Search for your local area to find free business advice, networking groups, funding and local grants.
Search for your local area to find free business advice, networking groups, funding and local grants.
Keeping it going profitably is an entirely different matter.
Start Your Own Business is designed to help anyone running their own business or thinking of doing so. The aim is to increase your chances of success by providing a selection of FREE start-up resources and to highlight the support that is available in each area.
It is a common trait amongst entrepreneurs to just want to 'get on with it'.
However, if you want to maximise your chances of success, it is worth putting in time and effort before you start to ensure that you have set-up correctly. This collection of resources has been put together to make the process as straight-forward as possible but also to ensure that you do not miss anything important.
If you are thinking about starting a business in Australia, you are not alone! At any one time, one in three Australians are also dreaming about being their own boss.
Total Population: 25 million
Trading businesses in Australia: 2.5 million
Companies: 1.05 million
Partnerships: 230,000
Sole traders: 798,000
Trusts: 487,000
Over 400,000 new businesses are formed every year and we would love to help you join them!
To find friendly support in your local area, please either find your location by using the search box above.
We also have sections dedicated to each state:
Starting a new business in Australia can be an exciting and rewarding venture. However, it requires careful planning, understanding of legal and regulatory requirements, and knowledge of the market landscape. This guide aims to provide you with a step-by-step overview of the process, important considerations, relevant statistics, and organizations that can assist you along the way.
Australia has a thriving business environment, with a strong economy and supportive infrastructure for entrepreneurs. Here are some key statistics to consider:
2.1 Business Structure:
Choosing the right business structure is crucial for legal and financial reasons. Common options in Australia include:
2.2 Market Research and Analysis:
Conducting thorough market research is essential to understand your target audience, competition, and potential demand for your products or services. Consider factors such as demographics, consumer behavior, market trends, and local regulations.
Developing a comprehensive business plan is crucial for outlining your goals, strategies, and financial projections. It helps you assess the viability of your business and secure funding. Include sections on market analysis, marketing strategies, operations, financial forecasts, and risk management.
2.4 Funding and Finance:
Identify potential sources of funding to support your business. Options include personal savings, bank loans, grants, venture capital, crowdfunding, and government assistance programs. Prepare financial statements, such as cash flow projections and profit and loss statements, to demonstrate financial viability.
2.5 Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
Complying with Australian laws and regulations is essential to operate legally. Register your business with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and obtain necessary licenses and permits. Consider legal obligations related to employment, workplace health and safety, consumer protection, and data privacy.
2.6 Taxation and Accounting:
Understand your tax obligations and register for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and Goods and Services Tax (GST) if applicable. Seek professional advice on tax deductions, record-keeping requirements, and financial reporting standards.
2.7 Intellectual Property Protection:
Protecting your intellectual property (IP) is crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage. Register trademarks, patents, copyrights, or designs with the IP Australia agency. Conduct thorough searches to ensure your IP does not infringe on existing rights.
3.1 Australian Government Agencies:
3.2 State and Territory Government Support:
Each state and territory in Australia offers specific support services, grants, and resources for businesses. Refer to the respective government websites for more information.
3.3 Business Associations and Networks:
3.4 Financial Institutions and Funding Support:
Contact major banks and financial institutions in Australia for business banking services, loans, and financial advice. Explore government grants and assistance programs, such as the Entrepreneurs' Programme and Export Market Development Grants Scheme.
Starting a new business in Australia requires careful planning, research, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Use this guide as a starting point, but remember to seek professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Leverage the support of government agencies, business associations, and financial institutions to increase your chances of success. Good luck on your entrepreneurial journey!
100's of free startup articles
We have created a collection of 100s of startup articles to help anyone with whatever stage they are on with their business journey. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone before you and we can learn from what they got right and avoid the things that have been proved not to work so well.
You can see the full list of 'articles' at: How to start a business
Being self-employed or running a business does not suit everyone.
Will my business idea work? That is the million dollar question!
Finding where to start is sometimes the hardest part.
So you’ve got an idea, it seems foolproof.
Options if you need to raise money to start your business.
How to find, win, and keep paying customers - the key to business success!
How to make the most of the web. Websites, SEO, and Social Media.
Learn from and avoid the pitfalls that other start-ups have encountered.
All of our useful FREE resources for new business start-ups in one place.
We are delighted to promote suitable businesses and organisations completely FREE of charge. Your coverage can contain: logo, company name, brief description, special offers, telephone number and link to your website.
If you can help new business start-ups in your area, we would be delighted to let them know.
One of the aims of SYOB is to raise awareness of the support that is available in each area. Not only does this mean that the new business owner is more likely to succeed, it will also benefit the local economy! Add your free listing
You don't know what you don't know!
The prospect of starting a new business can be incredibly exciting but should be approached with care. You have probably heard scary stories about how many start-ups fail in the early stages. You can make sure that you are not one of them by learning as much as possible before you launch. Over the years, we have collected lots of articles which will show you what has worked well for other start-ups and the putfalls to avoid.
This FREE start-up pack contains everything that you need to get you started.
Our FREE downloadable guides are packed with the information that you need to start and grow a your business.
