Starting a business is exciting—but let’s be real—it’s also a rollercoaster of decisions, doubts, and Google searches at 2AM.

Whether you’re a lash tech, coach, tradie, or creative, the moment you decide to turn your skills into a business, you’re met with a hundred “what now?” questions. This guide is here to make sure you launch with clarity, confidence, and a clear direction.

Step 1: Check If You’re Really Ready

This isn’t to scare you—it’s to protect your energy and your future.

• • Are you emotionally and financially ready? 
  • Do you have the time, stamina, and mindset to ride the highs and lows? 

Can you commit to learning how to run the business side of your business?

• • Is it a business or a hobby?

Reality Check: Passion isn’t enough. You need systems, structure, and strategy.

Step 2: Choose a Structure

• • Sole Trader (most common for small service-based businesses)
  • Company (gives you legal separation and scalability)
  • Partnership or Trust (if you’re going into business with others)

I recommend starting as a sole trader if you are just starting out. That is the cheapest and most headache-free option. However, there are a handful of cases when you have to start out as a company. If you are not sure what to pick, send me a message and I help you figure it out.

Get an ABN or an ACN Select your registrations

Step 3: Pick a name

Make it memorable, unique, and searchable. Then register it if it’s different from your own.

If you are in Australia, you can register at the same time with your ABN. Select your registrations

Most small businesses do not invest in trademark registration. A registered trademark gives you the exclusive rights to use your name or logo across Australia. You also get to pop that little ® next to it (yes, legally) – which instantly boosts your credibility and keeps copycats away. Trade mark | business.gov.au

Step 4. Decide on a Location

Even home-based businesses need to check zoning, insurance, and leasing options.

STEP 5: Register for Taxes 

Let’s talk taxes—because yes, you do need to deal with them (and no, you don’t have to do it alone).

Every business in Australia needs a Tax File Number (TFN) and depending on your structure, you’ll need to lodge a tax return with the ATO each year. Most businesses also need to complete Business Activity Statements (BAS)—this is where you report and pay things like:

• • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • PAYG (Pay As You Go) Withholding—for your staff’s wages
  • FBT (Fringe Benefits Tax)—if you offer perks like cars, discounts, etc.

Depending on your setup, there might be a few other reports you need to lodge too.

Pro Tip: Don’t let this stuff overwhelm you. A good bookkeeper or accountant can handle it for you, so you can stay focused on growing your business (not wrestling spreadsheets at midnight).

STEP 6: Get the Right Licences & Permits (Because “I Didn’t Know” Won’t Cut It )

Before you dive in headfirst, make sure you’ve got the right licences, permits, or approvals in place—yes, even if you’re a small business working from home.

Whether you’re opening a salon, running an online store, or offering consulting services, there might be specific requirements based on:

• • Your industry
  • Your location (state, council area, or local government)
  • The services or products you offer

Skipping this step can land you in hot water (think fines, shutdowns, or insurance issues). No thanks!

Not sure what you need? Use the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) tool or ask your industry association—or just reach out to me and I’ll help you navigate it.

Let’s keep it legal, smart, and stress-free from day one. 

STEP 7: Grab That Domain Name Before Someone Else Does 

Think of your domain name like your digital street address—it’s where people find you online and how they remember you.

Even if you’re not launching your website just yet, secure your domain now.
Why? Because when you’re ready, the name you actually want will be there waiting for you—not taken by someone else (or worse, resold for $$$).

• • Make it short, clear, and aligned with your brand
  • Use it for your website and your business email (hello@yourbiz.com = legit vibes)

Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for checking this off early.

I swear by Domain Names, Websites, Hosting & Online Marketing Tools – GoDaddy, but you can find a lot of different domain providers on the internet.

STEP 8: Set Up Your Finances Like a CEO, Not a Scrambling Freelancer

If you want to grow, stay sane, and avoid tax-time meltdowns—this step is non-negotiable.

Here’s what to get sorted ASAP:

• • Budget – So you actually know where your money’s going (and what’s coming in)
  • Business bank account – No more mixing it with your personal spend at Coles
  • Payment methods – Choose how clients will pay you (Stripe, Square, PayPal, EFT etc.)
  • Accounting method – Cash or accrual? Pick one and stick with it
  • Bookkeeping system – Ditch the spreadsheet chaos. Use a tool or get help setting one up.

Pro tip: Even if you’re DIY-ing for now, chat with an accountant. One convo can save you thousands and hours of stress.

Let’s make sure you’re not just making money—but actually keeping it, too.

Let’s be honest—“business plan” sounds like something out of a corporate boardroom. But the truth is, you don’t need to be a business major to build one. You just need clarity, direction, and a strategy you can actually stick to.

This isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about building a roadmap that helps you make smart decisions and grow with purpose. Your business plan is your foundation. When things get busy, confusing, or overwhelming (because they will), this is what keeps you focused.

So let’s keep it simple.

Here’s what your plan should answer:

• • What are you offering?
  • Who is it for?
  • How will you market and sell it?
  • What are your financial goals?

Break It Down Like This:

Executive Summary
This is your business in a nutshell. What you do, who you help, and where you’re heading.

Company Description
What sets your business apart. Why does it exist and why should people care?

Market Analysis
Who are your competitors? What’s happening in your industry? And most importantly—what does your ideal customer actually want?

Organization and Management
Whether it’s just you or you’ve got a team, define who’s doing what and how your business is structured.

Products or Services
Detail what you’re selling and the transformation it brings. You’re not just offering a service—you’re solving a problem.

Customer Segmentation
Get clear on your target market. Who are you really speaking to? Break them into groups so you can market smarter.

Marketing and Sales Plan
What platforms will you use? What’s your content strategy? How will you convert interest into income?

Logistics and Operations
What systems, tools, or processes do you need to keep the business running smoothly?

Financials
Set clear revenue goals, track expenses, and map out what you need to stay profitable.

Step 1: Write Your Executive Summary (Last)

This part may come first in your business plan, but you should actually write it last. Why? Because your executive summary pulls together all the key info from your plan. It’s the trailer to your movie. If someone only reads this section—say, a potential investor or partner—it needs to convince them you’re worth a closer look.

That said, if you’re not pitching for funding and this is purely for your own clarity, feel free to skip it. But I recommend giving it a go—it helps you get super clear on what your business is really about.

Keep it short—one page max. Be sharp, specific, and strategic.

Here’s what to include:

• Business Concept: What do you do? In one or two sentences, explain your business in plain English.
• Vision & Goals: What are you building? What do you want to achieve in the next 12–24 months?
• Your Offer & What Makes It Unique: What are you selling—and what makes it better or different from others in your industry?
• Target Market: Who are you here for? Be clear about who your dream clients are.
• Marketing Strategy: How will you attract and convert customers? Think channels, content, and approach.
• Current Financial Snapshot: What’s your current revenue or financial situation?
• Financial Forecast: What do you expect to earn in the near future—and how will you get there?
• Funding Needs (if relevant): Are you seeking any funding or support? Be direct with the amount and what it’s for.
• Your Team: Who’s behind the business? Share names, roles, and what makes you qualified to deliver on your promises.
  

Step 3: Perform a Market Analysis

Whether you’re running your business from your home office or managing a service-based brand with a growing team, this part matters. A lot.

Market analysis is more than a tick-the-box exercise—it helps you figure out if the people you want to serve actually want what you’re selling. If you skip this step, you risk creating offers no one is searching for, marketing to the wrong people, or pricing your services without context.

If you’re unsure where to begin or want a step-by-step breakdown, I’ve already mapped it all out for you in a detailed blog post. Head there next—it’s packed with practical tools, examples, and tips.

Don’t skip this part. Know your market so well that your ideal client feels like your offer was made just for them. Because it was.

Step 4: Outline the Management and Organisation

Now it’s time to show who’s steering the ship.

This section of your business plan tells people exactly who’s behind the business, what their roles are, and how the business is legally structured. Whether you’re a sole trader, a partnership, or a company—make it clear here.

If you have a team, even a small one, it’s worth mapping out the structure. Who’s in charge of what? Who’s responsible for marketing, operations, client work, or admin? If it’s just you for now, that’s perfectly fine—just show what hats you wear and how you plan to scale.

Think of this part as setting the foundation for leadership and growth. Even if you’re not hiring yet, having clarity on your future team structure will help you scale with intention, not chaos.

Step 5: List Your Products and Services

This is where you shine. Let’s get specific about what you actually offer.

Even though your products or services will pop up in your marketing and throughout your plan, it’s important to give them their own spotlight. This section should clearly explain:

✔ What you’re selling
✔ How it helps your customer
✔ What makes it different
✔ How it’s delivered (digital, physical, in-person)
✔ Future plans (any new services or products coming soon)

If you have a wide range of offerings, group them into categories. For example, if you’re a service-based business, you might break it into:

• Done-for-You Services
• Consulting & Coaching
• Digital Products or Templates
  

Or if you’re a product-based business:

• Product Lines (e.g., skincare, candles, accessories)
  
• Custom Orders or Seasonal Releases

Be sure to include details about your suppliers, how products are made or sourced, and anything that proves quality and uniqueness. If you own intellectual property, mention that too—whether it’s your logo, a unique process, or a branded system.

This is your moment to show how what you offer changes lives—and why people should care. Keep it simple, clear, and focused on the value you bring.

Step 6: Perform Customer Segmentation

Let’s talk about who your dream clients actually are.

Your ideal customer is the backbone of your business plan. Every product you create, every social media post you share, and every dollar you spend on ads should be aimed at them.

In this section, you’ll define your buyer persona: the specific type of person who needs what you offer and is ready to pay for it. Think about their age, location, income, values, goals, and pain points. The more you know, the easier it is to attract the right people and stop wasting time and money on those who aren’t a good fit.

You don’t need to guess. I’ve created a step-by-step blog post that walks you through this process, plus a free downloadable template you can use to define your audience and create customer personas that actually help you sell more. If you haven’t already done this, I’d highly recommend starting there.

Remember: The clearer you are about who you’re talking to, the easier it is to sell what you do. Go check out the blog and grab your free template—it’ll make a huge difference.

Step 7: Define a Marketing Plan

Your marketing plan isn’t just about where you’ll post or what kind of content you’ll create—it’s about how you’re going to get your offer in front of the right people at the right time.

And it all starts with your ideal customer.

Everything you’ve learned in your customer segmentation should guide your marketing strategy. If your dream clients are on Instagram and watch short videos, it makes sense to invest in Reels or TikTok. But if they’re scrolling Facebook or searching on Google, you’ll want to shift your energy there. It’s about meeting your audience where they already are.

Here’s what your marketing plan should touch on:

Price – What do your products or services cost, and why? Are you premium, affordable, or value-packed? Your pricing also speaks to how you position yourself in the market.

Product – What are you selling and how is it different? What transformation does it provide? This is where you highlight your offer’s real-world benefits.

Promotion – This is the big one. How will you actually get in front of your audience? Think social media, email, paid ads, influencers, PR, SEO, content marketing, and events.

Place – Where do people buy from you? Online, in-person, at markets, through a website, or via social platforms? Be clear about your sales channels and how they align with your customer’s habits.

Step 8: Logistics and Operations Plan

Your logistics and operations plan is where you map out how everything behind the scenes will run so your business can deliver what it promises. Even if you’re not applying for funding, thinking this through helps you build a smooth, stress-free setup from the start.

Here’s what you’ll want to cover:

Suppliers – Where do your products or materials come from? Whether it’s a local supplier, overseas manufacturer, or handmade in your garage, knowing your source is key.

Production – How are your products made or services delivered? Do you create it yourself, dropship, or outsource? What’s your lead time? What happens if you get a spike in orders or hit a busy season?

Facilities – Where do you work? Whether it’s your home office, a coworking space, or a retail shopfront—list it here. Planning to grow? Think about future space needs too.

Equipment & Tools – This could be anything from your laptop and phone to booking software, website platforms, or stock shelving. Basically, what do you need to function day to day?

Shipping & Fulfillment – Are you packaging orders yourself, using a local courier, or working with a fulfillment partner? What’s your process from order to delivery?

Inventory – Will you hold stock or use print-on-demand or dropshipping? How will you track stock levels and avoid over/under-ordering?

Why this matters: It shows that your business isn’t just a good idea—it’s a well-oiled machine in the making. And when you’re wearing all the hats, systems save time, money, and sanity.

Step 9: Make a Financial Plan

Whether you’re seeking funding or just want clarity for yourself, having a financial plan in place helps you make better decisions and sleep better at night. Here’s what you’ll need to cover:

1. Income Statement (Profit & Loss)

This is where you list:

• What you’re earning (revenue)

• What you’re spending (expenses)

• And whether you’re making money (profit) or not

Even if you’re just starting out, project what you expect over the next 6–12 months based on your pricing and sales goals.

2. Balance Sheet

Think of this as a snapshot of your business’s financial position. It includes:

• Assets (what your business owns)

• Liabilities (what your business owes)

• Equity (your ownership value)

This helps you track your net worth and shows whether you’re building or burning through resources.

3. Cash Flow Statement

This one’s crucial. It tracks when money is actually coming in and going out. Because let’s face it—just because a client says they’ll pay doesn’t mean your bank balance reflects it.

Use your cash flow forecast to plan:

• When you might need extra cash

• How much you can reinvest

• Whether you can hire or outsource without stress

Pro Tip: Use a simple spreadsheet or accounting software to map all this out. You don’t need to be a numbers genius—you just need visibility and a system.

You Don’t Need to Do This Alone

Running a business doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. You’re not weak for asking for help—you’re smart. You’re protecting your time, energy, and growth potential.

If you’re looking for guidance on how to: 

Launch with confidence
Price your offers for profit
Build a marketing plan that doesn’t rely on guesswork

Book a Free Discovery Call
Let’s make sure your business has the foundation to grow, scale, and succeed—without the burnout.