Australia is built on small businesses. Over 97% of firms in the country employ fewer than 20 people, with non-employing companies making up the largest proportion by far.
Unleash your entrepreneurial spirit and start a successful business
60.3% of businesses in Australia – more than 1.5 million – are sole traders (ASBFEO).
Support for small businesses is ingrained in Australian culture. That’s great news for anyone hoping to grow their passion project into a successful business.
And there are a lot of people in that camp, with over 160,000 Australian company registrations in 2022 alone.
From community organisations to local coffee shops and eCommerce stores to environmental consultancies, starting a business is an exciting new beginning.
Related: Checklist for Starting a New Company in Australia.
Step-by-step: Starting a successful business
Evolving your passion into a thriving company takes more than skill and enthusiasm. This guide is designed to demystify the process of registering a company in Australia and give you the confidence to start a business.
Find your niche
Australia’s cultural landscape is diverse and dynamic. The chances are high that if you have a niche interest or skill, there’s a market for it.
The key is finding and defining your niche. Start by mapping your strengths, skills and experiences to hone your passion into a sustainable business. Identify the areas where your expertise shines and consider how to leverage those skills to create a niche for yourself.
A good exercise here is to think of yourself as a customer. What would make you purchase from a business like yours?
Develop your business idea
With your niche carved out, the next step is to shape the company.
- Decide on a business name
- Write a business plan
- Do some financial planning
- Research the competitive landscape
- Identify your target audience
- Think about marketing and sales channels
Again, flip your perspective to that of your ideal customer. Think of their pain points, needs and desires, and craft a business idea that provides valuable solutions.
Build your brand identity
Successful businesses are built on brands that are clear, appealing and scalable. Start with a name that reflects your business’ essence and allows you to grow. Then flesh out a brand identity (logos, colours, messaging, mission and vision) that resonates with your target audience.
This is commonly the point when entrepreneurs in Australia register a company. Registering a company protects your brand and right to trade under your preferred business name. Even if you’re not ready to launch just yet, it’s a good idea to research business name availability and read up on Australian company registration requirements.
Next, define your unique selling points (USPs). In particular, focus on what makes you stand out from the competition. Not just similar businesses but indirect competitors as well.
For example, jewellers aren’t just competing against other jewellers. They also need to consider alternative purchases a customer could make, like art, clothing or home décor.
Prepare for launch
Let’s check in to ensure you have everything ready for the big launch.
- Original business name
- Australian company registration
- Long-term business plan
- .au web domain
- Social media presence
- Custom email address
- Supply chain
- Physical space to operate
- Competitor analysis
- Financial capital
With all your ducks in a row, you can start planning a life-changing launch. Develop a detailed plan that outlines goals, target audience, messaging and desired outcomes. Set a timeline and allocate resources to ensure you’re prepared for bumps in the road.
Creating a buzz in the lead-up to officially launching is also a good idea. From the time you enter the Australian business space, you can start using the registered business name for social media and marketing.
Online engagement is essential for any successful business. You might also want to make a splash with a launch party, promotion or PR campaign, but that depends on the nature of your business – and the methods most likely to reach your customers.
Grow your successful business
The first 6-12 months after starting a business will fly by. No matter how well you plan or how prepared you are, there are always unexpected turns to keep you on your toes.
Regulatory requirements are one thing you can’t afford to let slide. For example, if you opted for a 12-month business name registration, set a reminder to renew your business name registration in time. Better yet, work with an ASIC Registered Agent like Registry Australia to have your essential business registration taken care of automatically.
As your business grows, don’t forget to check in occasionally. Monitor customer feedback. Measure online engagement. Scan the market to see how your direct and indirect competitors are evolving, and what you can learn.
Most importantly, celebrate milestones. Growing a successful business takes time, persistence and patience. It’s something you should be truly proud of.
Read more: 7 Questions to Ask When Starting a Business.
Registry Australia makes business registration easy
Our small business services help entrepreneurial Australians transform their passion into a successful business.
From business name registration to web hosting and discretionary trusts to .au domains, Registry is the where business starts.
