Starting a business

Find what you need to know to help you start your business in Queensland.

Starting or buying a business

Find out how to start or buy a business or franchise.

Business Launchpad

Use the Business Launchpad to find the licences and permits you need to start a business in Queensland.

Business finance essentials

Read about how to set up your business finances, make a profit, measure your performance and benchmark your business.

Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS)

Visit ABLIS to find out which licences, permits and registrations you need to operate a business in Queensland.

Business premises and location

Read about finding the right business location, leasing premises, buying or leasing industrial land, and protecting your business premises.

Digital business and IT

Find advice on doing business online and managing your business's online presence.

Finding and hiring staff

Find tips, templates and a step-by-step guide for a successful recruiting process that meets legal requirements.

Grants and business support services

Find grants, networks, services, events and resources to help you start, run and grow your business in Queensland.

Starting a business

Watch our video to help you turn your business start-up idea into a reality.

Learn about:

how to research, develop and test your business idea
how to assess and improve your business owner skills
legal and regulatory requirements
what you need to do ahead of opening day.

Starting a business
Starting a business is an exciting time, but it's also hard work.
Whether you're starting a new business or buying an existing business or franchise, it's important to get started the right way
Let us point you in the right direction using the Business Queensland website.
Are you ready to start a business?
Becoming a business owner requires commitment. In the early days especially, balancing your work and home life can be tough. Long hours and financial pressures can cause stress if they're not planned for and managed.
Use our business skills checklist and personal attributes assessment tool to see if you've got what it takes to start a business. And complete a personal goals assessment to check if your personal and business goals match.
Will your idea work?
Research your business idea thoroughly to see if there's demand for your product or service, who the competition is and who your target customers are. Use our free market research kit to see if your idea will work.
You'll also want to find out if your business will be financially feasible. We have lots of information to help you work out your start-up costs, forecast your cash flow, profit and loss, and raise capital.
Setting up a business
Once you've determined that starting a business is right for you and your idea is viable, you can get the ball rolling by following some practical steps.
Having a business plan is fundamental to starting and running a business. We have plenty of resources to help you create your plan.
You'll also want to make sure you meet legal and regulatory requirements, like registering a business name and ABN and applying for any licences and permits you might need.
The Business Launchpad tool can save you time and effort when setting up your business.
Launching your business
As you get ready to open for business, make sure you have everything in order. Our website has plenty of information to support you —from planning insurances, staff, and suppliers, to marketing, management and more!
Starting a business is challenging, but Business Queensland can lend a hand.
Get started and take our Business readiness health check to see if you're on the right track to starting a successful business.