Kulin small business hotspot

New data from New Zealand tech company Xero has pinpointed the town of Kulin as WA’s small business hotspot and the second-most entrepreneurial place in Australia.

According to the Xero Boss Insights 2020 report, almost two out of five working people, or 37 per cent of Kulin’s working population, are business owners. The Australian average is 14 per cent.

Kulin Mitre 10 owner Carly Williams said being named WA’s small business hotspot was great for the town.

“We’ve had the business for six years and it’s going great,” she said. “Kulin is a great community. We get a lot of support from the locals, which is what you need in a small country town.”

Ms Williams said she thought Kulin was appealing for small businesses because of the high volunteer rate.

“Everyone gets together and supports each other and when you have that support, it gives people confidence to give things a go — we are a very forward-thinking town,” she said.

The Xero Boss Insights 2020 report found some of Australia’s regional communities provided fertile grounds where small businesses could flourish.

While 15 per cent of the Australian workforce owns a business, in regional towns, it’s about one-third of residents. Flinders in Victoria was Australia’s most entrepreneurial hotspot, with 38 per cent of residents owning their own business.

Flinders was followed closely by Bangalow in NSW and Kulin, both at 37 per cent.

Xero Australia and Asia managing director Trent Innes said the report showed small businesses were the driving force of the country.

“Small businesses, often family-owned and run, are at the heart of regional communities,” he said.