Setting up a business

Step 1.Make a business plan

You will need to be able to describe the type of business you want to set up and how it will operate in some detail. 

Step 2.Do background research

• Download some useful fact sheets to help you start your business at our Business Resources page.
• Get information on setting up a business on Business Victoria.
• Visit the Victorian Government's Planning website to get a free property planning report.
• Check your record keeping requirements at the Australian Taxation Office.
• Find a copy of your title using LANDATA (Victorian Land Registry Services).
• Understand the processes for liquor licenses at the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR)
• Get advice and support from the Small Business Mentoring Service.  

Step 3.Register for online services

Before you complete the business permit questionnaire, you will need to register for access to Council's online portal.

Please note:

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

Register for Council's online services 

Step 4.Complete our business permit questionnaire

Once you have completed the questionnaire, Council will make contact with you to discuss what types of permits you will need.

Business Permit Questionnaire

Step 1.Submit your permit applications/s 

You need to submit applications for each permit that applies to your business. 

Step 2.Council assesses your permit application/s

Once your permit application form has been submitted, we will begin assessing your application.

A team member from each relevant department will be assigned to your application, and they will contact you to:

• advise the expected timelines to assess your application
• confirm the final fees and payment details
• request further information (if required). To avoid delays in processing your application, please respond to any requests promptly.

To check on the status of your application, you can contact:

• the team member assigned to your application, or
• the Economic Development team

Step 3.Council approves or declines your permit application/s

Once we have finished our assessment, we will be in touch to confirm our decision.

If your application is approved, we will email you a copy of your permit or registration and, where appropriate, hard copies will also be mailed to you.

When you are ready to open the doors, our Economic Development team will connect you with services that will help your business to grow and succeed.

Thank you for choosing Nillumbik as a place to start or grow your business!