Our main goal is to make this process as seamless as possible by providing as much information and resources to help you research and plan prior to develop. Our team will be here to help you throughout the whole journey from navigating permits, understanding local regulations, costs and anything that may come up in the process.
Getting Started
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to starting a business, but having a clear understanding of what you are setting out to do is a great place to start. We have broken the process down into 5 steps.
Each step links to a dedicated page with tools, checklists, and clear guidance to help you move forward with confidence.
Step 1: Research and Plan
The early stages are the foundation of your business, before you focus on what you are selling or who will buy it, it is essential to know whether you are personally, financially, and legally prepared to take this challenge on.
To help you with this, we have brought together some valuable resources designed to guide you through the planning process:
Research and Plan a Business
Tip: Work through these resources early. The more you understand your business before you begin, the better prepared you will be to navigate the following steps.
Step 2: Finding a Location for Your Business
You may already have a location in mind, or may be wondering whether you need one at all. Regardless, the location of your business will have a big impact on your day-to-day, so, it is worth taking the time to get it right.
Depending on your business model, you might consider:
Home-Based Business
Operating your business from home might be a suitable option for you. Before pursing it, make sure to consider all regulations and requirements including licences, permits and approvals involved:
Approvals and Permits
Tip: Home-based businesses also have their own set of rules, so, it is important to understand what is permitted in residential areas.
Commercial Premises
Please note that if you are planning to use a space in a way that is different from its previous/approved purpose, for example, converting a room in your home into a hair salon, you may need planning approval. Also, this information applies to area zoning only, this does not necessarily mean that the premises you have selected is appropriate for your business type.
More details: Finding a Business Location
Contact us to help you explore your options and understand the requirements before you lock in a site.
Step 3: Determine What Approvals are Required
Before you start trading, it is important to know what approvals you will need. These depend on what kind of business you are starting, where you are operating from, and what activities you will undertake.
You may need one or more of the following:
- Development (Planning) Approval – required when changing land use or modifying a building externally.
- Building Permit – needed for new structures, major renovations, or fit-outs.
- Environmental Health Approval – essential for businesses that serve food, offer personal care services, or involve skin penetration, among others.
If you're converting an office into a café, or changing the signage, these changes will trigger specific approvals. Even home-based businesses may require approval, depending on the type and scale of activity.
Visit Approvals and Permits for a full breakdown of each approval type and guidance on next steps.
Check land use first: Every property has a designated use under local zoning laws. If your proposed business is different from the approved use (e.g. converting a café to a hair salon), you may need a change of use approval.
Tip: It’s best to contact us early to understand your site’s zoning and permitted uses.
Step 4: Lodge Your Approvals Applications
Once you’ve identified which approvals your business needs, it’s time to submit your applications.
The Shire of Northam offers:
- Sheets and guidance on how to lodge:
- Support from our teams throughout the process
Not quite sure where to start? Take advantage of a free pre-lodgement meeting:
- A quick and easy way to confirm which approvals you need. Whether it’s a Planning Application, Building or Occupancy Permit, or Environmental Health approval, our team can help you get it right the first time.
These meetings can save you time, reduce the risk of delays, and ensure your application is complete before submission.
- Phone: (08) 9622 6100
- Email: records@northam.wa.gov.au
- Address: 395 Fitzgerald Street, Northam - Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm
Check our Business Approvals Roadmap to see how each step fits together.
Step 5: Launch and Grow Your Business
Once your approvals are in place and your setup is complete, it’s time to open your doors!
But launching is just the beginning. Successful businesses keep growing, adapting, and connecting with their community.
The Shire of Northam is committed to supporting you beyond your launch. Whether you're looking to market your business, build partnerships, or expand your services, we’re here to help.
Here’s how we can support your growth:
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Business Support & Advice – Our team can connect you with local programs, grants, and advisory services.
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Networking Opportunities – Connect with other businesses through local events and regional networks (Northam Chamber of Commerce, Northam Women in Business etc).
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Ongoing Tools & Resources – Access training, marketing tools, and growth planning guides from trusted sources like SBDC and business.gov.au.
A Quick Overview
Before launching your business, you might need one (or more) of the following approvals.
Development (Planning) Approval
Required if you're building something new, changing how a property is used, or setting up a home or mobile business.
Learn more about Planning Approval
Building and Occupancy Permits
Needed for new builds, major renovations, fit-outs, or changes to the structure/layout of a building.
Learn more about Building Permits
Environmental Health Approvals
Essential for businesses that serve food, provide personal care (like beauty or tattooing), or require a liquor licence.
Learn more about Health Approvals