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Business - Research and Plan 

Early stages - Ready to Start?

If you are someone who likes checklists (many business-minded people do!), the SBDC’s Starting a Business Checklist is a great place to begin. It will help you figure out whether you're ready to move forward or if there’s still some groundwork to cover. We recommend getting to know the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC), as their main goal is to support the establishment, growth, and success of small businesses in Western Australia.

We also understand that finding the right resources to answer all of those questions might be challenging. For this reason, we decided to collect reliable resources to help you understand what each of those questions mean and how to properly answer them.

To help you navigate the process, we’ve shared the SBDC’s Starting a Business Checklist, a practical guide outlining the key steps to get your business up and running.

But here is what makes our version different:

  • We have paired each item on the checklist with hand-picked links to trusted resources, templates, and tools, so you are not just ticking boxes, you are building real understanding at every step.

Checklist: Starting a Business

  • Use it as a living document to track your progress, and explore the supporting links we have included for each step.
  • Whether you are shaping your business idea, choosing a structure, or planning your finances, each question is backed by resources to help you make informed decisions.
Are you ready?
Tools and Guides

1

Have you assessed your personal readiness for this type of business?

SDBC - Identify your skills

Business.gov.au - Are you ready?

2

Have you assessed your business management skills?

SDBC - Management Skills
Assess your business idea

 

3

Have you determined whether there is a market for your product or service?

SBDC - Market Research and Industry Data

Business.gov.au - Do market research

4

Have you conducted industry research?

5

Have you surveyed potential customers about your business concept?

Business QLD - Explore and Research your Business Idea

6

Have you completed a SWOT analysis?

Business.gov.au - SWOT Analysis 

7

Have you analysed and compared your competitors?

Business gov.au - Competitor Analysis | Business VIC - Benchmark your Business
Build your business plan

 

8

Have you completed a business plan?

SBDC - BP on a Page | BP | How to BP? | Marketing Plan | How to marketing Plan?
Choose your business structure

 

9

Have you sought advice from an accountant to discuss the various business structures and their tax implications?

Business.gov.au - Checklist: Setting up finances

10

Have you determined which structure your business will operate under?

SBDC - Business Structure & Partnership

Business gov - Structure
Legal obligations

 

11

Have you completed a business licence report?

SBDC - Business Licence Finder

12

Have you registered for an ABN?

SBDC - ABN

13

Have you registered a business or company name?

SBDC - Business names

14

Have you registered a domain name?

SBDC - Naming

15

Have you registered for all relevant taxes?

SBDC - Tax Requirements

16

If applicable, have you protected your intellectual property?

SBDC - IP

17

Have you researched your insurance needs?

SBDC -Insurance

18

Have you drafted legal documents for your business?

 

19

If employing staff, have you determined your obligations?

SBDC - Employer obligations

20

If locating your business at home have you applied for the correct licence?

SBDC - Approval

Got to have something on our website with information about $, timeframe 

21

If leasing commercial premises have you sought advice from the SBDC regarding your lease?

SBDC - Leasing Info and Advice

Business.gov.au - Register for an ABN
Build your support team

 

22

Have you selected an accountant?

SBDC - Accountant

23

Have you selected a lawyer?

SBDC - Lawyer

24

Have you selected suppliers?

SBDC - Suppliers

25

Have you met with an SBDC or Business Local adviser?

SBDC - SBDC Regional Map

26

Have you considered joining your industry or business association?

SBDC - Industry or Association
Figure out your finances

 

27

Have you determined if you can afford to start this business?

SBDC - Initial start-up costs

28

If necessary, have you secured a reliable funding source?

SBDC - Financial Lender

29

Have you completed financial forecasts (e.g. expenses, sales, cash flow)?

SBDC - Cash Flow | COGs | Operating Expenses Forecast | Sales Forecast

30

Have you determined which record keeping system you will use?

SBDC - Financial processes and procedures

31

Have you developed a credit management policy?

SBDC - Providing credit
Market your business

 

32

Have you conducted market research?

SBDC - Market Research

33

Have you profiled your target markets?

Business gov - Identify your target market

34

Have you identified your unique selling position?

Business gov - USP

Business QLD - Identifying your competitive advantages

35

Have you set marketing goals and budget?

Business gov - Marketing Plan

Prefer a guided online experience?

Follow this online business setup guide at business.gov.au

Explore More Business Resources

Want access to a full list of reliable government-supported tools, guides, and resources? Below is a curated list of trusted sites across Australia to support your business planning and operations:

Note: Regulations and requirements can vary between states. If you're accessing resources from outside Western Australia, be sure to cross-check with local WA regulations or contact the Shire of Northam to confirm applicability.

How to Contact the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC)

If you need tailored advice or support to start or grow your business, the SBDC is here to help:

📞 Phone: 133 140

📧 Email: [email protected]

📬 Address: Level 2, 140 William Street, Perth WA

Regional Support for Wheatbelt Businesses

If you're based in the Wheatbelt region, access specialised regional assistance via the link below:

SBDC – Wheatbelt Regional Business Support

Other Business Support 

Funding and Financial Support

Northam Chamber of Commerce

Address: 160 Fitzgerald St E, Northam WA 6401

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm

Email: i[email protected]

Phone: 0427 472 729

Northam Town Team

Northam Town Team are a group of active citizens (AKA positive do-ers and local legends) who brainstorm ideas to make Northam WA a great place to live, work and play.

They work collaboratively to turn these ideas into reality. Click here for more information on Northam Town Team Movement. 

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 0417 753 566 (Esther)

Facebook Messenger: You can message the team here

Wheatbelt Business Network

Connect Businesses and growing in the Wheatbelt. They are here to make the Wheatbelt the ultimate destination for businesses and communities to grow, succeed and inspire.

To learn more or to join click here. 

Current Business Support Workshops & Resources

  • ATO Masterclasses - the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) offer a suite of masterclasses designed to strengthen your small business knowledge.
  • SBDC's Workshops - covering a range of business topics, our practical workshops are packed with key information and useful hints and tips.
  • Workforce Australia - with Self-Employment Assistance, you'll learn how to turn your business idea or existing small business into a viable enterprise.
  • Beyond Blue - free, confidential mental health coaching program, designed to help small business owners and sole traders manage stress, anxiety and overwhelm. 

    What’s Next?

    Ready to the next stage?

    Check what approvals, permits and licences your business may or may not need to start operating:

    Business - Approvals and Permits

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