![Small Business [HQ] - small business directory, business resources, business advice.](/cms/images/sbhq/logo.gif){kind=logo}
Checklist for Starting a Business
Checklist for Starting a Business
Put your small business plan into action with our comprehensive checklist for starting a business. Use it as a guideline to help you hit your key business start-up milestones.
For your convenience, we’ve also included links to our small business directory to put you in touch with the suppliers and services you’ll need at each business start-up phase.
Your Business Idea
- Determine the type of business you want to start.
- Assess the viability of your business idea.
- Conduct relevant market research.
- Analyse industry and consumer trends.
- Investigate your competitors and determine your point of difference.
- Establish a USP (unique selling proposition) for your business.
- Determine the gap or market need your business idea will meet.
- Determine the skills and expertise you will need.
1. Who is my target market? E.g. middle-aged men, urban teenagers, young mothers? 2. How will my product or service add real value to my customers’ lives? 3. How can I make my idea more innovative? |
First Steps
- Educate yourself on managing a business.
- Join trade associations & build networks.
- Perform a trademark and business name search.
- Name and register your business.
- Register a web domain name for your business.
- Determine your business structure (e.g. corporation, sole proprietor, partnership).
- Write a business and marketing plan.
- Determine the level of start-up capital you require.
1. How much time and money am I willing to invest in starting this business? 2. Are there any unique product features that I can register as a trademark? E.g. a new ingredient, distinctive design or packaging. 3. Does my business name reflect the products and services that my business will offer? |
Finance and Legals
- Raise finance for your business (e.g. private equity, government grants, business loans etc)
- Apply for any required business licences.
- Investigate Government regulations and your legal obligations.
- Protect your business idea. Protect yourself and your business with appropriate business insurance.
- Investigate your taxation options, obligations and any available tax concessions.Register for GST if applicable.
1. Will I be able to service a loan to finance my business? 2. Will I be employing other people and will they be working on-site? 3. Am I required to register for GST? Will my annual turnover exceed $75,000? |
Nut and Bolts
- Decide on a location for your business
(e.g. home-business, online, shop front etc) - Find and lease a business premises.
- Source business equipment and supplies.
(e.g. technology, computers, office supplies etc) - Recruit a winning team of employees.
- Set-up electronic business systems
(e.g. payroll and accounting systems) - Create operations, OH&S and human resources manuals.
1. Where are my customers located? How will they find my business premises? 2. Will this premises meet the needs of my business for the next three years? 3. What key staff do I need to run my business? Can I use temp or contract staff to fill short term start-up roles? |
Marketing & Launch
- Create a strong brand for your business.
- Create a logo and website
- Develop marketing material
(e.g. business stationery, brochures, signage etc) - Set a launch date and plan a launch event.
- Publicise your business launch.
- Launch your business and get set for success.
1. Can I sell my products or services via my website? 2. What marketing vehicles can I use to reach my prospective customers? E.g. email, online advertising, advertisements in local newspapers. 3. Does my logo, packaging and other branding material appeal to my target market? |
Government information service for Australian businesses. Small Business Development Corporation Independent guidance and information for small business operators. Free Australian company and business names search. Free Australian registered trademarks search. Information on licences required to operate your business in Australia. Tax basics for small business. |
Important - Read This: This information is intended to provide general information only which may not be applicable to your particular circumstances. You agree to access this information at your own risk and that First Point Media Pty Ltd is not liable to you for the content of the information or any reliance by you on this information.
