Looking to start a small business?
Our mission is to ensure Australia is the best place to start, grow or transform a business. We strive to make sure your business can access every support available to have every chance to succeed.
That’s why we’ve compiled the below resources from Australian Government agencies and services to help you navigate the key steps of starting a business. While not a complete list, these resources provide you with a strong starting point and outline important factors to consider when setting up your business. Some of the resources include free online training or support.
Starting and planning your business
Starting a business involves more than having a good idea. Taking the time to plan your business, understand your obligations and seek expert advice can help set you up for long-term success.
The below resources cover the key steps involved in starting a business, including planning, registration requirements, finding professional advice, accessing mentoring and understanding your legal obligations as a business owner.
- Guide to starting a business
- Setting up and registering your business name
- Tax and super information
- Understanding your rights and obligations under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, and the Australian Consumer Law
- Understanding contract arrangements
- Chat to a business adviser
- Consider getting a mentor
- Protecting your business assets on the Personal Property Securities Register
- If you plan to play music in your business, find out what music licence you’ll need
- Understand requirements for importing and exporting goods
If you are starting a franchise business, refer to our Resources for starting a franchise
The ‘Small Business, Big Dreams’ fact sheet, produced with our Australian Government partners, outlines a typical business journey and provides details and links to free programs and resources available to support small business at every step of the journey.
Resources for First Nations businesses
First Nations entrepreneurs and business owners can access a range of tailored programs, advice and support services to help start, grow and strengthen their businesses.
The below section includes resources covering business planning, networking opportunities, funding and specialised support designed to help First Nations businesses succeed.
- Indigenous Business Australia resources
- Supply Nation resources
- Starting an Indigenous business
- Tips for Indigenous business
- Reach Out - Indigenous business support program
- First Nations Women in Business Coaching ProgramFinance and tax
Understanding your financial and tax obligations is an important part of running a successful business.
The below resources can help you manage your finances, understand tax requirements, strengthen your business capability, explore funding opportunities and make informed decisions about borrowing, cash flow and financial wellbeing.
- Essentials to strengthen your small business training course
- Finding a lender that is an Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) member
- Managing your financial wellbeing
Employing and managing staff
If you're planning to hire employees, it's important to understand your workplace responsibilities.
The below resources provide information on pay and entitlements, workplace laws, superannuation obligations, record keeping, recruitment, workplace rights and other employment matters. There are also a variety of tools, templates and training modules to help you confidently manage your workforce and meet your obligations as an employer.
- Understanding the difference between the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission
- Fair Work Commission small business hub
- Legal advice from the Workplace Advice Service
- Fair Work Commission Online Leaning Portal
- Tips, tools and training to find your way in the workplace
- Fair Work Ombudsman online learning centre
- Best practice guides
- Templates for employing staff, pay slips and record-keeping, and ending employment
- Hiring and paying your workers
- Learn about the positive duty in the Sex Discrimination Act
Protecting your intellectual property
Your business name, brand, ideas and digital assets are valuable business resources.
The below resources provide guidance on intellectual property (IP) protection, including trademarks, as well as practical information to help you protect your business from cyber security risks and better understand your rights when creating, using and protecting intellectual property.
Marketing and digital capability
Building a strong online presence can help you attract customers, improve efficiency and grow your business.
The below resources can help you develop your digital skills, improve your marketing activities and make informed decisions. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to strengthen your existing approach, there is support available to help you build your digital capability.
- Grow your business with the Digital Solutions program
- Getting the most out of your digital marketing service provider
- How digital marketing providers can impress small business clients
- IDCARE Small Business Cyber Security support
- Tips for managing your cyber security
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
Grants and support programs
There are a range of government programs, funding opportunities and support services available to help small businesses at different stages of their journey.
The below resources can help you identify grants, access business support programs, explore self-employment assistance and take advantage of initiatives designed to support business growth and investment.
- Find grants, funding and support programs from across government
- Understand how the Self-Employment Assistance program can help you
- Find out if your small business is eligible for the instant asset write-off
Mental health and wellbeing support
Running a business can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Looking after your mental, emotional and financial wellbeing is essential for both you and your business.
The below resources provide information, tools and support services to help small business owners manage stress, build resilience and access assistance when needed.
- Tips for looking after your mental wellbeing
- Get support through the NewAccess for Small Business program
- Find other mental health and wellbeing support services
Staying connected and getting help
Starting and running a business is an ongoing learning journey. Staying informed about changes that may affect your business and knowing where to turn for help can make a significant difference.
- Come and find us at local small business expos and events, stay connected with us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter.
- Consider other available resources at your state level – the State and Territory Small Business Commissioners Offices are a good starting point.
- We are always here to help with our dispute support service and advocacy for small and family businesses.