Home Services Metro Locations Country Locations Links Business Topics How-to Guides Contact Us Login Username Password Remember me Password Reminder    How-to Guides Starting a business Buying an established business in your state or territory Useful guides, information and resources in your state or territory on buying an established business. Innovation in your state or territory Useful guides, information and resources on innovation in your state or territory. Retail leasing in your state or territory Useful guides, information and resources in your state or territory on retail leasing. Buy or lease business premises The location of your business can be an important factor in its success. So you should carefully assess what's the right environment for your business. How do I determine my status? It is possible to be an employee for some work and a contractor for other work. Starting a new business You've decided to go into business, completed your market research and written your business plan. Now you're ready to take the next step, but where do you begin when starting a new business? Order & purchase stock Efficient stock control is having the right amount of stock in the right place at the right time. Starting a business Ready to start? Here's information on starting a new business, a home-based business and buying a business or franchise. Starting a home-based business People intending to use their home as a place of business often have to comply with particular state, territory and local government regulations. What are my taxation obligations? As a contractor, you may have to pay tax at a different rate to employees. Arrange insurance It's essential to arrange insurance when you're starting out in business - you should insure your company, your income and your commercial risk. How can I get advice & support? You can take advantage of a broad range of advice and support offered by the Australian Government. Starting a franchise 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. Starting as an independent contractor The new independent contractors law could possibly affect your tax, occupational health and safety and other obligations. What are my employment entitlements? Find out what your entitlements are for superannuation, OH&S and workers compensation. How do I make my business more innovative? Innovation is not just about inventions. It's about new ideas and responding to new trends and market conditions, or improving existing products and services. How is my intellectual property affected? Although you may have contributed to or created material, products and ideas as a contractor, you may not be entitled to intellectual property ownership such as copyright. Set up record keeping & accounting systems It's a legal requirement for you to keep records of your business transactions for a minimum of five years, so it's important that you have good record keeping practices in place. Buying an established business If you plan to buy an existing business, carefully analyse both the advantages and disadvantages. Hire staff Good employees can be your greatest asset, so recruiting and retaining the right person is important. How do I manage my finances? Good financial management is critical to the ongoing success of your business. How can I find a business loan? Choosing the right kind of business finance can be difficult. Banks and other lenders offer a range of business loans including overdrafts, lines of credit and fully drawn advances. What are my taxation obligations? Understanding your taxation obligations is important when starting up a new business. Various federal, state and local government taxes and rates can apply, depending on the size and location of your business. What are the legal requirements? One of the first things you need to find out when you're starting out is what laws apply to your new business. What do I need to register for? The type of business you conduct determines what you need to register for. What licences & permits do I need? It's important for you to find out the licensing requirements that apply to your new business. How do I set up operations? Setting up your business operations involves many different aspects. Buying a franchise Buying a franchise gives you the right to run an established business and sell a prescribed product or service. Before you buy a franchise, you should consider the same issues as when purchasing any other business in addition to the specific issues of franchising. How do I promote my business? How to promote your business through marketing, advertising and networking.   Copyright © 2010 Business Enterprise Centre Victoria website maintained by Web Ideas