Getting Started

There’s 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. The process of opening a business usually looks something like this:

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: Business Planning and Research

The early stages are the foundation of your business, because 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. This stage means being able to answer a few elementary questions, such as:

• What need does your business service?
• How much will it cost to launch and operate?

Getting these foundations right helps to avoid unnecessary setbacks and sets you up for sustainable growth. 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 - Ready to Start?

We recommend working through these resources early. The more you understand your business before you begin, the better positioned you will be to navigate the following steps, connect with customers, and grow with confidence.

Step 2: Finding a Location for Your Business

As you develop your business idea and plan, you may already have a location in mind, or may be wondering whether you need one at all.

Regardless of the nature of your business, location may have a big impact on your overall success, affecting everything from foot traffic and visibility to day-to-day logistics, so it is worth taking the time to get it right.

Depending on your business model, you might consider:

🏠 Home-based business

🏢 Commercial premises

🏪 Pop-up shops

Important: Before making any commitments, be sure to check local zoning regulations and permitted land uses. To access the Northam map, click the button below. 

NOTE: This information applies to area zoning only, this does not necessarily mean that the premises you have selected is appropriate for your business type. Read on for further information. 

Interactive Property Map

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.

NOTE: Home-based businesses also have their own set of rules, so it is important to understand what’s permitted in residential areas (some uses may not be suitable due to zoning restrictions or potential impact on neighbours.) Visit our page below for more details and practical advice:

Finding a Business Location

Tip: We strongly encourage you to book a pre-lodgement meeting with us, where we will be happy 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.

For example, 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 our Permits and Approvals page 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. It’s best to speak with our Planning team early to understand your site’s zoning and permitted uses.

Tip: Book a pre-lodgement meeting with our Planning, Building, and Environmental Health teams. They will help you work out exactly what is required, so you can get things right from the start.

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:

• Online lodgement and tracking of planning, building, and environmental health applications
• Support from our Engagement Officer, or our Planning, Building, and Environmental Health teams throughout the process

Not quite sure where to start? We’re here to help.

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: [email protected]

📬 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:

• Business Support & Advice – Our team can connect you with local programs, grants, and advisory services.

• Networking Opportunities – Connect with other businesses through local events and regional networks (Northam Chamber of Commerce, Northam Women in Business etc).

• 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

Not Sure?

Book a pre-lodgement meeting or contact us for guidance:

📞 Phone: (08) 9622 6100

📧 Email: [email protected]

📬 Address: 395 Fitzgerald Street, Northam - Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm