Business improvement initiatives

Inner West Council provides a range of programs and services which support emerging and established businesses.

Get more customers through the door

Want to get more customers through the door?

Check out this free Visual Merchandising Guide which can help your business attract customers and boost sales.

The guide has been developed by one of our partners, the NSW Small Business Commissioner.

Visual Merchandising Guide (PDF 1.6MB)

Working with the local media

Has your small business considered the potential benefits of using their local media to drum up business opportunities?

The Small Business Commissioner has a new online resource developed to help you do just that.

Working with Media Guide (PDF 318.9KB)

Make your business accessible

Good access to your  business provides benefits to customers with mobility issues, those with prams and people with a disability. In fact, it is helpful to all customers.

Tips to improve your customer access

Steps

Steps at your front entrance may deter customers from easily entering your business. Consider installing a ramp or use a portable ramp.

Obstacles

Avoid clutter in entrances and aisles to make shopping easier. Door mats can be a hazard to some customers.

Signage

Ensure your signs, product pricing labels and menus are easy to read.

Reach

Place popular products in easy reach of wheelchair users.

Service

Excellent customer service results in repeat business. Offer assistance and only provide if accepted. Consider disability training training for your staff to improve their customer service skills.

Legal responsibilities

Australian law requires that customers with a disability should be able to access a business's good or services just like any other customer. If a customer with a disability cannot get into your building or access your goods or services, they may make a complaint under the Disability Discrimination Act.