Do I need a licence or permit to operate my business?

Most businesses need to comply with various government regulations to operate in Western Australia. For example, if your business is operated from a residential address you may need a Home Occupation Licence from your local Council.

The various licences, permits, approvals and registrations required are issued by local, state and federal government agencies, and other non-government organisations.

The question many small business starters then ask themselves is "how do I find out which licences my business needs without approaching each agency individually?"

Business Licence Finder

The Business Licence Finder is a free online tool you can use to identify which of the 6,000 listed licences your business will need.

The Business Licence Finder provides:

• a one-stop-shop for business licence information;
• a list of the licences that apply to your business;
• details of licence fees and periods of cover;
• contact details for the agency that administers each licence; and
• application forms for many licences.

Produce a licence information pack with the Business Licence Finder online tool. Alternatively call 13 12 49 or visit the Small Business Development Corporation - information centre at one40william St Perth, Western Australia.

What's next...

• business structure
• Register a business name
• Is your business idea feasible?