Perth's southern suburbs have emerged as the top locations for new small business growth in Western Australia, according to new data from the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC). Between 2020 and 2025, more than 30,000 new sole traders and small businesses were established across the state, with Canning and Gosnells ranking among the top five areas.
Top Suburbs for New Businesses
The City of Gosnells launched 2,920 new businesses, while Canning followed closely with 2,250. The City of Armadale ranked sixth with 1,910 new small businesses, and Cockburn recorded 1,650. The data highlights a significant entrepreneurial trend in Perth's southern corridor.
Local Entrepreneur Success Story
Monique Suttie-Norwood, a Canning local, launched Bad & Boujee Hair, a business offering premium hair extensions and wigs at affordable prices. With support from the SBDC, she grew from selling at local markets to owning a shopfront in Canning Vale. "For two years, it was just me at home, or me at the markets every Sunday at Canning Vale at 4am, dragging the kids down there. Everyone used to laugh at me, but it just took off on marketplace," she said.
Ms Suttie-Norwood initially lacked business knowledge and turned to the SBDC for help with tax filing, lease negotiations, employment advice, and contract negotiation. The SBDC also guided her through a Fair Work audit after a hiring misunderstanding. She also participated in the City of Canning's Canning Plus Eight Sprint program, a free six-week skill-building initiative, where she finished second and received a paid mentor.
Challenges and Adaptability
Despite her success, Ms Suttie-Norwood faced cost-of-living pressures that forced her to close her Canning Vale shopfront and downsize staff. However, she adapted by moving operations to a home studio and plans to reopen a shop on Cecil Avenue within months. "Right now I have three staff, and I gave them the opportunity to open their own businesses out of my house. One does make-up as well as work for me, the other one does spray tanning and she's just started her own lip business," she said. "A lot of people don't start businesses or they give up when the economy's tough, whereas I'll just keep going."
Statewide Growth and Support
WA now has nearly 258,000 small businesses and sole traders, representing 97% of all businesses in the state. The population is projected to grow from 3.1 million to 3.6 million over the next decade. WA Small Business Commissioner Saj Abdoolakhan said, "This new research demonstrates that many of WA's entrepreneurs are choosing to create their own businesses in the communities where they live, contributing to the local economy and providing essential services to the community. Small businesses remain the backbone of our economy and these figures show there is no shortage of opportunity for people willing to back themselves and start a business."
