Small Business Documents
Contracts, policies, and protections for Australian small businesses and sole traders.
Small businesses in Australia bear the same contractual risks as large businesses but rarely have the in-house legal resources to manage them. A client who refuses to pay, a supplier who fails to deliver, or a partner who takes your ideas and sets up in competition — all of these scenarios are more common than they should be, and all of them are significantly easier to resolve with the right documents in place.
The documents in this guide are designed for Australian small businesses and sole traders operating across any industry. They cover the everyday agreements that protect your revenue (service agreements, payment terms), your relationships (vendor and partnership agreements), and your rights when things go wrong (letters of demand, cease and desist letters).
Australian Consumer Law provides some baseline protections for small businesses, but contractual documents go further — defining the specific obligations of each party, the consequences of non-performance, and the process for resolving disputes. Operating on verbal agreements or standard terms you have not read is the most preventable source of business disputes.
6
document templates
3 min
average drafting time
AU
Australian law compliant
All documents in this category
Service Agreement
Define the terms for services you provide — scope, fees, payment terms, liability, and dispute resolution.
Vendor Agreement
Formalise the terms for purchasing goods or services from a vendor — protecting your supply chain.
Letter of Demand
Formally demand payment of an overdue debt or performance of an obligation before commencing legal action.
Cease and Desist Letter
Formally demand that a party stop infringing your rights — IP, defamation, non-compete, or contractual breach.
Refund and Return Policy
Set clear rules for customer refunds and returns compliant with Australian Consumer Law — required for all consumer businesses.
Partnership Agreement
Establish the rights, responsibilities, and profit-sharing arrangements between business partners.
Frequently asked questions
What contracts does a small business need?
At a minimum: a service agreement template for all client work, a vendor agreement for significant suppliers, an NDA for sharing sensitive business information, and a simple employment contract for any staff. As the business grows, add a refund policy, terms of service (for any online presence), and partnership agreement (if operating with a partner).
Can I enforce a verbal agreement in Australia?
Yes, but it is much harder. Verbal agreements are contracts if the essential elements (offer, acceptance, consideration, intention to be legally bound) are present. The difficulty is proving what was agreed — without a written record, it is your word against the other party's. Written agreements prevent disputes from arising and make enforcement far simpler.
What should I do if a client refuses to pay?
Start with a formal follow-up email referencing the agreed payment terms. If that does not work, send a letter of demand specifying the amount, the deadline for payment, and that legal action will be commenced if payment is not received. If still unpaid, you can lodge a claim in the relevant state small claims tribunal (VCAT, NCAT, QCAT) for amounts within their jurisdictional limits.
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