You Are Here : Home / Business/ Business permits and approvals / Starting, expanding or buying a business / Step 1: Prepare

Step 1: Prepare

Before you apply for permits or registrations for your business, spend some time getting prepared. Avoid costly mistakes and undertake this step before you sign a commercial agreement.

Develop a business plan

You will need to be able to describe what products or services you intend to supply, where you will operate, how many people you plan to employ and an estimation of how many customers you will attract on a daily basis. Include a plan for your immediate requirements in addition to your future needs. This information will determine the types of permit and registration you will require.

Do your research

The Nillumbik Planning Scheme sets out the rules for development. Zones and overlays are covered by this scheme and they may restrict your business in certain areas or identify special conditions that you need to adhere to. To find out what zone or overlay applies to the address you are considering for your business, visit the Victorian Government's Planning website for a free property planning report.

Resources to help with your research

Download useful factsheets to help you start your business.
Get information on setting up a business from Business Victoria.
Find out which licences you need to start, run or grow your business at ABLIS.
Check your recordkeeping requirements at the Australian Taxation Office.
Find a copy of your title using LANDATA (Victorian Land Registry Services).
Understand the process for liquor licences from the Victorian Government liquor licensing.
Get advice and support from the Small Business Mentoring Service.

Connect with Council

Before you start applying for permits, if you're starting a business or thinking of expanding an existing one, our team is here to help guide you through each step of the process, saving you time, money and hassle.

1 - Register for online services

Create an account in our eServices platform.

Please note:

You will need to select 'applicant' as your customer type.
Most registrations are approved within one business day. Approvals only occur during business hours.
You will only need to register once. You will then have access to lodge future applications and other requests online.

2 - Complete the questionnaire

By providing us with the information about your business at the start, we can direct you to the right person in Council or where to find help. Please note, this questionnaire will time out after 20 minutes of inactivity.

Complete the questionnaire

3 - Meet with Council

Once we’ve reviewed the information, depending on the complexity of your business you may be invited to meet with Council officers in a business pre-application meeting. Members from each of the relevant regulatory areas will help you determine if the proposed address allows for the intended business use and which registrations you will need for your business. This is a good time to ask questions about the information you have gathered and which order you should lodge your applications.

Next step: Apply >

Was this page helpful? * (required)

Help us improve this site

Yes

Why did you visit the website today? * (required)

How can we improve the page? * (required)

Any information you provide will only be used for this purpose and in accordance with our privacy policy.

Provide your name and email or phone number if we need to contact you for more information

Type the characters you see in the image below * (Required)

Generate new imageRead aloud

Please enter the text in the image