Starting a business
Your business could start with an idea to provide other people or businesses with products or services you are passionate about.
The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) offers step-by-step guides, checklists, tools and other resources you need to start a small business.
Once you have navigated the basics and decided to take the next step, these tips could help you to learn more about starting or buying a business in the Shire of Toodyay.
Check the land use
The Shire’s Local Planning Scheme No 4 guides the development of land within the Shire, including how land can be used for housing, business uses and other uses.
Within the Scheme, you can look at the Zoning Table to find the permitted land use for all properties in the Shire. This will help you work out the best area for your business to operate.
Check on licences and permits
Depending on what kind of business you plan to start, you may need to meet a range of Shire of Toodyay requirements. For example, you will need to apply for redevelopment approval to change the use of a building from a shop to an office, or you will need to apply for certain health permits and licences to run a food-based business.
Find out if you need development approval
Local Planning Policies – signs, trading
Public Health approvals – food, noise, effluent disposal
Liquor Licensing
Use data and statistics to learn more
The more you can learn about the Shire of Toodyay, the more you can plan for the best products, services and strategies to reach your customers. Get a snapshot of the Shire’s overall economic profile and statistical information through the economic profiling tool REMPLAN.
Take a flexible approach
When you are starting a business, conditions can change and things can take longer to set up than you might have thought. By taking a flexible approach from the beginning, you will be ready to adapt and change your approach as your business grows and your business environment changes.
Commit to learning more about being in business by reading books, blogs and articles, listening to podcasts and/or attending workshops, seminars and events.