Planning
You’ll need to do a business plan, (including a marketing plan) calculate your cash flow and projected costs. Via the below links you can find useful tips and checklists, from marketing plans, financial tracking tools through to protecting your business name and idea.
Starting a business toolkit
Business Victoria
Pre-planning is the key to the success of your business and Business Victoria's toolkit and checklists provides all the steps to give your new business the best possible start.
Starting a business guide
Department of Industry, Innovation and Science
The Federal Government's starting a business guide will take you through each step of starting a business and help you understand what's ahead.
New business assistance with NEIS
New Enterprise Incentive Scheme
NEIS can give you training, business mentoring and assistance to help you start a new business.
Permits you'll need
When starting a new business or buying an existing business, you may require various permits depending on the type of business you intend to open. We recommend using our personalised permit navigator to help you find out what permits you may need.
Are you purchasing an existing food, accommodation or health business?
Existing food, health and accommodation businesses will already have registrations with Council. When purchasing a business, you can apply to transfer this registration.
Will your business serve and/or sell food and/or drink?
Depending on the type of business and the food you sell, you will need to register your food or drink business with us or other regulators — this is in accordance with the Food Act, Seafood Safety Act, Meat Industry Act and Dairy Act.
Will your business provide accommodation services?
Under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act, all accommodation premises must be registered with us. You will need to apply for registration of your accommodation business.
Will your business provide health-related services such as hairdressing, tattooing or skin piercing?
Under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act, businesses who provide health-related services such as hairdressing, tattooing or skin piercing may be required to register with Council. You may need to apply for registration of your health-related business from Council, depending on the health services provided.
Will your business sell tobacco?
While there is no permit to apply for, you will need to be familiar with the rules and regulations for selling tobacco in Victoria. . We may inspect your premises.
Will your business sell or serve liquor or provide gambling services?
Businesses selling liquor will need approval from Council and the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR). If your business premises did not previously sell or service alcohol, you will need to apply for a planning permit from Council before applying to the VCGLR.
Will any of your business activity or signage take place on the footpath?
Using the footpath for business activity (displaying your products or outdoor dining) or placing signs (A-frames) on the footpath, requires permission from Council to ensure the placement of items does not endanger the public or affect the amenity negatively.
Will you use the building for an alternative type of business to its current type of business?
If you answered yes to this question, you may need a planning permit subject to further advice from Council. It is recommended you seek final advice from Council prior to submitting a planning permit application. Contact Council’s Urban Planning department on 9524 3333 or make an appointment with or make an appointment with the Business Concierge Service.
Will you use the land differently to its current use?
If you answered yes to this question, you may need a planning permit subject to further advice from Council. It is recommended you seek final advice from Council prior to submitting a planning permit application. Contact Council’s Urban Planning department on 9524 3333 or make an appointment with or make an appointment with the Business Concierge Service.
Will you make changes to the exterior of the building, which is heritage listed and/ or increasing the floor area within the building?
If you answered yes to this question, you may need a planning permit subject to further advice from Council. It is recommended you seek final advice from Council prior to submitting a planning permit application. Contact Council’s Urban Planning department on 9524 3333 or make an appointment with or make an appointment with the Business Concierge Service.
Will you add signage outside your premises or on your building that is either larger than 8m2 or illuminated?
If you answered yes to this question, you may need a planning permit subject to further advice from Council. It is recommended you seek final advice from Council prior to submitting a planning permit application. Contact Council’s Urban Planning department on 9524 3333 or make an appointment with or make an appointment with the Business Concierge Service.
Will you change the areas in your business, inside or outside, that alcohol can be served, or increasing the serving hours?
If you answered yes to this question, you may need a planning permit subject to further advice from Council. It is recommended you seek final advice from Council prior to submitting a planning permit application. Contact Council’s Urban Planning department on 9524 3333 or make an appointment with or make an appointment with the Business Concierge Service.
Will you increase the operating hours of your business (for existing businesses only)?
Do you wish to change the requirements for the number of car parking spots available to your business’ customers?
If you answered yes to this question, you may need a planning permit subject to further advice from Council. It is recommended you seek final advice from Council prior to submitting a planning permit application. Contact Council’s Urban Planning department on 9524 3333 or make an appointment with or make an appointment with the Business Concierge Service.
Will you build a new premises, renovate the inside or outside of the building or provide disability access.
You will require a building permit, however, please note that you will need to consult a private building surveyor who will issue you a building permit and will provide this to Council. Council will be able to provide you with general advice as to whether you may or may not need a building permit and point you in the right direction to a private building surveyor. Also note that Disability Discrimination Act compliance will be required for existing buildings. Examples include installation of disability access ramps or bathrooms.
Getting assistance
I need more than one permit
We recommend you contact our Business Concierge Service on 9524 3333. They may suggest a pre-application meeting with the relevant departments to ensure you have a clear understanding of the application requirements.
Small business support
To help you connect, collaborate and grow, we run a range of programs and initiatives for local businesses.
BusEd program — connecting business with education
Are you a business looking to connect with an educator, or vice versa? Our BusEd Program brings businesses and educators together on projects in a range of areas, including website and software development, marketing, and business administration.
Women's business network
The Women's Business Network allows you to connect with like-minded women in business and employment. If you’re interested in joining a women’s peer mentoring group, call us on 9524 3333.
Mentor partners program
Our Mentor Partners Program provides support and guidance to help you develop your small business. It’s a joint initiative between the Glen Eira City Council and Kingston City Council.
Online collaboration platform
Our vision to strengthen Glen Eira’s connection economy by creating connections between business owners and professionals. To do this we have we launched our Slack workspace, it provides public channels for sharing knowledge and resources, and private channels for discussion and collaboration.
Co-working in Glen Eira
Co-working is a great way for business to collaborate and learn — and it's more popular than ever. We’re focused on understanding the benefits of co-working, and exploring how we can support this valuable and collaborative approach. If you operate a co-working space and want to speak to us, contact Council's City Economy and Place Making Team on 9524 3333.
Making your business accessible
One in five Australians experience some form of disability, equating to around 29,000 Glen Eira residents. Improving the accessibility of your business makes it available to people with disabilities, ultimately increasing your customer base.
Traders associations
Connect with the trader association in your activity centre to further assist your business promotional opportunities and business development.
Traders
Glen Eira offers a fantastic range of shopping options across key locations. We have trader contacts for Bentleigh shopping centre, Carnegie shopping centre, Elsternwick shopping centre, Glen Huntly shopping centre and Ormond shopping centre.
Australian Retailers Association
Australian Retailers Association provide advice on leasing and wage rates. They also offer opportunities to engage, learn and network with industry peers though events, workshops, courses and webinars.
Startup Victoria
Startup Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation works with entrepreneurs, industry, community and educators help grow Victorian startups. They can help you find the best resources and people for your startup.
Useful links
There are many organisations and services that provide information and support specifically for small businesses.
Associations and governing bodies
Do you need assistance with your business? You have a range of options at your disposal from industry-focused bodies.
Handling complaints
Having a clear strategy for handling complaints is vital to a successful business.
Legal information
Do you know the fair trading and privacy laws? Are you aware of your legal obligations as an employer? Get help with legal information.
Small business assistance and support
Are you looking for help or support for your small business? There are a range of programs, government initiatives and organisations that can help your business grow and thrive.
