New to business checklist contents

The New to business checklist will guide you through the various stages of your business and includes the following key questions:

Before you start a business

• Do you know where to find advice and support?
• Do you know when a hobby becomes a business? 
• Have you started planning for your business?
• Do you know how to obtain finance?
• 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, GST or other business registrations?
• Have you registered your business name?
• Do you have adequate protection for your intellectual property?
• Have you considered running a home-based business?
• Do you understand your taxation obligations?
• Do you understand your legal requirements?
• Have you set up record keeping & accounting systems?
• Have you arranged insurance?
• Do you know how to employ people?
• Have you considered applying for grants or financial assistance? 
• Have you considered doing busines online?

When you buy a business

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

Running your business

• Have you considered franchising your own business?
• Do you know your ongoing employer obligations?
• Do you understand your occupational health & safety obligations?
• Have you thought about exporting your goods or services?
• Have you thought about importing your goods or services?
• Can your business benefit from applying for tenders and contracts?

Appendixes

• Federal Government agency list
• State & territory agency list

Download a full copy of the New to business checklist