Starting a business

Things to consider before starting your business and the steps you need to take to get your business up and running.

Before you start

Make sure you're ready to start. Find out what's involved, and analyse your business idea.

Develop your business plan

A business plan is a key part of starting a business. Get a business plan template to help you create yours.

Choose a business structure

Find out what a business structure is and which one will suit your business idea.

Registering your business

Depending on your business structure, you may need to get an Australian Business Number (ABN) and register your business name before you can start trading.

Setting up business tax

Find out how to set up your business tax to meet your obligations – from GST and PAYG to payroll tax and preparing for audits.

Find business premises

What you should consider when looking for the right business location and premises.

Start or grow a business in NSW

The Service NSW Business Bureau provides free, ongoing and personalised support for every stage of your business. You can: 

  • talk to a Business Concierge over the phone, in person or online 

  • get independent advice from a Business Connect advisor 

  • manage government transactions with a Business Profile. 

Find out more

Customer spotlight

Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative: Supporting Indigico Creative

When a business owner in Tamworth was thinking about expanding her business, Service NSW Business Bureau connected her...

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Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative: Supporting Indigico Creative

When a business owner in Tamworth was thinking about expanding her business, Service NSW Business Bureau connected her with an independent Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative advisor for help with start-up advice, business planning, strategy and procurement.

Video transcript

Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative: Supporting Indigico Creative

Text: Individual coaching and advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners

Text: Aboriginal business owner, Tamworth NSW

Female Aboriginal business owner speaking to camera: Lyniece Keogh has been our ABAI business advisor since November 2022, and it was around this time that we were considering expanding the business and exploring the possibility of having a physical studio premises in town in Tamworth.

Lyniece has been absolutely invaluable on our business journey, helping us with start-up advice, business planning, strategy, and procurement, and helping us to clearly articulate our vision and our purpose.

We successfully launched the Indigico Creative Studio in Tamworth, New South Wales in April 2023.

We are so excited to have created a space that is a showcase of First Nations culture, art, and products from across the Gomeroi region and around the state.

Text: Visit service.nsw.gov.au and search 'Aboriginal businesses or phone 137788.

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