Starting a Business
Work out whether the idea stacks up, choose how the business will operate, then tackle the registrations. If you're already trading, jump to the records and changes you need to manage next.
Test the idea and make a plan
Start with customers, costs and how the business will earn its keep. A short working plan gives the registrations and purchases a purpose.
Selected starting points25 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting a Business
The definitive pre-startup checklist for Australians: 25 blunt questions on your idea, money, structure, market and mindset — before you spend a dollar.
8 min readHobby or Business? The ATO Test (and When You Must Declare Income)
Hobby or business? The ATO test has no dollar threshold — it's about profit intent, repetition and how you operate. What changes for tax, ABN and GST.
9 min readHow to Write a Simple Business Plan (That You Will Actually Use)
Skip the 40-page document. Build a one-page business plan covering pricing, break-even and a 12-month forecast — with a worked Australian example.
7 min read
Choose a structure that fits
Compare the structures first, then read the detailed guide for your likely choice. Costs, ownership and the way you take money out belong in the same decision.
Selected starting pointsSole Trader, Company or Trust? Choosing Your Business Structure
Compare sole trader, partnership, company and trust for your Australian business — setup costs, tax, asset protection and when each structure makes sense.
7 min readSole Trader in Australia: Setup, Tax and When to Switch
The complete sole trader guide: setting up, how your income is taxed, what you can claim, liability and insurance, and the signals it's time to become a company.
9 min readHow to Become a Sole Trader in Australia (Step by Step, in a Day)
How to become a sole trader in Australia in one day: register your ABN free, then business name, GST, bank account, licences, insurance and records.
7 min read
Register the business and protect its name
Decide who will hold the registrations and which name customers will see. Work through the checks before paying for applications or branding.
Selected starting pointsABN vs ACN: the difference and which one you need
Understand the difference between an ABN and ACN, which business structures use each number, and how to avoid mixing up company and sole trader details.
4 min readHow Much Does an ABN Cost? ($0 — and Who Charges You Anyway)
How much does an ABN cost? Nothing — ABN registration is free through the Australian Business Register, with no renewal fee. Here's who charges you anyway.
6 min readHow to Register an ABN for Free (It Costs $0) — Step by Step
ABN registration is free and takes 15 minutes on the official ABR site. What you need, how long it takes, and the paid lookalike sites to avoid.
9 min read
Agree responsibilities and get ready to trade
Put the practical arrangements in writing: who does what, which account receives payments and what permissions the business needs.
Selected starting pointsBusiness partner roles: a responsibilities worksheet
Agree who does what in your business with a partner roles worksheet, example decision limits and a review process that keeps routine work moving.
4 min readPartnership Agreements: Why a Handshake Will Cost You
A handshake partnership can cost you your house. What Australian partnership agreements must cover — liability, tax, exits, frozen PayPal accounts and more.
9 min readShareholders Agreements Explained for Small Companies
A shareholders agreement decides who controls your company, how shares get sold and what happens when a co-founder leaves. What to include, what it costs.
10 min read
Buy an existing business or franchise
Buying a business means checking what you are taking on as well as what you are paying. Use the relevant checklist before committing.
Selected starting pointsBuying an Existing Business: The Due Diligence Checklist
What to check before buying a business in Australia: three years of financials, BAS, the lease, staff entitlements, licences and restraint clauses.
9 min readBuying a Franchise in Australia: What the Code Protects
Buying a franchise in Australia: what the Franchising Code gives you, the 14-day disclosure and cooling-off rules, the real costs, and the red flags to check.
9 min read
Keep registrations current and manage changes
Once you're operating, renewals and ownership changes need their own records. Start with the obligation or change in front of you.
Selected starting pointsRenew your business name: ASIC fees and a simple checklist
Renew an Australian business name directly with ASIC, compare one and three-year fees, check renewal notices and keep the right records after paying.
4 min readASIC company annual review: fees and director checklist
Work through your ASIC annual review: check the statement, pay the correct fee, assess solvency and keep a record of what the directors have completed.
4 min readSole Trader to Company: How and When to Restructure
How to change from sole trader to company in Australia: the profit level that justifies it, the step-by-step process, CGT rollover relief, costs and timing.
12 min read
Starting a Business library
Showing 1 to 18 of 34. Newest articles first.
How to Write a Business Plan for a Bank Loan
What banks actually read in a business plan for a loan: serviceability, security, use of funds — plus the documents to attach and the red flags to avoid.
10 min readHow to Close a Business Properly in Australia
How to close a business in Australia: tell staff and customers, cancel your ABN and GST in the right order, deregister the company with ASIC, keep records.
9 min readShareholders Agreements Explained for Small Companies
A shareholders agreement decides who controls your company, how shares get sold and what happens when a co-founder leaves. What to include, what it costs.
10 min readSmall Business Grants and Government Support in Australia (2026)
Most Australian small business grants are state-based, competitive and paid as reimbursements. Here's where to look, what's open in 2026, and how to apply.
9 min readHobby or Business? The ATO Test (and When You Must Declare Income)
Hobby or business? The ATO test has no dollar threshold — it's about profit intent, repetition and how you operate. What changes for tax, ABN and GST.
9 min readHow to Open a Business Bank Account in Australia
How to open a business bank account in Australia: what you need for a sole trader, company or trust, big four vs online accounts, fees and the tax account.
9 min readABN vs ACN: the difference and which one you need
Understand the difference between an ABN and ACN, which business structures use each number, and how to avoid mixing up company and sole trader details.
4 min readRenew your business name: ASIC fees and a simple checklist
Renew an Australian business name directly with ASIC, compare one and three-year fees, check renewal notices and keep the right records after paying.
4 min readBusiness partner roles: a responsibilities worksheet
Agree who does what in your business with a partner roles worksheet, example decision limits and a review process that keeps routine work moving.
4 min readBuying a Franchise in Australia: What the Code Protects
Buying a franchise in Australia: what the Franchising Code gives you, the 14-day disclosure and cooling-off rules, the real costs, and the red flags to check.
9 min readASIC company annual review: fees and director checklist
Work through your ASIC annual review: check the statement, pay the correct fee, assess solvency and keep a record of what the directors have completed.
4 min readDirector ID: What It Is and How to Get One (Free)
A director ID is free and takes about 15 minutes online, and you must have one before you're appointed. How to apply, and the penalties if you don't.
9 min readHome-Based Business in Australia: Council, Insurance and Tax Rules
Can you run a business from home in Australia? What councils and strata allow, why home insurance won't cover you, the 70c home office rate and the CGT trap.
9 min readDo I Need a Licence? Business Licences and Permits in Australia
Do you need a business licence in Australia? How to check with ABLIS, which trades need one, home business and signage rules, and fines for unlicensed work.
9 min readSole Trader to Company: How and When to Restructure
How to change from sole trader to company in Australia: the profit level that justifies it, the step-by-step process, CGT rollover relief, costs and timing.
12 min readBuying an Existing Business: The Due Diligence Checklist
What to check before buying a business in Australia: three years of financials, BAS, the lease, staff entitlements, licences and restraint clauses.
9 min readHow to Trademark Your Business Name in Australia
Registering a business name gives you no ownership. Here's how to trade mark your business name with IP Australia, what it costs, and how long it takes.
12 min readHow to Choose a Business Name (and Check It's Available)
How to pick a business name people can say, spell and find, then check it's free on the ASIC register, ABN Lookup, IP Australia and .com.au before you commit.
9 min read
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