Skip to Content
Header overlay
Translation

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.

Description of image

Small Business Development Corporation

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.

About SBDC

 

To help you navigate the process, below you can find the SBDC’s Starting a Business Checklist, a practical guide outlining the key steps to get your business up and running:

SBDC 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.

 

Resources to Complete the Checklist

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.

Are You Ready?

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

Essential Business Skill - Identify yours

Are you ready to start a business?

2. Have you assessed your business management skills?

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

4. Have you conducted industry research?

Business.gov.au - Do market 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

Build your Business Plan

8. Have you completed a business plan?

Business Planning

One Page Business Plan

Business Plan Template

How to use the Business Plan Template

Choose your Business Strucutre

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

Checklist: Setting up finances

10. Have you determined which structure your business will operate under?

Business Structures

Choose Your Business Structure

Legal Obligations

11. Have you completed a business licence report?

Business Licence Finder

12. Have you registered for an ABN?

Tax Requirements - ABN

13. Have you registered a business or company name?

Tax Requirements - Business names

14. Have you registered a domain name?

Setting up your Website

15. Have you registered for all relevant taxes?

Types of Tax


16. If applicable, have you protected your intellectual property?

Intellectual Property

17. Have you researched your insurance needs?

Guide to Business Insurance

18. Have you drafted legal documents for your business?

19. If employing staff, have you determined your obligations?

Employer obligations


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

Home Based Business Approval

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

Negotiating a Lease

Build your Support Team

22. Have you selected an accountant?

Choosing an Accountant

23. Have you selected a lawyer?

Choosing a Lawyer

24. Have you selected suppliers?

Choosing Suppliers

25. Have you met with an SBDC or Business Local Adviser?

Regional Map - Local Advisers

26. Have you considered joining your industry or business association?

Choosing an Industry or Business Association

Figure out your Finances

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

Initial Start-up Costs Calculator

28. If necessary, have you secured a reliable funding source?

Choosing a Financial Lender

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

Cash Flow Forecast Calculator

Cost of Goods (COGs) Calculator

Operating Expenses Calculator

Sales Forecast Calculator

30. Have you determined which record keeping system you will use?

Financial Processes and Procedures

31. Have you developed a credit management policy?

Providing Credit to Customers

Market your Business

32. Have you conducted market research?

Market Research

33. Have you profiled your target markets?

Identify your Target Market

34. Have you identified your unique selling position?

Develop your Unique Selling Proposition

35. Have you set marketing goals and budget? 

Marketing Plan

Marketing Plan Template

How to use the Marketing Plan Template

Prefer a guided online experience?

Follow this online business setup guide from 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:

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  

Description of image

Northam Chamber of Commerce

Address: 160 Fitzgerald St E, Northam WA 6401

Hours: Mon-Fri from 9am to 5pm

Email: info@northamchamber.com.au

Phone: 0427 472 729

About Northam Chamber of Commerce

 

Description of image

Northam Town Team

Email: northamtownteam@gmail.com 

Phone: 0417 753 566 (Esther)

Facebook Messenger: You can message them here

About Northam Town Team

  

Description of image

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. 
About WBN

 

 

Funding and Financial Support

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 for the next stage?

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

    Business - Approvals and Permits

    Updated 01.10.25

    `