Getting Started
Starting a small business can involve a wide range of dealings with federal, state, territory and local government agencies.
You'll need to register your business for taxation purposes, register your business or company name and, in some Instances obtain business licences and permits. This page provides an overview of what you need to do in each state and territory when starting up.
Taxation
Taxation legislation is administered by the federal and state and territory governments. Before you can begin operating
your new small business you'll need to know what you must do to comply with government taxation regulations.
As well as applying for an Australian Business Number (ABN), Goods and Services Tax (GST), Tax File Number (TFN) and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), you may be required to pay state and territory land tax,
pay-roll tax and other duties. This page provides information about the different taxes that may apply, paying tax
and managing taxation records.
For more information please see Guide to GST for Small Business
Registering a business
Registering a business name in the state or territory in which you operate your small business is compulsory.
New companies must register with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) . This page will
help you find out what you need to know and where to go for company registration and business name registration.
more information
Licences and permits
It is important to have the correct business licences and permits required to legally operate your small business.
This page can help you find business licence and permit information from the federal, state and territory, and
local governments.
Superannuation
Employers have certain superannuation obligations for their staff. Under the superannuation guarantee legislation,
super contributions for staff are a percentage of their earnings base. Employers who don't pay enough superannuation
contributions will have to pay the Superannuation Guarantee Charge. Find more information about the superannuation
requirements for your small business from this page.
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Training and apprenticeships
Small business owners can take advantage of a number of training services and programs available to them when
employing trainees and apprentices. Incentives and subsidies are available from the federal and state and territory
governments to help reduce the cost of training employees.
Grants and financial assistance
Grants, funding programs and industry assistance are available from the federal and state and territory governments.
This page provides information on what grants and other assistance are available for starting and expanding your
small business, research and development, innovation and exporting.
Home-based business
If you are running a home-based business there is a range of government requirements that might apply to you.
Things to consider when running a small business from home include taxation, employment, council approval and
licensing. Find links from this page to what you need to know about setting up and running your home-based business.
Employing people
Employing staff for your small business carries certain legal responsibilities with respect to your employees.
This page provides information and links regarding your obligations as an employer in relation to your
employees' awards, wages and conditions of employment, workplace safety and dismissal.
Tenders and contracts
Government tenders and other opportunities for selling goods or providing services to government agencies are
available through many websites. This page provides links to tenders, contracts, purchasing and small business
opportunities with the federal, state and territory and local governments.
Importing and Exporting
Importing and Exporting of goods into and out of Australia is affected by government regulation. All goods must
be cleared by Customs, duty and taxes may be payable and import permits and quarantine permits and/or
treatment may apply. Find out what to do before you begin importing and exporting goods into and from Australia.
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Franchises
Franchises in Australia are bound by the Franchising Code of Conduct which requires franchisors to disclose
specific information and follow certain rules. Assistance for small business operators who are buying, extending
or renewing a franchise, or who need help with resolving disputes may also be available from state and territory
governments.
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E-business
E-business is changing the way that people are doing business. By trading online small businesses can save time
and money, reduce overheads and gain access to new markets and significantly increase profits. The federal and
state and territory governments offer information and services that will help you get your small business online
more information