Starting a Business Checklist for Australia

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.

The checklist contains a series of questions to guide you through the various stages of your business, including before you start, when you start, when you buy and when you run your business.

• Do you know where to find advice and support?
• Do you know when your business is a hobby?
• Do you know what events, networks and seminars are happening near you?
• Have you started planning for your business?
• Have you written your business planand marketing plan?
• Have you considered your other plans such as a social media plan, export or import plan, succession plan and emergency response?
• Do you know how to obtain finance and accounting?
• Do you know which business structure suits your business?
• Have you considered starting as an independent contractor?

When you start a business

• Have you registered your ABN?
• Have you registered for GST and/or other business registrations and licences?
• Have you registered your business name?
• Do you have adequate protection for your ideas?
• Have you considered running a home based business?
• Do you understand your taxation obligations?
• Do you understand your legal requirements?
• Are you aware of standards and codes of practice?
• Have you set up a basic bookkeeping system?
• Have you arranged insurance?
• Do you know how to employ people?
• Have you considered applying for grants or financial assistance?
• Have you considered doing business online?
• Have you thought in detail about your goods and services?

When you buy a business

• Have you considered buying an established business?
• Have you considered buying a franchise?

Running your business

• Do you have a good understanding of your customers?
• Do you know your ongoing employer obligations?
• Do you understand your workplace health and safety obligations?
• Have you thought about importing or exporting goods or services?
• Can your business benefit from applying for tenders and contracts?