Starting and running your own business can be challenging but extremely rewarding. With the right planning, information, tools and support, you’ll be able to see your ideas and goals become a reality.

First Steps – Get Informed

Start here

Attend our Business Fundamentals Workshop.

Prepare and get informed: Consider the Polaris Starting a Business Checklist , or check with your own council for their advice.

Assess your risk: Review the guidance from the Office for Small and Family Business (OSFB) for tools to identify and manage risk. Your business is the basis of financial security for you and your family now and into the future. It may also play a valuable role in your community, therefore it’s important to be aware of the risks you may face in the short or longer term and how to protect against them.

Protect yourself from cyber-crime: A cyber security plan is a must in our digital world. You’ll need more than anti-virus software. Visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASCS) for their small business cyber security guide and see the OSFB website for more tips and resources to keep your small business secure.

Rights and responsibilities for business owners: Review the information and guidance from the South Australian Small Business Commissioner.

Business and trading licence requirements: Check the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) for licences you may need.

Trademarks: IP Australia takes you through everything about trademarks, what they are, the trademark application process, and how to build a strong and enduring brand. Search for similar existing trademarks to your own, identify the appropriate class of trademark or begin your own application.

Grants: see if you qualify for a grant at the Salisbury Grant Hub. It’s a free grant finding service for local businesses, sporting clubs, community groups and not-for-profit organisations.

Marketing: see the OSFB for tools on how to prepare a marketing plan

Social Media: learn how to advertise on Facebook through Meta BluePrint.

General Resources

Starting my business: The OSFB provides practical advice and information to help you start

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Small Business Hub also has plenty of resources for small business and resources in languages other than English.

Update your cyber security: If you’re looking to elevate your cyber security level completely, consider the Cyber Uplift Step Program (CUSP) offered by the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre. It is currently subsidised owing to a partnership with the SA Government, OSFB to provide a highly affordable coaching and training program to bring your business defences up to date.

Support for businesses in Australia: Browse a range of information and get support from across government: business.gov.au

Grants: Use the Grants and program finder to see if you’re eligible for help with funding.

Staff: Make sure you’re handling staff correctly from the start. From legal obligations to record keeping obligations and staff management, business.gov.au has a checklist and tools to write contracts to get you on track.

Digital: If digital tools confuse you, the Digital Solutions Program will put you in touch with digital specialists, workshops, and online courses.

Taxes: Learn your tax essentials for your small business at the Australian Tax Office website and check their newsroom for tips and reporting reminders.

No matter where you’re at with your business, you’ll need plans and strategies to provide a foundation for your daily business operations, and your long-term productivity and growth.