Starting your own business has many rewards - you can be your own boss, achieve your own dreams and enjoy more flexibility - however operating a business brings many pressures and responsibilities. It is a good idea to gain a thorough and realistic understanding of the issues involved in managing a small business before making the decision to proceed.

Are you prepared for running a small business?

7 Steps to Business Success
Find out if you are ready to go into business. The Business Readiness Diagnostic can provide feedback on your 'business readiness'. Simply answer a few easy questions and the diagnostic will analyse your responses in order to point you in the right direction. Alternatively, you might like to use the 7 Steps to Business Success checklist to help you assess business viability.

Business Resource Centre
The Business Resource Centre can prepare a PlanSMART Kit for your business containing up to date industry and market information. Each Kit is individually prepared according to your business type and proposed location. The Business Resource Centre has also reviewed a range of Australian business books that may be useful for new and existing businesses.

Government Business Information Service (GOBiS) 
GOBiS is a single point of contact where you can find what support the State and Commonwealth Government's provide to small business. GOBiS can help you access a range of programs including business workshops and seminars, business development grants and subsidies, trade assistance, and more.

SmartLicence
SmartLicence is a free service and provides information on all the licences, permits and registrations you need to start your business in Queensland. By contacting SmartLicence or visiting SmartLicence Online and answering a few simple questions you will be provided with a FREE tailored information package. SmartLicence provides a streamlined process for business licence applications, lodgement and payment.

Business Skills
Smart Skills offers several short, free subjects to help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to plan and operate your business. Subjects include Skills you need for business and Business Planning.

Contact your local regional centre on 13 26 50 to find out about workshops and seminars to assist you with business planning. There are also free CDs available to help with applying planning processes to key business areas - Getting ready for business and Essentials for business success. CDs are available via the Business Hotline on 1300 363 711 (interstate and international callers +61 7 3001 6359) or by email.