Ready to start? Here's information on starting a new business, a home-based business and buying a business or franchise.

• Starting a new business
  You've decided to go into business, completed your market research and written your business plan. Now you're ready to take the next step, but where do you begin when starting a new business?

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

  • How do I make my business more innovative?
    Innovation is not just about inventions. It's about new ideas and responding to new trends and market conditions, or improving existing products and services.

  • How do I manage my finances?
    Good financial management is critical to the ongoing success of your business.

  • What are my taxation obligations?
    Understanding your taxation obligations is important when starting up a new business. Various federal, state and local government taxes and rates can apply, depending on the size and location of your business.

  • What are the legal requirements?
    One of the first things you need to find out when you're starting out is what laws apply to your new business.

  • What do I need to register for?
    The type of business you conduct determines what you need to register for.

  • What licences & permits do I need?
    It's important for you to find out the licensing requirements that apply to your new business.

  • How do I set up operations
    Setting up your business operations involves many different aspects.

  • How do I promote my business?
    How to promote your business through marketing, advertising and networking.

• Starting a home-based business
  People intending to use their home as a place of business often have to comply with particular state, territory and local government regulations.

• Starting as an independent contractor
  The new independent contractors law could possibly affect your tax, occupational health and safety and other obligations.

  • How do I determine my status?
    It is possible to be an employee for some work and a contractor for other work.

  • What are my taxation obligations?
    As a contractor, you may have to pay tax at a different rate to employees.

  • What are my employment entitlements?
    Find out what your entitlements are for superannuation, OH&S and workers compensation.

  • How is my intellectual property affected?
    Although you may have contributed to or created material, products and ideas as a contractor, you may not be entitled to intellectual property ownership such as copyright.

• Buying an established business
  If you plan to buy an existing business, carefully analyse both the advantages and disadvantages.

• Buying a franchise
  Buying a franchise can mean a significant financial investment, so it's important to have all the relevant facts before you enter into a franchise agreement.

  • What is the Franchising Code of Conduct?
    The Franchising Code of Conduct protects the rights of franchisees and sets out the obligations of franchisors.

  • Entering into a franchise agreement
    You should obtain certain information before entering into a franchise agreement.

  • Franchising & taxation
    When you buy, sell, transfer or terminate a franchise there may be Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Goods and Services Tax (GST) consequences to consider.

  • OH&S obligations for franchises
    If you're in a franchise business you have the same occupational health and safety (OH&S) obligations and responsibilities as any other business.

  • Mediation services for franchises
    The Office of the Mediation Adviser (OMA) helps franchisors and franchisees to resolve their problems and disputes without going to court.

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