Steps to starting a business
Content page

Follow these steps to help you decide if you are ready to go into business, how to get started and where to seek help along the way.

Starting a business partnership
Content page

A partnership can be a satisfying, profitable and enduring business relationship. However, it's important to agree on terms and conditions with potential partners first, to avoid future conflict and misunderstandings.

Starting a side hustle
Content page

An overview of the seven steps to follow if you would like to start a 'side hustle' business.

Starting and growing
Landing page
An overview of all of our information on starting and growing a business - steps to starting, essential skills, business planning, licences and permits, business structures, business names and more.
Business advisory service
Content page

Find out more about the SBDC's free advisory service, the areas we can help you with and how to contact us.

Starting a Business
Workshop

If you are thinking about starting a business, but don't know where to begin, this FREE workshop will take you through the essentials.

Starting a Business checklist
Document
Use our checklist to help guide you through the early stages of establishing your business and to track your progress along the way.
5 tips for starting a consulting business
21 July 2020
Blog
Thinking about using your know-how to start your own consulting business? Here are some important things to consider to help you make a business from your expertise.
Starting a business on the side
15 January 2022
Blog
While small business is often an alternative to working for someone else, starting a business while still employed can be an attractive option. You might think that starting a small business is an all or nothing choice - you are either employed or working for yourself. But in today’s ‘gig economy’, starting a business in addition to your main...
Starting a Sole Trader Business Guide
Document
To help you with the process of starting up your own business as a sole trader, we’ve created a handy guide that walks you through the essential steps from deciding on your initial idea to getting a tax file number.
Starting a food business in Western Australia
23 April 2025
Blog
Food based businesses are a popular pursuit for many aspiring business owners. While the process of starting a business is generally the same regardless of your industry, starting a food based business does involve some additional steps. Here is an overview of the additional steps you’ll need to follow to start a food based business. Tip: We...
Business structures
Content page

An overview and comparison of the most common business structures - sole trader, partnership, company and trust.