Free, practical tools for Australians starting a small business. No sign-up, no spam — work out your costs, name your business, build a plan, and understand your tax and registration obligations.
Startup costs by business type
Realistic, itemised cost ranges for popular small businesses in Australia — each with a full breakdown of one-off and ongoing costs, the licences you need, and money-saving tips.
Starting a business in Australia: the basics
Getting started is mostly about a handful of clear steps: decide what you're selling and to whom, choose a business structure, register an ABN (and a business name if needed), work out whether you need to register for GST, and make sure the numbers actually add up before you spend money.
These tools walk you through the financial side. Start with the startup cost calculator to size up what you need, the break-even calculator to test whether your pricing works, and the ABN/GST checker to understand your obligations.
Five steps to start a small business
- Validate the idea and the numbers — who pays, how much, and does it break even?
- Choose a structure — sole trader or company.
- Register — get an ABN (free), register a business name with ASIC, and register for GST if required.
- Set up the basics — business bank account, insurance, invoicing, and a simple website or Google Business Profile.
- Plan and launch — build a one-page plan, line up your first customers, and start.
Frequently asked questions
Are these tools really free?
Yes — every tool on BizPlan AI is completely free, with no sign-up. Nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere; the calculators run in your browser.
Do I need an ABN to start a business in Australia?
If you're carrying on a business or enterprise, you generally should get an ABN — it's free from the Australian Business Register. Use our ABN/GST checker to understand your obligations.
Is the information on this site financial or legal advice?
No. Everything here is general information and educational only. For advice specific to your situation, speak to a registered tax agent, accountant or lawyer.
How much money do I need to start a business?
It ranges from a few hundred dollars for a home-based service to well over $100,000 for a fitted-out café. Use the startup cost calculator or browse costs by business type.