A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Business in WA

17 Nov

Thinking of Starting a Business in WA?

Whether you're launching a side hustle, opening a café, or building something new online — starting a business is exciting (and a little overwhelming). Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get started in WA.

Step 1: Are you ready?

Before you jump in, take a moment to check in with yourself:

Do you have the time and headspace to commit to this?
Is your financial situation stable enough to support you early on?
Do you have a support system or people to lean on?

The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) is a great place to start if you’re unsure.

Step 1: Find your business idea

Think about what you’re good at, what you enjoy, and where there might be a gap in the market.

Ask yourself:

Who would buy this?
What are other businesses doing well, or missing?

The sweet spot is something you love, that people need, and that they’re willing to pay for.

Step 3: Write a simple business plan

It doesn’t have to be long! Just something to help you stay focused. Outline:

What you’re offering
Who your customer is
How you’ll market it
How much you’ll charge
How much money you’ll need to get going

If you’re applying for funding or grants, a clear business plan is essential. The SBDC has templates to help.

Step 4: Choose your business structure

This part’s important for legal and tax reasons. You’ve got three main options:

Sole Trader – easiest and cheapest to start; you're personally responsible for everything
Partnership – shared risk and reward between two or more people
Company – a more formal structure that’s separate from you legally, but comes with more admin and cost

Each has pros and cons, so make sure you understand the implications. business.gov.au has great resources on this.

Step 5: Register your business

To legally trade in Australia, you’ll need to:

Get an ABN (Australian Business Number)
Register your business name (if you’re not trading under your own name)
Check if you need to register for GST (if your turnover will be $75k or more)
Apply for any industry licences or permits

Use the Business Licence Finder to figure out what you need.

Step 6: Sort out your finances

Work out what it’ll cost to start, as well as keep things going.

Possible funding sources:

Your own savings
Small business loans
Investors
WA programs like the Innovation Booster Grant

Tip: Even small side hustles benefit from a basic budget spreadsheet.

Step 7: Plan your marketing

How will people hear about your business?

Consider:

Social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
Email newsletters
Local networking events
SEO (so you show up in Google searches)

You don’t need to be on every platform, just the ones where your audience is!

Step 8: Make sure you’re covered

Tick the admin boxes now to save headaches later!
- Licences & permits – double check what’s needed for your industry
- Insurance – public liability, professional indemnity, or others depending on your business
- Hiring staff? – know your obligations with contracts, pay, and super through Fair Work

Step 9: Time to launch!

This is the fun part! Post on socials, throw a launch party, or just let your network know you’re open for business.

Launching is exciting, but it’s only the beginning. Keep tracking your progress and be open to learning as you go.

Step 10: Keep learning

You don’t need to have all the answers on day one, and you’re not alone.

Tap into free or low-cost support like:

the SBDC’s workshops
local networking events
mentoring programs
online communities

And if you ever need a hand, that’s what we’re here for.

Starting a small business in WA is 100% doable; especially when you’ve got a clear plan and support behind you.

If you’d like to talk through any part of the process, reach out to us at BOSS, Business One Stop Shop WA. We’re here to help, whether you're just starting out or growing something great.