small businesses

📌 Provide a greater range of choice to consumers

📌 Major contributions to the service industries

📌 Major employers especially in regional areas