Practical worksheet

Start-up checklist

Work through the decisions and registrations needed before you begin trading.

Last reviewed 2 October 2026

Before you start

Mark each step done, not applicable or needing advice. Requirements differ by structure, activity and location.

A checklist reduces the chance of missing a registration, licence, cash need or customer test.

Use before launch, then revisit after your first month of trading.

Unanswered items show what must be verified before you commit money or make a promise to customers.

Each prompt explains what to enter. The example is a guide, not a target for your business.

01. Customer and offer

Who will buy, what have they paid for or requested, and what will you charge?

Three paid trial orders support the offer; interview more customers about repeat demand.

02. Structure and registrations

Record structure, ABN, business name, company or director ID if applicable, and GST decision.

Sole trader ABN applied for; check GST position with a registered tax agent.

03. Licences, premises and insurance

Check requirements for your activity and location, lease terms and risks to cover.

Confirm local council food requirements before signing the lease.

04. Money and records

Estimate setup and ongoing costs, opening cash, bank account, bookkeeping and tax record process.

Six months of rent and supplies modelled in the cash-flow forecast.

05. Launch and review

Set a first sale date, owner for each task and a date to compare actuals with the plan.

Review pricing and cash every Friday for the first eight weeks.

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This worksheet is general planning information. Ask a qualified accountant, tax agent or lawyer where your decision needs specialist advice.