Starting a business Ready to start? Here's information on starting a new business, a home-based business and buying a business or franchise.
Starting a new business You've decided to go into business, completed your market research and written your business plan. Now you're ready to take the next step, but where do you begin when starting a new business?
How can I get advice & support? You can take advantage of a broad range of advice and support offered by the Australian Government.
How do I make my business more innovative? Innovation is not just about inventions. It's about new ideas and responding to new trends and market conditions, or improving existing products and services.
How can I find a business loan? Choosing the right kind of business finance can be difficult. Banks and other lenders offer a range of business loans including overdrafts, lines of credit and fully drawn advances.
What are my taxation obligations? Understanding your taxation obligations is important when starting up a new business. Various federal, state and local government taxes and rates can apply, depending on the size and location of your business.
What are the legal requirements? One of the first things you need to find out when you're starting out is what laws apply to your new business.
Starting a home-based business People intending to use their home as a place of business often have to comply with particular state, territory and local government regulations.
Starting a franchise Franchising can seem like an easy way of starting or expanding your business, but it's not something you should rush into without the proper knowledge.
Starting as an independent contractor The new independent contractors law could possibly affect your tax, occupational health and safety and other obligations.
How is my intellectual property affected? Although you may have contributed to or created material, products and ideas as a contractor, you may not be entitled to intellectual property ownership such as copyright.
Buying an established business If you plan to buy an existing business, carefully analyse both the advantages and disadvantages.
Buying a franchise Buying a franchise gives you the right to run an established business and sell a prescribed product or service. Before you buy a franchise, you should consider the same issues as when purchasing any other business in addition to the specific issues of franchising.