Business 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.
Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program
Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program
Get your business idea or existing small business off the ground with expert training and 12 months of support and mentoring from local professionals.
Permits you may 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 or submitting a business support form which you can find on our Applications and permits page.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Will you increase the operating hours of your business (for existing businesses only)?
If you plan to increase the operating hours of your business, you may need to secure permits or approvals depending on the type of business, location, and local regulations.
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.
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 or submit a business support form on our Application and permits page. 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.
Home based business support
Council is dedicated to supporting local business in all its forms. If you run a home based business, all of our business support and resources are available to you.
Business Excellence Awards
Glen Eira Business Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements and success of local businesses and provides an opportunity for local businesses to raise their profile.
Business Mentor Program
Our Business Mentor Program, provides support and guidance to help you develop your small business.
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 in Business initiatives
Council has dedicated Women in Business events to help local female business owners and entrepreneurs connect, learn and celebrate their successes. To find out current events, check out our What’s On business events, or to find more opportunities to connect, contact the Economic Development Unit at business@gleneira.vic.gov.au.
Business e-news
Business e-news aims to keep you updated with business resources and programs, funding, grants, networking events, business mentoring and training, and other business opportunities.
Business events
Council hosts a series of business networking events and business trainings.
Sustainable businesses
Learn how your business can become more sustainable and access resources, news and programs for sustainable businesses.
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.
Coworking in Glen Eira
Coworking is a great way for businesses to collaborate and learn — and it's more popular than ever. We’re focused on understanding the benefits of coworking 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 Economic Development Team on 9524 3333.
Find a co-working space
There are several privately run co-working spaces operating in Glen Eira.
ACCESS Business Centres
Location: 242 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North and 191 Balaclava Road, Caulfield North. Phone: 03 9524 3100. Email: info@accessbusinesscentres.com.au
Next Door
Location: 126 Gardenvale Road, Gardenvale. Phone: 9596 4186. Email: nextdoor@coffeebird.com.au
The Workery
Location: Level 1, 6 Riddell Parade, Elsternwick. Phone: 0408 001 589 or 0418 143 926. Email: hello@theworkery.com.au
W.Hub
Location: Level 1, 6 Riddell Parade, Elsternwick. Phone: 0466 391 681. Email: karen@whub.co
Workplex
Location: 1044A and 1046A Dandenong Road, Carnegie. Phone: 1300 525 335. Email: contact@workplex.com.au
Libraries
What about working in libraries?
Glen Eira City Council has four major libraries – Carnegie, Caulfield, Elsternwick and Bentleigh which have a range of facilities.
Traders associations
Connect with the trader association in your activity centre to further assist your business promotional opportunities and business development.
Bentleigh Traders Association
President: Nicole watts. Address: PO Box 413 Bentleigh 3204. Phone: 9557 9822. Email: info@shopbentleigh.com
Carnegie Mainstreet Traders Association
Chair: Graeme Callen. Address: PO Box 487, Carnegie VIC 3163. Phone: 9435 1962. Email: admin@koornangroad.com.au
Elsternwick Mainstreet Committee
Chair: Matt Louden. Address: : Suite 110/283, Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick. Email: info@elsternwick.com
Glen Huntly Village Traders Association
Chair: Jinny Thoms. Phone: 0418 369 160. Email: ghvtassociation@gmail.com
Ormond Traders Association
Chair: Geoff Gartly. Phone: 9597 9039. Email: geoff@gartlyadvisory.com.au
Murrumbeena Traders Association
Chair: Ruth Hall. Email: ruth.hall@bendigoadelaide.com.au
Useful information
Independent organisations and associations
There are many organisations and services that provide information and support specifically for small businesses.
Government bodies, organisations and initiatives
There are many organisations and services that provide information and support specifically for small businesses.
Local clubs and organisations
There are many organisations and services that provide information and support specifically for small businesses.
