Start A Business

Do you want to start your own business and are unsure where to begin?  Flexible planning and strategic thinking is the key to turning your dreams into reality.

Before you leap in though, you need to consider three important aspects:  Will the business satisfy your needs?  Do you have enough skills to run the business?  Do you have a sound business proposition?  Experience suggests you are more likely to succeed if there is a good match between your business venture and your skills, interests and motivations.

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Start A Business

So you have a great idea but are unsure of the steps in starting a business with the best chance of success? Our Team would encourage you to attend the Start Your Own Business Seminar which is held monthly at The Business Centre in Newcastle as well as in Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Dungog, Singleton and Great Lakes. This seminar covers the start up essentials and is free of charge.

Start Your Own Business Information Session:

Start your business off on the right foot! We will discuss on a broad level what it takes to be in business, options on structure suitability, legalities, insurance requirements and where you can get assistance.

• Idea v's Opportunity and your "Why"
• Flexible planning for your business
• Finance Options
• Business Structures
• Legal and Compliance
• Marketing to today's clients

You will leave the information session with the knowledge that a pathway is available with The Business Centre to support you on the start-up journey.

Register for this workshop today.

If you are unsure if you are starting a business or have a hobby read our blog article, with information from the ATO.  The more preparation you do before starting your business, the better chance you have of achieving business and personal success.  This means a plan to fly in a certain direction without restricting opportunities.  Below is our suggestion of the best pathway forward.  Feel free to review the Tips Tools and Templates part of our website, which offers a range of helpful items.

Start Up Pathway

• Start Your Own Business Information Session.  The seminar will provide you with an overview of they key areas of your responsibility in starting your own business.  The seminar is free of charge. 

• One on one appointment with a Business Advisor.  The first appointment with your business advisor offers answers to any new questions you may have and to create an action plan to help you take the next steps.  No charge to you.

• Expand your knowledge Workshops.  Immerse yourself in learning about your new passion.  Attend "Design - Your Business GPS" to review new flexible and opportunity friendly methods of business planning, "Shift - Driving Business Change" to ensure you are reaching and connecting with your clients, "Impact - Cranking Business Online"  to review the best online options for your business to get you started.  Visit our Workshops and Events page for more information where you will find the full range of options including the small business finance workshops.

• Small Biz Connect Program.  As part of the fully subsidised program, business advisors will take you, the small business operator through an online start up diagnostic tool to analyse your situation in an easy, efficient way. The advisor will then help you develop a simple action plan which identifies the next steps for achieving your goals.

• The BAR.  Gain access to local business advisors and industry experts. Drop into The BAR, in person or online, and be part of the regions small business community.

Tips For Start Up Success

• Learn as much as you can about your proposed business. Ask questions. Join industry associations. Is there a need for the product or service you are going to offer?Accept the fact that starting a business always takes more money and time than you anticipate.

• Study successful competitors carefully. Do a comprehensive competitor analysis.

• Consider why you really want to go into business.  This will be what drives you to achieve success.  Are your expectations realistic?  If you put the integrity of the idea, service, quality, and customer satisfaction first - the rewards will follow.

• Be willing to work harder and longer than you have ever worked before. Forget about the eight hour day and the forty hour week.

• Keep complete and accurate records for tax purposes, for your banking needs, and most importantly, for your own guidance.

• Ensure you have the right people for the right job.  Find a business advisor, lawyer, accountant, banker, and insurance agent and confer with them as needed. Now is the time to develop these relationships.

• Run it yourself. Beware of absentee ownership. No one will look after your money, your property and your business like you will.

• Consider joining a Networking group - find the right fit for you.  Join up free of charge to The Networker - they will share what networking events are coming up in the area each month.

Where to next?  

Contact our Team to book in to the Information Session or to make an appointment with a Business Advisor. visit our Tips, Tools and Templates page for business plan templates and Apps as well as other helpful items.