Are you ready? Need help with planning, raising finance or writing your business plan? These guides and templates can help.

• business.gov.au checklists
  The business.gov.au New to business checklist and Growing your business checklist will guide you through the various stages of your business, whether you're just starting or ready to grow.

• What do I need before I get started?
  Before you get started in business, there are a number of questions you need to ask yourself.

• Am I ready?
  Are you ready to venture into business? Operating a small business is not just about working for yourself, it's also about having the necessary skills and expertise to succeed.

• How can I get advice & support?
  You can take advantage of a broad range of advice and support offered by the Australian Government.

• What type of business should I start?
  Do you want to start a new business, or would it be better to buy an already established one?

• Which business structure should I choose?
  What type of business structure will you use? Will you be a sole trader, in a partnership, a company or a trust?

• How do I choose a business name?
  Choosing the right name will help ensure you're creating the right image for your business. It'll also help to distinguish it from your competitors.

• How do I write a business plan?
  Once you've conducted research into the feasibility of your new business you're ready to write your business plan.

• How do I write a marketing plan?
  A marketing plan assists you to integrate your total marketing effort. It ensures a systematic approach to developing products and services to meet and satisfy your customers' needs.

• How do I develop an export plan?
  Once you've decided to sell your products overseas you need to develop an export plan.

• How do I develop a succession plan?
  Nobody likes to think about it, but it's inevitable that one day you'll leave your business, so it's important that you plan for that day.

• What planning tools can help me
  A variety of government checklists and planning templates are available to assist you.

  • Are you ready checklists
    Useful checklists and tools to help you find out if you are ready to start a business.

  • Business plan guides & templates
    Useful templates and tools to help you develop a business plan.

  • Marketing plan guides
    Useful templates and tools to help you develop a marketing plan.

  • Export plan guides & tools
    Useful templates and tools to help you develop an export plan.

This information is brought to you by business.gov.au and Cairns Chamber of Commerce
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