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blog, Starting a Business

How to Start a Business in Australia in 11 Steps (2025)

Daniel Spencer

7 mins read

Published:

8 April 2025

Updated:

24 June 2025

Setting Up a Company Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Taking the leap into entrepreneurship is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to begin. That’s where we come in.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about starting a company in Australia, without the jargon or confusion. From choosing the right structure to registering your business and ticking off legal requirements, we’ll walk you through each step clearly and simply.

At the end is a quick glossary of key terms and acronyms you might encounter to help you cut through the noise and get clear, direct answers to your questions.

Think of this as your launchpad—clear guidance, expert tips, and a handy checklist to help you move forward with confidence. Let’s get your business off the ground the right way.

Step 1: Refine your business idea

Every great business starts with a solid idea. It doesn’t have to be revolutionary; just something that solves a real problem or fills a gap in the market. The sweet spot is where your interests, skills, and a clear customer need all intersect.

Take the time to:

Identify a market need or customer pain point you can address.
Reflect on your own skills, experience, and passions.
Explore how your idea could offer something better, faster, cheaper, or simpler than what already exists.

The clearer and more focused your idea is, the easier it will be to validate and build on.

Small Business Ideas You Can Consider

Step 2: Conduct market research

Before you invest time and money, make sure there’s demand. Market research helps you understand your customers, validate your idea, and spot opportunities (or risks) early.

Start by asking:

Who are your ideal customers? What do they need, want, and value?
Who else is already serving them? What are they doing well, and where are the gaps?
What trends are shaping the industry or your target market?

Use surveys, social media groups, competitor reviews, or Google Trends to gather insights. Even a few customer conversations can give you powerful clues about where to focus.

Step 3: Write a business plan

Your business plan is your strategy in action. It doesn’t have to be 50 pages long; even a short plan gives you clarity and direction. It also helps you set priorities, manage cash flow, and make better decisions.

A good plan includes:

Executive summary: A snapshot of your business and goals.
Market analysis: Who you’re targeting and how you’ll stand out.
Operations: How the business will run day to day.
Marketing and sales: How you’ll attract and retain customers.
Financials: Startup costs, revenue forecasts, and break-even analysis.

You can refine it as you grow; the goal is progress, not perfection.

Step 4: Choose a business structure

Your business structure affects your legal responsibilities, tax obligations, and how much control you have. Choosing the right company structure from day one can save you time, stress, and money down the line.

In Australia, the main options are:

Sole trader: Simple and affordable to set up, but you’re personally liable.
Partnership: Shared responsibilities and profits — best for co-owned businesses.
Company: A separate legal entity, offering liability protection and a more professional image.
Trust: Common for family businesses or asset protection, but more complex and costly to manage.

Helpful guide – Should You Set Up a Company or Sole Trader?

Not sure what’s right for you? Let’s talk.

Step 5: Choose a name

Your business name is one of your most valuable assets, it’s how customers will recognise you, talk about you, and (hopefully) remember you. So it’s worth taking the time to get it right.

Start by brainstorming names that are:

Easy to spell and pronounce
Relevant to your product or service
Memorable and unique
Flexible enough to grow with your business

Once you’ve got a shortlist, check that your name is:

Available to register: use the ASIC business name register to make sure it’s not already taken.
Check if your business name is still available here.
Available as a domain: secure your website name (ideally a .com.au) to protect your brand online.
Free of conflicts: search IP Australia’s trademark database to ensure it’s not already trademarked.

Extra tips:

Avoid names that are too similar to competitors; this can confuse customers and even lead to legal issues.
Don’t use restricted words (like “bank,” “university,” or “incorporated”) unless you meet special criteria.
Think about how the name might sound in other accents or cultures, especially if you plan to go international.

If your business name will be different from your own legal name, you’ll need to register it with ASIC. And even if trademarking isn’t essential now, it’s smart to plan for it; especially if you’re building a brand with long-term value.

Is Your Name Available for Business? A Comprehensive Guide

Step 6: Register your business

Once your plan is in place, it’s time to make things official. Registering your business ensures you’re operating legally; and it gives customers confidence that you’re legitimate.

You’ll need to:

Apply for an ABN (Australian Business Number) — this identifies your business to the government and is needed for invoicing and tax.
Register your business name with ASIC (Australian Securities & Investments Commission), unless you’re trading under your own name.
Check for licenses and permits relevant to your industry, such as food handling, childcare, or trades.

The Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) can help you identify what’s required in your state or territory.

Step 7: Set up your finances

Strong financial foundations are non-negotiable. Keeping your business and personal finances separate helps with budgeting, tax time, and financial planning.

Start with:

A dedicated business bank account to track income and expenses clearly.
Cloud-based accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, or MYOB to stay compliant and in control.
A simple cash flow forecast so you know what’s coming in and out.
Registering for GST if your business expects to earn more than $75,000 per year.

If numbers aren’t your thing, consider working with a bookkeeper or accountant early on; it’s an investment in your business’ long-term health.

Step 8: Define your company’s rules and share structure

If you’re registering a company, you’ll need to define how it’s governed and who owns what. This step is often overlooked, but it’s critical to getting your company set up correctly.

You’ll need to decide:

Whether to adopt replaceable rules (standard rules under the Corporations Act) or draft a custom constitution.
How to structure shares; including different classes, rights, and how they’ll be allocated.
Who the directors and shareholders are, and how decisions will be made.

Getting this right upfront avoids headaches later, especially if you’re planning to grow or bring on investors. Sleek can support you through this process when you register with us.

Step 9: Choose your business location

Even online businesses need a physical address. You’ll be asked for this during company registration and for official communications.

You’ll need to:

Choose the state or territory where your business is registered.
Nominate a registered office address (can’t be a PO Box for companies).
Specify a principal place of business, which can be the same or different.

If you’re not ready for a commercial lease, consider using a virtual office or shared workspace. Just make sure the address is stable and monitored; ASIC and the ATO may send mail there.

Step 10: Develop your brand and online presence

Your brand is more than a logo; it’s the way people feel about your business. While it’s important to build a strong, consistent brand, don’t worry if everything isn’t polished before you register. It’s completely normal to refine your look and messaging as you grow.

At this stage, focus on the basics:

Check domain availability for your business name: securing a .com.au early is ideal.
Reserve your business name across major social media platforms (like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or TikTok), even if you don’t plan to use them all straight away.
Register your Google Business Profile if you plan to have a physical location or serve local customers.

Even just locking in your domain and social handles is a smart move; it gives you flexibility later and protects your brand from lookalikes or squatters.

Once you’re ready, build out:

A simple, mobile-friendly website that clearly explains who you are and what you offer.
A visual identity; logo, colours, fonts, and tone of voice — that reflects your values.
Messaging that speaks to your target audience in a clear, human way.

You can evolve and refine your branding over time. The important thing is to take small, thoughtful steps that help people find and trust you from the start.

Step 11: Launch and market your business

Now it’s time to go live and spread the word. Your launch doesn’t have to be a huge event — just intentional and targeted. Focus on where your ideal customers spend time and how they make decisions.

Effective ways to launch:

Share your story on social media, email, or through a soft launch campaign.
Offer limited-time promotions, freebies, or referral rewards to drive interest.
Attend networking events or join small business communities in your niche.
Use SEO and content marketing to drive long-term traffic to your website.

Marketing doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be consistent. The more visible you are, the more trust you build.

How Sleek can help you start your business

Starting a new business is exciting, but the admin? Not so much. That’s where Sleek comes in. We take the stress out of setting up, so you can focus on growing your big idea.

Whether you’re: