Get your business off the ground the right way.
Check your ABN, GST, business name, licences, grants and start-up costs in about five minutes — in plain English, with links to the official ATO, ASIC and business.gov.au pages.
What would you like to do?
Startup readiness check
Answer 8 quick questions and get a personalised list of what to do now, what to do later, and what to watch out for.
Start-up cost calculator
Add up registration, equipment, stock, insurance and marketing, plus a buffer for your first few months.
GST calculator
Work out GST-inclusive and GST-exclusive amounts, and check whether you need to register.
Break-even calculator
See how many sales you need each day, week and month to cover your costs.
Marketing & getting customers
Google Business Profile, Instagram, Facebook, budget splitter and a 30-day plan.
Grants finder guide
How to use the official Grants and programs finder and what to prepare before you apply.
Licences & permits
Find out which licences and permits your business type and location may need.
Starting a business? Here's the short version.
Before you start
- Choose a business structure (sole trader, partnership, company)
- Apply for an ABN and register a business name if needed
- Check whether you must register for GST
- Find the licences and permits for your industry and area
- Estimate your start-up and running costs
Just after you start
- Open a separate bank account and keep your records
- Set up invoicing and a simple bookkeeping system
- Track your BAS dates if you're registered for GST
- Sort out PAYG withholding and super if you hire staff
- Set up your Google Business Profile and website
Industry guides
Deeper checklists for common start-ups.
Cafe & food
Council registration, fit-out, liquor and hospitality awards.
Cleaning
Insurance, contracts, chemicals/WHS and pricing.
Trades & contractors
Licences, white card, insurance and quoting.
Beauty & personal care
Council rules, hygiene, insurance and local clients.
Online store
Payments, policies, GST and early digital marketing.
How to apply for an ABN
Step-by-step ABN application for new businesses.