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Starting a business guide

Setting up your own business is exciting, but can also be challenging if you are not prepared.  This guide will take you through each step of starting a business and help you understand what's ahead.

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Prepare for business
  • Get yourself ready
  • Business or hobby
  • Employee or contractor
  • Seek advice & support
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Make key decisions
  • Choose a business structure
  • Consider your business type
  • Decide on a location
  • Choose a business name
  • Consider a trademark
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Plan for success
  • Research your market
  • Research your industry
  • Develop a business plan
  • Develop a marketing plan
  • Develop an export plan
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Register your business
  • Register a business name
  • Register an ABN
  • Register a company
  • Register licences and permits
  • Consider a website name
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Prepare for tax
  • Which taxes to register
  • Keep the right records
  • Prepare to lodge tax
  • Find tax help
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Know the law
  • Which laws apply to you
  • Understand fair trading
  • Understand contracts
  • Look up industry laws
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Prepare your finances
  • Organise your finances
  • Price goods or services
  • Find grants and assistance
  • Apply for finance
  • Where to find financial help
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Protect your business
  • Insure your business
  • Protect your ideas
  • Respond in an emergency
  • Plan a smooth exit
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Set up operations
  • Employ people
  • Understand marketing
  • Choose your suppliers
  • Importing or exporting
  • Establish customer service
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