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How to Start a Business in Sydney

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Sydney

Starting a business in Sydney

If you are thinking about starting a business in Sydney or would like to grow your existing business, we would love to help you.

Start Your Own Business in Sydney contains resources and the information that will help give your venture the best chance of success. It also highlights organisations who offer friendly advice and the services that you are likely to need as a new startup or local business owner.

Grants | Networking groups | Business advice | Mentoring | Co-working spaces

Starting a business in Sydney

Free Startup Guide

Start Your Own Business in 2025

Download the 2025 edition of our Free Start Your Own Business guide

An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered in an easy-to-read way with links to useful online articles and relevant contacts.

The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?

However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don't become one of them.

This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English.

There is also plenty of help available in the area and much of it is free - please do make the most of it.

Read more about what our Free guide contains and how you can download it.
More Information and instant download
More Information and instant download

Local partners

We are happy to promote anyone who is prepared to offer friendly support to local start-ups.

Our local partners have been kind enough to help us and are keen to help you too.

Free Startup Resources

Getting it right from the start can help to prevent problems later.

To help you with this we have created a vast selection of resources and they are all completely free!

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Sydney but where can it be found?

Select classification:

Business advice in a group

Advice & Support
An accountant with calculator

Accountancy
A bookkeeper at work

Bookkeeping
Coworkers desks

Co-Working
Bank of England

Funding
Photo of a piggy bank

Grants
A mentor with group

Mentoring
Networking group talking

Networking
A view of a smart office

Office Services
Online marketing graphic

Online Marketing
A web designer at desk

Web Design
A nice place to work

Workplaces

Latest articles

You don't know what you don't know!

The prospect of starting a new business can be incredibly exciting but should be approached with care. You have probably heard scary stories about how many start-ups fail in the early stages. You can make sure that you are not one of them by learning as much as possible before you launch. Over the years, we have collected lots of articles which will show you what has worked well for other start-ups and the putfalls to avoid.

See: Full List of Latest Start-Up Articles
Starting a business in Sydney

Key Contacts in Sydney

'You don't know what you don't know' is a phrase that is so applicable to starting a new business.

Sydney is a great place for start-ups but your chances of success are dramatically improved if you make the most of the support that is available locally. Click on logos to visit their websites.

Guide to starting and running a home business

Advice

Guide to starting and running a home business
Small Business Commissioner have developed an online resource to make it easier for you to start or grow a home business in NSW. It provides information on requirements, where to go for support, and a helpful guide for getting started. Home businesses are a vital part of NSWs economy, and they want to make it easier for you to thrive. The information has been developed as part of the NSW Government's Easy to do Business initiative. It will also assist you with transitioning when your business outgrows your home.
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Start or grow a business in NSW

Advice

Start or grow a business in NSW
NSW Government have created a guide to help anyone who is thinking about starting a business. "Before you start a business in NSW, it's important to take the time to understand the steps involved in opening a new business. Use this guide as a checklist of tasks you may need to complete." It covers: specific industry guides, planning a business, choosing a business structure, starting a business, developing your premises, before you start trading, selling goods, setting up workers, other things to consider
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Sanath Accounting & Taxation Services

Accountancy

Sanath Accounting & Taxation Services
Do you own a business start-up or planning for one, to operate in the Australian market? Are you searching for a service provider that would guide you professionally in matters of registration, accounting, and taxation? Consult Sanath Accounting & Taxation Services. We have the expertise and rich experience to tell a business start-up owner what to do exactly, to set up his shop, complying with all kinds of statutory requirements as per the Australian legal system.Several local clients are already relying on our services to take their new business ventures forward. We impeccably handle all aspects of legal as well as financial issues that naturally arise for a business start-up. Our services provide you focused guidance to become competent in a tough market. Sanath Accounting & Taxation Services, Unit 30 17-25 Elizabeth Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia
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Realise Business - Business Advice

Advice

Realise Business - Business Advice
Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start or grow your small business. At Realise Business, every small business across NSW can now access subsidised Business Advice with an experienced Business Advisor. Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start or grow your small business . Address: Suite 1102, 115 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000
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Business Help

Advice

Business Help
Hi, my name is Mark Bonney and I specialise in helping businesses like yours to get back on track and maximise profits. I will show you how you can maintain this momentum with ease without disrupting your important day to day activities and it takes one simple phone call to start your new journey to success. Call me now on 02 7804 1898
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Regional Development Australia - Sydney Grants

Grants

Regional Development Australia - Sydney Grants
Information, grants, services and support from across government to help your business succeed. Visit business.gov.au to discover all available grants. Use the business.gov.au Finder Tool to locate specific grants for your industry or location.
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Business Start-Up & Consultancy Sydney

Accountancy

Business Start-Up & Consultancy Sydney
If you have a good idea for a new business venture but dont have expertise in the legal or financial aspects of creating a new business, we can help you. Through our trusted business start-up & consultancy services in Sydney, we aim to provide an end-to-end and customized solution so that you can set up your business efficiently and effectively. Rely on our business start-up & consultancy services in Sydney and get effective accounting solutions to get your business up and running. Shop 4 114 Majors Bay Road Concord, NSW 2137
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Business Switch

Advice

Business Switch
Starting a business should be simple. We believe in the power of business startup to change lives and change the world. That's why we're so proud to have helped start over 500,000 Australian businesses. Small business - starting a new business should be fast, simple and transparent. We create online solutions which deliver just that! Suite 703, Level 7, The Trust Building 155 King Street, Sydney NSW 2000
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iKeep Bookkeeping

Accountancy

iKeep Bookkeeping
Market leading bookkeeping business that helps growing businesses record and analyse their financial transactions. Platinum Xero Certified Advisors.
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Startup Grind Sydney

Networking

Startup Grind Sydney
Startup Grind active in Sydney and now back t meeting up face-to-face. Startup Grind was founded in 2010 when our founder, Derek Andersen got some friends and fellow entrepreneurs together to crack the same problem they were all facing: the growing challenges of launching a company. What became clear was these obstacles were extensive and stretched far beyond their group. Their gatherings soon spurred a local startup movement that attracted founders and experts from every industry, all coming together to share their advice and inspirations for early entrepreneurs.
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Australia Government - Starting a Business

Advice

Australia Government - Starting a Business
The Government's website contains a section dedicated to starting a business. It is a very useful resource and includes information about: making key decisions, planning your business, help for your business, registering your business, preparing your finances, knowing the law, preparing for tax, setting up operations and marketing your business. A good place to start!
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NSW Small Business Grants

Grants

NSW Small Business Grants
There are several assistance programs offered by the Federal and State government to assist small business owners. These assistance programs can be available in the form of government grants, subsidies, rebates, incentives and financial aid. One of the programs that help businesses with upgrading or improving their digital infrastructure is the Digital Initiative program. This program is aimed at supporting small businesses with a digital transformation program to the value of $20,000. Successful business applicants will be paired with an expert innovator who has efficiently used technology to their advantage to accelerate growth of their business.
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BX Networking

Networking

BX Networking
Since launching our first meeting in 2016, we have xpanded to become the fastest growing Business Networking community in Australia and now New Zealand. The way we have achieved this is by making sure every single meeting we run is professional, yet fun, and it must follow our proven formula, which helps you unlock an abundance of leads fast. Find out more below, then register to to come along.
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Sydney Startups List

Marketing

Sydney Startups List
Map of the local innovation industry. Meet some of the best and newest startups based in Sydney.
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Flying Solo

Networking

Flying Solo
Advice, ideas and support from Australia's largest community for those going it solo in business. Learn a wide variety of valuable skills to take your business to the next level. Build a strong network around your business in one of Australia's largest business communities.
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Small Business Advice Central NSW

Advice

Small Business Advice Central NSW
Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start, run, adapt or grow your small businessCentral NSW Business HQ provides confidential, independent business advice and skills training for small and medium businesses across the Central West, Orana and Far West regions as part of the NSW Governments Business Connect program. Areas we service include: Cabonne, Orange, Blayney, Bathurst, Lithgow, Mudgee, Dubbo, Grenfell, Cowra, Parkes, Forbes, Coonamble, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Cobar, Nyngan, Gilgandra, Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Narromine, Condobolin, Warren and Tullamore. Offices in Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo but servicing everywhere in between.
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Action Coach Sydney

Advice

Action Coach Sydney
Starting your own business is an exciting time. Youve got a brilliant idea, great skills and heaps of passion and energy. You cant wait to turn it all into a business, stop working for someone elses benefit and start running the show yourself. Unfortunately, it is not always an easy road ahead. You can avoid all the common pitfalls. In fact, youre in the enviable position of being able to set up your business right, right from the start. Want help getting your business off to a flying start? We offer a variety of programs and workshops contact us to find out which one would be most suitable for you.
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Incubate

Advice

Incubate
Since 2012 weve backed over 125startups, across 15 classes that are nowworth over $67m. Our startups, founded by students and alumni at the University of Sydney, have launched innovative businesses across all sectors including media-tech, ag-tech, mobile, enterprise services and social businesses. Our goal is to help the next generation launch impactful, global businesses.
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New Business Assistance with NEIS

Advice

New Business Assistance with NEIS
NEIS is funded by Department of Education, Skills and Employment. This initiative helps you become self-sufficient and independent by establishing a new small business.Approved applicants will receive training in small business management, business skills and assistance to develop your business plan. A NEIS allowance and rental assistance can be provided by the Federal government to eligible applicants.What NEIS providesAustralian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) Accredited training in Certificate IV in New Small Business or Certificate III in Micro Business Operations so you can establish and run your own small businessMentor advice and support for 12 monthsIncome support for up to 39 weeks (NEIS Allowance) (if eligible)Rental assistance for a period of up to 26 weeks (if eligible)
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How To Start A Business In Australia - The 8 Steps

Advice

How To Start A Business In Australia - The 8 Steps
A great video (11 minutes) - One comment "This is easily one of the best tutorials I have seen. the information given is spot on and easy to understand. Thank you, I look forward to your new videos."
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Business Connections - Networking

Networking

Business Connections - Networking
Business networking is not just about connecting. It's about connecting with people, connecting with ideas and connecting with opportunities. Business Connections provides a unique networking formula that facilitates an in-depth connection between attendees. When you're at a Business Connections event, you don't just sit there and listen. You're right in the heart of the action - engaging, participating, learning.
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Sydney Startups

Networking

Sydney Startups
A Facebook group , funnily enough, for Sydney startups! The Sydney Startups community was created by founders for founders. You'll find experts on an array of topics such as VCs, technology architecture, accounting, legal, hiring, SEO, growth hacking and general business advice.
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Peer Consulting

Advice

Peer Consulting
Expert in business strategy and operations. Peer Business Consulting supports the set-up, growth and success of your business. Im passionate about helping entrepreneurs realise their dreams. In fact, thats the vision I had when I first started Peer Business Consulting. After 20 years in the corporate world, I wanted to help startups and small businesses bring more rigour to their business strategy and processes but still maintain the agility needed for innovation and creativity. And by doing that, I wanted to make a real and positive difference to peoples lives.If youd like to hear more from me, sign up to my email list and be the first to get my weekly articles and videos made especially for Australian startups and SMEs.
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Sydney Business

Advice

Sydney Business
Sydney Business can help you find the best path through the maze of challenges that await you when commencing your business. whether youre setting up a new business for the first time or youre preparing to launch your next new business. Sydney Business offers a range of training courses and seminars that are sure to meet your particular needs and assist you.
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Western Sydney Business Centre

Advice

Western Sydney Business Centre
Our Centre has been giving award winning business advice locally for over 32 years. In the past 12 months, our office has seen over 6,500 businesses face to face making us Western Sydneys premier business advice and training provider.To achieve business excellence and future success, businesses must constantly evolve to take advantage of new market opportunities to remain relevant and profitable. However, key decision makers can be too close to the action to fully appraise the health and prosperity of their business.We strongly believe that it is our role to find areas of our clients business that need improving. Our clients need a sounding board for strategies to exploit opportunities and confront challenges for their businesses.Our Centre constantly uses strategies that others havent thought of yet and speak of proactive ideas that havent yet been documented. Being willing to take calculated risks and think different is at the forefront of our advice. Our advisors are experienced business professionals with access to lots of resources and will facilitate a process that will help you improve your business. Po Box 4029, Penrith Westfield NSW 2750
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Sydney Startup Hub

Co-Working

Sydney Startup Hub
The Sydney Startup Hub is a globally significant innovation centre that cements the city's role as Australia's startup capital. It connects people, supports collaboration, attracts investors and ultimately strengthens the startup community essential for creating a pipeline of future job-creating businesses and sustainable, high-value jobs in New South Wales.
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South Sydney BEC

Advice

South Sydney BEC
The Business Enterprise Centre Southern Sydney (BEC) is here to guide you on your business journey. No matter where youre starting from, we help you stay on track to reach your business goals. Were passionate about assisting your business whatever your circumstances. Whether youre a business intender seeking guidance in those critical first steps, a sole operator wanting to connect with other local businesses, or a booming enterprise needing help restructuring for growth, we deliver the necessary advice to meet any challenge.
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City of Sydney Business

Advice

City of Sydney Business
Were committed to providing services and resources to help our business communities. Here youll find programs, initiatives and funding opportunities, and useful resources to help you navigate services to run your business.
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Council of The City of Sydney

Advice

Council of The City of Sydney
If you're running a business, or planning to start one, your local council may be able to give you information about accessing:business support, advice and mentoringtraining, workshops, events and webinars, networks and resources, promotional opportunities, grants, business licensing information. Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW
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Local Business Networking

Networking

Local Business Networking
Local Business Networking in Hornsby & Upper North Shore Sydney. We are Local Business Networking - a new, vibrant and refreshing business networking organisation which offers business networking opportunities with the sole aim of helping businesses grow and expand their network base - and of course, grow their sales.
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Wework - Coworking space - Sydney

Co-Working

Wework - Coworking space - Sydney
Whether you're an established enterprise or a scaling startup, find a coworking space that's right for you. Coworking spaces attract both startups and established businesses. The energy, community, and the productivity-inducing shared office space designs are just a few reasons why coworking spaces are highly sought after.
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BEC Australia

Advice

BEC Australia
BEC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation whose primary role is to support and grow the national network of Business Enterprise Centres and provide representation on behalf of its members to key stakeholders.We have a nationwide network of Business Enterprise Centres that are recognised as the first and best point of contact for small business operators seeking quality business information, advice and guidance.
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Sydney Business Valuations

Property

Sydney Business Valuations
Sydney Business Valuations is a registered business valuation company in Sydney. All of our business valuers Sydney are licensed with the CPA, CA or IPA and have a combined experience of over 150 years. We take pride in producing well written and researched business valuation reports that exceed our clients expectations. Please contact us to speak with a business valuer today.
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BEC Business Advice South & West NSW

Advice

BEC Business Advice South & West NSW
BEC Business Advice is a not-for-profit organisation that has been part of the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) network since the 1980s.Over the past 25 or so years, our sole purpose has been to deliver business advice, education, training, consultation, and assistance to business owners and their representatives across our region.The strength in what we have to offer is the ability to draw upon a network of experienced, local business people to deliver individually tailored advice to each business we work with.
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Workit Spaces

Co-Working

Workit Spaces
Our coworking spaces are conveniently located in Alexandria, Sydney. Whether you are a growing startup or a large enterprise, we offer a range of office spaces to meet your business needs. Get access to premium coworking spaces, shared office spaces, meeting rooms and event spaces.
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CONNECTWORK

Networking

CONNECTWORK
The CONNECTWORK Business Community is for small business owners and professionals to connect with others based on the North Shore and Northern Beaches of Sydney. We create the space and the opportunity to network face-to-face and online with like-minded individuals. Our purpose is to build strength in our local community by connecting local business owners and supporting local business growth.
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Regus Sydney

Co-Working

Regus Sydney
Coworking in Sydney. Work alongside like-minded professionals in our vibrant coworking spaces. Drop in and hot-desk or reserve your own space in one of our shared workspaces, across thousands of locations.
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Strik & Co - Business Advice

Accountancy

Strik & Co - Business Advice
Business advice Sydney. The team at Strik and Co have a wealth of experience with all business types, sizes and industries. We understand the ins and outs of business, from idea conception and set up to the execution, tax minmisation and planning for successful growth. Business accounting services include, but are not limited to:Cashflow BudgetsBusiness PlansBusiness Strategies and StructuresCompany SetupTaxation AdviceBusiness advice. Strik & Co, Potts Point, NSW 2011
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Ramsden Family Lawyers

Law

Ramsden Family Lawyers
Ramsden Lawyers is a law firm based in the Gold Coast and Sydney. With 5 practice groups being Business, Corporate, Litigation, Property, and Family Law.Founded in 2003, Ramsden Lawyers is recognised as being one of the most prestigious and fastest growing law firms on the Gold Coast. Our lawyers offer a wealth of experience and an integrative, progressive and successful approach to resolving client issues.Our services include: Commercial and Business Law Property and Real Estate Law Litigation and Dispute Resolution Corporate Law Family Law Intellectual Property (Patent) Law Migration and Immigration Law Wills and Estate Planning Asian Business Personal and Corporate Insolvency
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Advice

Business Enterprise Centre Southern Sydney
The Business Enterprise Centre Southern Sydney (BEC) is here to guide you on your business journey. No matter where youre starting from, we help you stay on track to achieve your business goals. Our professional and experienced Business Advisors can provide training, personal guidance, coaching, group mentoring and support tailored to your business. Whether youre a booming enterprise needing help restructuring for growth or looking to enter new export markets, a large employer, a sole operator, or a business intender seeking guidance in those critical first steps the BEC can help you.
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Property

Sydney Property Valuers Metro
Sydney Property Valuers Metro is a property valuation company servicing the Sydney metropolitan area. We offer commercial and residential property valuation for a variety of services including stamp duty, family law court, taxation, litigation, rental reviews and much more. All of our valuers have a minimum of 15 years local experience. To speak with local and experienced property valuers Sydney, call our office today.
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Property

Valuations NSW
Valuations NSW is a leading property valuers Sydney, covering Sydney and the greater metropolitan area. Our valuers are fully trained and have the local experience to provide each client with a reliable advise on their property related questions. All types of property valuations are completed and signed off by our Certified Practicing Valuer (CPV), and an Australian Property Institute (API) member. Feel free to contact us for any property valuation requirements.
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Start-up articles

100's of free startup articles

We have created a collection of 100s of startup articles to help anyone with whatever stage they are on with their business journey. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone before you and we can learn from what they got right and avoid the things that have been proved not to work so well.

You can see the full list of 'articles' at: How to start a business

FREE Start-up Pack

This FREE start-up pack contains everything that you need to get you started.

Startup Pack

Start-up Guides

Our FREE downloadable guides are packed with the information that you need to start and grow a your business.

Startup Pack