A home-based business is simply one operated from home instead of commercial premises. In some cases, all of the business is conducted in the home and in others only the administration is carried out at home.
Operating a business from home has become increasingly common as a result of the digital revolution, outsourcing, the trend to self-employment and the growth of service industries.
This accelerated emergence of home-based operations in recent years can also be linked to better technology and trends toward more flexible lifestyles. Apart from the economic value this growth entails, local communities also gain with social and environmental benefits.
Industry & Investment NSW’s Home-based Business resources comprise:
About home-based businesses
Home-based business is one of the fastest growing sectors in the NSW economy, making up about two-thirds of the State's small businesses (Source: ABS Characteristics of Small Business 8127.0 - June, 2004, and 2001 Census Data).
Home-based businesses have slightly more females than males with almost half aged between 40 and 54, and more than a third aged between 25 and 39. Close to half work 30 to 50 hours each week, with nearly two thirds purchasing computer software annually. 58 per cent have bought personal computers in the last 12 months. Almost half home-based businesses use Facebook, LinkedIn or MySpace. Half network monthly or quarterly. (Souce: 2008 survey for Flying Solo Australia by Tribe Research)