什麼是小型企業？

讓我們從定義何謂小型企業開始，綜覽策略與小型企業管理原則。根據澳大利亞統計局（Australian Bureau of Statistics）的定義，澳大利亞的小型企業是指僱員少於 20 人的企業。這包括僱員少於五人的微型企業，以及沒有僱員的個體經營者。

在澳大利亞，約有六成的小型企業為個體經營者，其中許多是在家經營的企業，通常位於主要商業區域（CBD）之外。這些企業多屬於創業型，而非收購型；許多業主原本是受雇者，後來辭職自行創業。在家經營的小型企業大多屬於服務業，而非製造業，通常是非常勞動密集的行業。小型企業通常會有澳大利亞商業號碼（ABN）並註冊商品及服務稅（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)

小型企業的七項特徵

7 distinguishing features of small businesses

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業主影響力強：

微型和小型企業常被視為企業主個性的自然延伸，別是在個體經營者的情況下更是如此。隨著更多員工加入團隊，企業文化會逐漸形成與發展，但仍深受業主的影響。

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：

小型企業具有集中式的控制或管理結構，這意味著企業通常由一位或少數幾位人士負責經營管理，並由他們制定企業的所有決策與計劃。

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.

融資能力有限：

小型企業在取得資金與融資方面通常受到限制。例如，您之所以參加本課程，可能正是因為資金籌集對您的企業而言是一項重要課題。

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/市場組合：

產品與市場組合通常相當有限。

Narrow product/market mix:

There's usually a very narrow product market mix.

直覺式決策：

直覺式決策相當常見，且常被高度重視。所謂直覺，是技能、經驗與知識的綜合體，有人稱之為「憑感覺行事」，而這種決策方式並不一定需要理性化的說明。

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.

強烈的獨立意識：

如前所述，小型企業主開始創業通常是因為他們意識到通過銷售產品和服務賺取收入的潛力。他們可能不想再為老闆或組織工作，而選擇自行創業。也有一些人原本並非積極想創業，但由於商機極具吸引力，最終成為小型企業主。

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.

缺乏規劃：

小型企業主通常擁有創意與動力，但往往缺乏完善的規劃。制定商業計劃書能協助您因應不斷變化的環境，並維持明確的方向與信心。此外，若計畫申請政府補助、銀行貸款或吸引投資者，商業計劃書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)

小型企業的角色與影響

📌97% 的企業屬於小型企業（僱用人數少於 20 人）

📌小型企業對國民生產總值的貢獻達40%

📌為消費者提供更廣泛的選擇

📌對服務行業作出重大貢獻

📌為偏遠地區的主要雇主

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