Start a business
Testing an idea, writing a plan, choosing a structure, registering and funding a new business.
Funding a start-up: savings, loans, grants and investors
The ways small businesses in Australia fund their start - savings, customers, family, loans, grants, crowdfunding and investors - and how to prepare before you ask anyone for money.
Government grants and free support for small business
How to find government grants that suit your business, how to write a stronger application, and the free advice, mentoring, mental health and financial support available to Australian small business owners.
How to start a business in Australia: a step-by-step guide
The steps to start a small business in Australia, in the order you'll actually do them - from testing the idea to registering, funding and opening your doors.
How to write a business plan (with a free template)
What to put in a business plan, how long it should be, and a free Word and PDF template made for Australian small businesses.
Registering a business: ABN, business name, GST and company
What to register when you start a business in Australia, in what order, and where - ABN, business name, company, GST, licences, trade marks and your domain name.
Sole trader, partnership, company or trust? Choosing a business structure
A plain-English comparison of the four main business structures in Australia - sole trader, partnership, company and trust - and the questions to take to your accountant.
Buying a franchise: what to check before you sign
What to check before buying a franchise in Australia - how the Franchising Code of Conduct protects you, the documents you'll receive, the 14-day disclosure and cooling-off periods, the costs, questions to ask and red flags.
Buying an existing business
General information on buying an existing small business in Australia - deciding if it's right for you, finding a business, researching and valuing it, due diligence, making an offer, and the handover.
Finding a mentor, coach or adviser
How to find the right help for your small business - the difference between mentors, coaches, consultants and professional advisers, free and low-cost support in Australia, how to choose someone, what to ask, and warning signs to avoid.
Joint ventures and business partnerships
When to go into business with someone else, the differences between a partnership, a joint venture and co-owning a company, and what to cover in a partnership, joint venture or shareholders agreement.
Running a legitimate home-based business
How to run a real business from home in Australia - approvals, setting up a safe and healthy workspace, securing your home network, and spotting "work from home" scams.
Small business ideas that work in Australia
Practical, proven small business ideas for Australia - service, trade, online, food and care businesses - with what each needs to start, and a simple way to test an idea before you commit money.
The owner's mindset: habits that keep a business going
Practical habits that help small business owners keep going - setting goals, making decisions, learning from setbacks, managing your energy, getting support, and avoiding burnout.