Guide to starting a business
Starting a business is an exciting time. Council is committed to supporting and nurturing our local business community and have a range of resources, events and programs to get you going.
It’s important to define your business and determine what you are proposing to do and how your business will operate.
Things to consider are:
Location
The continued successful operation of your business can all depend on the location, all properties have their advantages and disadvantages (or limitations), the one that’s right for you depends on your business needs.
Additionally, the location of the property will determine if it is even possible if the proposed type of business is allowed to be conducted from the site, this is part of the planning permit process which gives permission for land use or development on a specific parcel of land.
Different types of permits
Permits and registrations are essential when it comes to business and Council plays a significant role across many types.
Understand the different types of permits that Council approve for business.
Permits you may need
The type of permit you need depends on the type of business you operate or plan to operate.
Planning permits
Depending on the location and the type of business you want to operate, you may need a planning permit.
Planning permits are legal documents giving permission for land use or development on a specified parcel of land.
If a planning permit is required, you must get it before a building permit can be issued. A planning permit does not remove the need to obtain a building permit. Both applications can be made at the same time.
You need a planning permit if you intend to:
- open a new business
- operate a home based business
- change the service your business provides
- change the trading hours of the business
- apply for or alter a liquor licence
- add or change signage
- provide parking, or increase or reduce car parking
- increase the floor area
- make external changes to the premises.
Find out about the planning permit process
Building permits
You need a building permit if you plan to start a new commercial premises or change the structure or use of an existing premises. This applies to commercial properties and home-based businesses (home occupation).
You may also need a building permit where you're proposing any construction, fit-out, installation, alteration, or variations to the number of staff or patrons.
You need a building permit if you plan to:
- operate a business from home (home occupation)
- change the business type or use of the building
- make any internal, external or structural changes to a commercial premises
- add, change, rearrange any furniture, fixtures or cabinetry of a new or existing commercial premises
- operate a new, or change an existing, business by increasing staff numbers e.g. shop, cafe, medical centre, hair salon, convenience store
- operate a new or change an existing business with more than 20 patrons e.g. cafe, restaurant
- operate a boarding house, rooming house or rent to people outside of family members
- install a sign, post banner, fence or roller shutter
- change any building equipment or services e.g. hose reel, extinguishers, exit signs, emergency lighting, doors, ramp.
Find out how to apply for a building permit
Health
You'll need health registration if your business sells or handles food (including food truck or a temporary premises) and public health business such as hairdressers, beauticians and tattooists. This includes businesses that operate from a home. This registration requirement also applies to accommodation businesses.
You'll need environmental health registration if you plan to:
- buy or sell an existing business
- operate a food business from a fixed premises e.g. cafe, restaurant
- sell food from a food truck (temporary or mobile premises)
- operate a public health business e.g. hair, beauty, tattooing etc.
- operate your business from home
- operate an accommodation business such as a rooming house, hotel or motel
- install or alter a septic tank.
Find out about starting a food business
Find out about starting a public health or accommodation business
Footpath trading permit
If you need to place tables and chairs, or display items on the footpath, you'll need a footpath trading permit.
You'll likely need a footpath trading permit if your business requires you to:
- place tables and/or chairs on the footpath
- place an A-frame sign on the footpath
- display goods on the footpath such as fruit displays or clothing racks.
Find out more about footpath trading permits
Liquor permit
If you plan to sell or allow consumption of alcoholic drinks you may require a liquor license.
The list is not exhaustive and only considers the permits we are responsible for. Be mindful other government agencies may need to be involved to help. You can use the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) to find the license you need for your business.
Speak with Councils Business Concierge
Our Business Concierge officer can help your business by:
- guiding you through all the stages of starting a new business
- providing information on legislative, permit and registration requirements
- connecting you with mentoring services, workshops and networking events
- assisting existing business owners with council-related matters.
Create a business plan
A business plan sets your new business up for success. It helps you:
- focus on your business goals and objectives
- control your business’s direction
- get finance from banks and investors.
Business Victoria has excellent resources for business planning and guides to help if you're considering doing the work yourself.
Register for an ABN
An ABN is required for most business, it is important to first understand what you doing is considered a hobby or a business so you can then determine if you are require an ABN.
Start-up cost
Start-up costs are the one-off expenses required to set up your business. Different businesses will have different start-up costs, but they often include things like:
- premises (purchase, rental fees, fit out and connecting utilities)
- materials and equipment
- licensing and registration fees
- logo design and website development
Your start-up costs are everything you need to pay before your business starts generating income. Understanding these costs will help you get funding and build a successful business.
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