Government information for business

7. Business Australia information

The Australian Government website, business.gov.au, offers you simple and convenient access to all the government information, transactions and services you need. It's a whole-of-government service providing essential information on planning, starting and running your business.

Business tools

business.gov.au has a number of tools that can help you run your business. From consulting with government on regulation to finding key contacts and training workshops for your business.

E-business

Are you interested in starting an online business? By trading online you can save time and money, reduce your overheads and reach a much wider market. And you make it easier for your customers to do business with you.

Employing people

Good employees can be your greatest asset, so recruiting and retaining the right person is very important. Find out your obligations under the recruitment and retention of staff, government laws, industrial awards and agreements, and contracts of employment.

Environmental management

As a business you could have some impact on the environment, whether large or small. Managing your impact as well as your environmental responsibilities can ensure your business is environmentally friendly and reaping the added benefits.

Exiting a business

Closing or selling your business? Find out about succession planning, bankruptcy, deregistering your business and employee payments.

Exporting

Expanding your market can bring enormous benefits to your business, but successful exporting doesn't happen by accident - it needs careful planning and commitment.

Fair trading

In Australia federal and state laws protect you, your business and your customers from unfair trading practices. These laws, together with industry codes of practice, help to ensure that your business operates fairly and competitively and that all consumers are adequately informed and protected.

Franchising

Franchising allows one business to operate under the name of another business' established brand and sell a prescribed product or service. Franchising can seem like an easy way of starting or expanding your business, but it's not something you should rush into without the proper knowledge. Whether you are buying a franchise or franchising your own business, it requires a significant investment of your time and money.

Grants and assistance

Grants and other funding programs are available from the federal, state and territory governments and in some cases from local councils. Generally there are no grants available for starting a business. However, there are grants and other assistance available for business activities such as expanding your business, research and development, innovation and exporting.

Home-based business

If you're running a home-based business there are a wide range of government requirements that may apply to you. Things to consider when running a small business from home include taxation, employment, council approval and licensing.

Importing

If you import goods into Australia, you will be affected by certain government regulations. Your goods must be cleared by the Australian Customs Service (Customs) and duty and taxes may be payable. You also need to be aware of import permits, quarantine permits and treatment that apply to imported goods.

Insurance

Insurance is an essential part of running any business. If you are operating a small business you need more than just property insurance. Taking out the right insurance will help protect your business and minimise its exposure to risk.

Intellectual property

Intellectual property covers a range of laws that give individuals and businesses exclusive rights over their creative and inventive projects.

Market research and statistics

To run a successful business you need to know all about your potential and existing customers and the marketplace you operate in. Regularly assess who your competitors are, their strengths and weaknesses, who your customers are and what they want, and whether there are any gaps in the market.

Occupational health and safety

Safety in the workplace is critical to the success of running a business, no matter what size it is. As a small business owner you have certain rights and responsibilities regarding health and safety in your workplace. Even if you don't have any employees, you must ensure that your business doesn't create health and safety problems for your customers and the general public.

Registration and licences

When you're starting up a new business it's important to find out what registration and licences apply to you. This can be complex as local, state, territory and Australian governments all handle registration and licensing for various aspects of your business.

Starting a business

Ready to start? Here's information on starting a new business, a home-based business and buying a business or franchise.

Taxation

Understanding taxes and meeting your taxation obligations can save you money. By paying the right amount you can avoid late payment penalties. You may also be entitled to exemptions.

Tenders and contracts

Selling goods and services to government is an important opportunity for all businesses. Find out about tender opportunities available in Australia and overseas, and how to go about planning, preparing and submitting your tenders.

Thinking of starting a business

Are you ready? Need help with planning, raising finance or writing your business plan? These guides and templates can help.

business.gov.au checklists

The business.gov.au New to business checklist and Growing your business checklist will guide you through the various stages of your business, whether you're just starting or ready to grow.

This information is brought to you by
business.gov.au in partnership with Federal, State
and Territory Governments.
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