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Your business checklist

This checklist is not based on the answers given in the questionnaire. It is a generic example to show how a checklist functions.

You'll need to do the following things to start your business. You might also like to consider government funding and support.

  • Register a business

    1 to do

    Register your business name, get an Australian Business Number (ABN) and learn about your best business set-up and tax obligations.

    Learn more about registering a business

    Register a business

    Register a business

    Your ABN is registered

    ABN: 96 257 979 159

    Reference number

    N 367 890 334

    Date registered

    8 December 2015 2:15PM

    Resend confirmation

  • Licences and permits

    2 to do

    Check to see if you need licences, permits and/or approvals to start your business.

    Find licences and permits
    Orange City Council

    Check if a development application (DA) is needed

    When setting up a shop, you’ll need the owner’s consent to renovate, plus meet zoning rules before a DA can be lodged with council. Approval to trade may also be dependant on other planning permits and certificates.

    Learn more about DA requirements

    Apply for a DA

    (At orange.nsw.gov.au)

    Licences and permits

    4 to do
    Orange City Council

    Check if a development application (DA) is needed

    When setting up a shop, you’ll need the owner’s consent to renovate, plus meet zoning rules before a DA can be lodged with council. Approval to trade may also be dependant on other planning permits and certificates.

    Learn more about DA requirements

    Apply for a DA

    (At orange.nsw.gov.au)

    Comply with importing rules

    Various free trade agreements could impact what and how you bring goods into Australia. Check to see which tariff restrictions, industry permits, product licences or customs requirements might apply to your business.

    Learn more about importing goods

    Check what you can import

    Appoint a Food Safety Supervisor (FSS)

    A FSS is a staff member certified to advise on proper handling and storage practices to reduce the risk of food poisoning and contamination. Businesses in NSW that store or sell food are legally required to appoint a trained Food Safety Supervisor.

    Learn more about appointing a FSS

  • Employ staff

    5 to do

    Find staff

    The Australian Government can help connect your business to job seekers and skilled workers.

    Find staff
    ATO

    Register for PAYG tax

    Pay As You Go (PAYG) is the tax withheld from an employee’s income that you forward to the ATO. Registering is free and can be set up online.

    Learn how PAYG tax works

    Register for PAYG tax

    (At bp.ato.gov.au)

    Check staff insurance requirements

    Workers’ compensation and public liability are just 2 insurances that can protect your business against financial hardship due to workplace accidents, negligence or illness.

    Learn how insurance works

    Check insurance directory

    Find awards and pay rates

    As an employer, you will need to meet various pay and leave entitlements for your staff based on things like business location, employee age and qualifications, plus other criteria.

    Learn which awards and pay rates apply

    Calculate wage costs

    Set up staff superannuation

    The superannuation guarantee (SG) is a percentage of an employee’s income – currently 9.5 % – you pay into a super fund.

    Learn how super works

  • Funding and support

    1 to do

    Government funding and support can be a great help when you’re setting up a business. See what you might be eligible for.

    Find funding and support

    Funding and support

    4 to do

    Business Development and Assistance Program

    Assists Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people looking to start or grow a small to medium business with support, training and funding services.

    Learn more about the Business Development and Assistance Program

    Apply for program

    Mentor Program NSW

    Helps make NSW businesses safer and more productive by connecting owners with mentors keen to share their experience and knowledge in workplace health and safety.

    Learn more about the Mentor Program NSW

    Apply for program

    The Industry Skills Fund

    Advises and funds businesses wanting to invest in training, upskilling and education support services for staff.

    Learn more about the Industry Skills Fund

    Enrol in training

    Small Business Education Program

    Helps small businesses understand their rights and obligations under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

    Learn more about the Small Business Program

    Enrol in training