Australia’s small business owners and operators have a new online hub to help them better understand their legal obligations and the role of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Launched by the ASIC, the online portal features information on starting and closing a small business, legal requirements for small business operators, one minute guides on popular topics, and access to ASIC’s new quarterly small business eNewsletter.

“With small business accounting for 96 per cent of all businesses registered with ASIC, it’s important we provide information these customers need,” ASIC Commissioner Greg Tanzer said.

The launch comes following a 2012 online survey conducted by the ASIC which found that many small businesses had limited knowledge about ASIC’s role and found it difficult to get relevant information from the ASIC about their legal responsibilities as a small business operator.

‘Whether you’re dealing with the everyday pressures of running a business, or looking to start up, you want information that is accessible, practical and easy to understand,’ Tanzer said.

‘This hub is an information gateway and is designed to improve small business experiences with ASIC and help them better understand our role and how we can help. We’ve invested considerable time in making our hub relevant and user friendly and look forward to receiving feedback during ASIC’s next small business stakeholder survey in 2014.”