Starting a Business in Melbourne's West: A Step-by-Step Checklist
Published:
Reading time:
Category:
Content
To start a business in Melbourne's west, get an ABN, register a business name if you're not trading under your own name, register for GST once you expect to reach the turnover threshold, check your council's permits, and set up a Google Business Profile and simple website so locals can find you. Then tap local support from your council and Business Victoria. Here's the order we suggest.
Step 1: choose a structure and get an ABN
Most small businesses start as a sole trader or company. An accountant can help you choose. Apply for an ABN through the Australian Business Register (ABR); business.gov.au also brings the main registrations together in one place (business.gov.au).
Step 2: register your business name
If you trade under any name other than your own personal name (or your company's exact name), you generally need to register it with ASIC (ASIC). Check the name is free, and check the domain name too. See .com.au domains for small businesses.
Step 3: GST and tax
The ATO explains when you must register for GST, including the turnover threshold, and when you can choose to (ATO). Talk to an accountant or BAS agent early; it's cheaper than fixing mistakes later.
Step 4: licences, insurance and council permits
- Trade licences or registrations, for example from Energy Safe Victoria or the Building and Plumbing Commission. See showing your licence number online in Victoria
- Public liability insurance, which many customers and councils expect
- Council permits if you run a home-based business, sell food, put up signage or trade in public places. Check with Brimbank, Melton, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong or Wyndham council, depending on where you are
Step 5: get found online
- Set up your Google Business Profile
- Get a business email on your own domain. See business email on your own domain
- Build a simple website with your services, area, licence number and contact details. See the new business website checklist
- List on Apple Maps, Bing and key directories. See Australian business directories
Step 6: use local support
- Brimbank City Council's programs, such as CUL-TI-VATE. See Brimbank small business support
- Business Victoria's grants and programs and our Victorian grants guide
- Networking groups in the west. See business networking in Melbourne's west
Quick checklist
| Task | Where | Done |
|---|---|---|
| ABN | Australian Business Register | ☐ |
| Business name | ASIC | ☐ |
| GST (if required or chosen) | ATO | ☐ |
| Licence, insurance, permits | Regulator, insurer, council | ☐ |
| Domain and business email | Domain registrar | ☐ |
| Google Business Profile | ☐ | |
| Website | You or a web designer | ☐ |
Step 7: set up your money and records properly
Good records save you money at tax time and stress if the ATO ever asks questions. The ATO says you must keep your business records for at least five years, including tax invoices, receipts, wage records, tax returns and activity statements (ATO).
- Open a separate business bank account from day one, so business and personal spending don't mix
- Pick simple accounting software and connect it to that account
- Photograph receipts as you go instead of keeping a shoebox
- Set aside a percentage of each payment for tax and GST in a separate account
- Book a short session with an accountant or BAS agent before your first quarter ends
These setup tips are our general guidance; your accountant can tailor them.
Should you protect your business name?
Registering a business name with ASIC is a legal requirement in many cases, but it isn't brand protection. IP Australia explains that registering a business name or company name doesn't give you exclusive rights to it; only a registered trade mark gives you enforceable, nationwide rights over your brand (IP Australia).
- Search the trade marks register before you commit to a name, logo and signage
- Check the matching .com.au domain and social media handles are free
- Consider a trade mark if you plan to grow, franchise or invest heavily in the brand
For more on names and logos, see tradie branding. This is general information, not legal advice.
What changes when you hire your first worker?
Taking on staff brings a new set of obligations. In Victoria, WorkSafe says employers who pay, or expect to pay, more than $7,500 a year in rateable remuneration, or who engage apprentices or trainees, must register for WorkCover insurance (WorkSafe Victoria).
- Register for WorkCover insurance if you meet the threshold
- Set up PAYG withholding and pay super for eligible workers; the ATO and your accountant can walk you through it
- Check the right award and pay rates with the Fair Work Ombudsman
- Keep employee records and pay slips
- Use Brimbank Joblink or your council's local jobs service to find local staff. See Brimbank small business support
Get advice before you hire. Mistakes with pay and super are common and costly to fix. Many owners start with a subcontractor or casual help, but the rules about who counts as an employee are not always obvious, so check before you agree on how you'll pay someone.
Working from home or leasing a premises?
| Home-based | Leased premises | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low | Bond, fit-out and lease costs |
| Council checks | May need a planning permit depending on the activity, visitors, staff and signage | Planning, building and, for food, health registration |
| Google Business Profile | Set up as a service-area business and hide your home address | Show your street address so customers can visit |
| Best for | Trades, consultants, online sellers | Shops, clinics, cafes and anyone who needs walk-in customers |
Talk to your council's planning or business team before you sign a lease. A Victorian small business with a lease dispute can get free preliminary help from the Victorian Small Business Commission. This comparison is our general guidance.
Common mistakes new businesses make
- Ordering signage, uniforms and a logo before checking the name is free as a domain and trade mark
- Mixing business and personal money in one account
- Leaving GST registration until after passing the threshold
- Building a website before setting up a Google Business Profile, which is often what brings the first local calls
- Using a free email address instead of one on your own domain
- Not tracking where enquiries come from, so you can't tell which marketing works
Each of these is easy to avoid in the first month and annoying to fix later. If you've already made one or two, don't panic: most can be sorted in an afternoon with the right help. Start with the money and records, because those affect tax, then fix the name and online details so customers see one consistent business everywhere they look.
| When | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | ABN, business name, bank account, accounting software, insurance |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Licences and council checks; domain name and business email |
| Week 4 | Google Business Profile live; ask friends and first customers for honest reviews |
| Month 2 | Simple website with services, area, licence number and contact details |
| Month 3 | Review what's bringing enquiries; join a local network; check grants and programs |
This order is our general guidance. If you need customers immediately, move the Google Business Profile up: for many local businesses it brings the first calls before the website is finished.
- Which structure suits me now, and when would it make sense to change?
- Should I register for GST now, or wait until I'm close to the threshold?
- How much should I set aside from each payment for tax?
- What can I claim, and what records do you need from me?
- How often should we catch up in the first year?
- Which accounting software do you prefer working with?
Write the answers down. A one-hour meeting early on usually saves far more than it costs, and it means you start with systems your accountant is happy to work with. Bring your ABN, bank details and a rough idea of expected income to the meeting.
Morphic helps new businesses in Melbourne's west get online properly: domain, email, Google profile and a website that brings enquiries. Get a free quote, or book a 30-minute call.
Related service. websites for new businesses.
Related reading: How much does a small business website cost? and DIY website vs web designer.
Key Takeaways
Get an ABN first, then register a business name if needed.
Check GST rules with the ATO or an accountant.
Sort licences, insurance and council permits before you trade.
Set up a Google profile, business email and simple website early.
Use council and Business Victoria support in Melbourne's west.
Emon Datta
Founder, Morphic Agency
Morphic Agency is a Melbourne-based UX design agency. We've shipped 50+ products across 15+ countries.
