business.gov.au checklists The business.gov.au Starting your business checklist and Growing your business checklist will guide you through the various stages of your business, whether you're just starting or ready to grow.
Checklist companion A companion document to be used in conjunction with the business.gov.au Starting your business and Growing your business checklists.
Desktop Business Assistant Free desktop tool with access to current news and features, quick links to business.gov.au services and our business.gov.au search.
Directory of government & business associations The business.gov.au Directory of government & business associations contains details for federal, state, territory and local governments and business associations.
Events calendar This calendar lists government events held all around Australia. You can find seminars, training courses and other events for your business.
Growing your business checklist Whether you're increasing staff, diversifying products or services, exporting goods, franchising your business or simply moving to bigger premises - the Growing your business checklist covers many of the issues needed to help you grow your business.
Starting your business checklist Are you new to business? To help you get started, the Australian Government has developed a Starting your business checklist covering many of the basic issues you need to consider.
How-to Guides
Thinking of starting a business Are you ready? Need help with planning, raising finance or writing your business plan? These guides and templates can help.
Starting a business Ready to start? Here's information on starting a new business, a home-based business and buying a business or franchise.
Growing a business Are you thinking about expanding your operations? Find information on increasing staff, diversifying your products or services, exporting your goods, franchising your business and moving to bigger premises.
Exiting a business Closing or selling your business? Find out about succession planning, bankruptcy, deregistering your business and employee payments.
Business Topics
Emergency management & recovery In Australia, natural disasters such as flood, fire and earthquakes can strike without warning. Your business is critical to your financial wellbeing and could also be a necessary service to your community, so it's important to protect what you can in times of crisis.
Employing people Good employees can be your greatest asset, so recruiting and retaining the right person is very important. Find out your obligations under the recruitment and retention of staff, government laws, industrial awards and agreements, and contracts of employment.
Environmental management As a business you could have some impact on the environment, whether large or small. Managing your impact as well as your environmental responsibilities can ensure your business is environmentally friendly and reaping the added benefits.
Fair trading In Australia federal and state laws protect you, your business and your customers from unfair trading practices. These laws, together with industry codes of practice, help to ensure that your business operates fairly and competitively and that all consumers are adequately informed and protected.
Franchising Franchising allows one business to operate under the name of another business' established brand and sell a prescribed product or service.
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. Whether you are buying a franchise or franchising your own business, it requires a significant investment of your time and money.
Grants & assistance Grants and other funding programs are available from the federal, state and territory governments and in some cases from local councils. Generally there are no grants available for starting a business. However, there are grants and other assistance available for business activities such as expanding your business, research and development, innovation and exporting.
Home-based business If you're running a home-based business there are a wide range of government requirements that may apply to you. Things to consider when running a small business from home include taxation, employment, council approval and licensing.
Importing & exporting Strict regulations apply on importing and exporting of goods, this covers customs and quarantine requirements, prohibited & restricted goods and assistance available.
Independent contractors Independent contractors run their own business, hiring out their services to other businesses and organisations. Unlike most employees, independent contractors negotiate their own fees and working arrangements, and can work for a variety of clients at one time.
Insurance Insurance is an essential part of running any business. If you are operating a small business you need more than just property insurance. Taking out the right insurance will help protect your business and minimise its exposure to risk.
Intellectual property Intellectual property (IP) represents creations of the mind or intellect that can be legally owned. Protecting it is vital to the success of your business.
Market research & statistics To run a successful business you need to know all about your potential and existing customers and the marketplace you operate in. Regularly assess who your competitors are, their strengths and weaknesses, who your customers are and what they want, and whether there are any gaps in the market.
Occupational health & safety Safety in the workplace is critical to the success of running a business, no matter what size it is. As a small business owner you have certain rights and responsibilities regarding health and safety in your workplace. Even if you don't have any employees, you must ensure that your business doesn't create health and safety problems for your customers and the general public.
Online business Are you interested in starting an online business? By trading online you can save time and money, reduce your overheads and reach a much wider market. And you make it easier for your customers to do business with you.
Registration & licences Find out what registrations & licences from local, state, territory and federal governments you need for starting or growing your business.
Taxation Understanding taxes and meeting your taxation obligations can save you money. By paying the right amount you can avoid late payment penalties. You may also be entitled to exemptions.
Tenders & contracts Selling goods and services to government is an important opportunity for all businesses. Find out about tender opportunities available in Australia and overseas, and how to go about planning, preparing and submitting your tenders.