Getting Started
So you've decided you'd like to work from home. But where do you start? Here are some common questions and answers to help get you thinking.
Choose a business idea
Do you already have a great idea? Not everybody does! Sometimes deciding on a direction is half the battle. Here are some questions to get you started:
- Can any of your hobbies provide a starting point?
- Have you found a gap in an existing market?
- Do you have a preference for an online or home-based business?
And here are some resources to help get you started:
- The Organised Housewife - 69 Non-Scam Jobs for a Stay At Home Mum
- Stay at Home Mum - Home Business Ideas
- Entrepreneur - Need a Business Idea? Here are 55
- news.com.au - 13 simple online business ideas
Whatever you decide, make sure you do plenty of market research to ensure success!
Decide on a business structure
There are several different business types for you to consider, including:
- Home-based business
- Online business
- Franchise
- Independent contractor
- Importer or exporter
There are also four main business structures commonly used by small business:
- Sole trader
- Partnership
- Trust
- Company
Further information:
- Business.gov.au - What type of business should I start?
- Business Victoria - Checklist: Starting a business
- Australian Taxation Office - Setting up a home-based business
If you're still not sure about the right way to structure your business, consider contacting an accountant for advice.
Choose a business name
You might have the great idea under control, but choosing a name can be hard! The right business name can set you up for years to come, but the wrong one...
Here's the key strategy:
- Choose a few different names, if you can.
- Look up trademarks and business names to make sure your chosen name is available.
- Look up domain names to make sure your chosen name is available.
- Finalise your choice.
Let's get started. Here are some links to help you choose the right business name:
Research business name
Once you've decided on a few ideas, it's time to make sure nobody else is already using that name.
Here is some information from the Australian government's business.gov.au website, regarding trademarks and business names. It's worth a read if only to understand what you do and don't need for your own business.
The Australian government's business.gov.au website provides some good information regarding domain name registrations.
There are three main places to research business names:
- Search ASIC Registers to see if the name you like is available.
- Search ATMOSS at IPAustralia to see if there is already a trademark registered.
- Search AusRegistry to see if the domain name you like is available.
Register business name
If the name you've chosen is available, it's time to register!
- Apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) - this is not compulsory, however you do need an ABN in order to register for GST, register a business name or register a domain name, so it's recommended.
- Register your business name via ASIC.
- Consider whether you need to apply for a trademark or not via ASIC.
- Register your domain name via an .au Domain Administration Ltd (auDA) accredited domain name registrar.
Other things to consider
There are a number of other things to consider at this point, which are a little too complex for a simple "Getting Started" list! They include:
Congratulations! You've successfully registered your new business! The next steps are to start creating your business identity.