Starting your own business
Information and resources
There is plenty of help and information out there for people starting their own business. Make sure that you get good quality information from the right places.
Here are some good websites and guides to help with starting a business.
Information about starting a business
Business.gov.au
Business.gov.au is an Australian Government website. It has useful tools to help with starting a business.
There is a guide to starting a business that takes you through everything you might need to know.
Visit the business.gov.au website.
SelfStart
SelfStart is an Australian government website. It is part of JobActive, a website that helps people to start their own businesses. There are links to useful information, websites and resources.
Visit the SelfStart website.
Everyone Can Work website
This website is for people with intellectual disability and their families and supporters.
Visit the Everyone Can work website.
Read about NDIS and microenterprises on the website.
Easy Read guides
You can find Easy Read Guides and fact sheets about starting a business.
Easy Read guides from Down Syndrome Australia
- Easy Read resources from WA Individualised Services
Examples of small businesses
See stories by people with Down syndrome who are running their own small business.
Visit the Down Syndrome Australia Business Pages.
The national microenterprise directory is where people with disability can advertise their own micro-business free of charge. Visit the National Microenterprises Directory.
People and places who can help with a business
Find advisors and programs to help you start and grow your business.
Visit the business.gov.au website to learn about getting help for your business.
NDIS and starting a business
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may be able to support you to set up and run your microenterprise.
This could include support to:
- think about your interests and skills
- explore business ideas
- learn new business skills
- set up and run your business.
Find out more about employment on the NDIS website.
Read the ‘Lets talk about work’ booklet in Easy Read.
Read about NDIS and microenterprises on the Everyone Can Work website.
Disability and discrimination
It is against the law for anyone to discriminate against you because of your disability when you are at work or doing a job.
Read an Easy Read guide about Discrimination and your rights.
Find more information and help on the Australian Human Rights Commission Website.
Other helpful information
Finding out about Tax
You can learn more about tax and tax rules.
Visit the Australian Taxation Office website
Use the Prepare for Tax Guide
Get an Australian Business Number
You can apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) for your business.
Apply for an ABN with the Australian Business Register.
Register your business
You can register your business name with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). There are other websites who say they can help you to do this. It is best to use this government website.
Register your business with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC)
Insurance
You can learn more about different types of insurance.
Read about insurances on the business.gov.au website.
Fair Trading and Australian Consumer laws
Find out about laws to make sure that trading is fair for your business and your customers.
Read more about laws and rules on the business.gov.au website.