Starting or growing a business

Before you apply for permits or registrations for your business, spend some time getting prepared.

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. This includes:

• proposed location
• hours of operation
• number of staff
• parking for staff and customers
• proposed building works 

Learn more on Business Victoria's website about:

• developing or refining a business plan
• starting a business

Do background research

Learn about the range of initiatives and external resources to help businesses. For example, Australian Taxation Office business guidance, liquor licencing, obtaining your property title.

Complete our Biz Wiz questionnaire  

After you have done some research, get in touch with Biz Wiz.

Biz Wiz questionnaire

Advice from Biz Wiz

After completing the questionnaire, Biz Wiz will contact you within 7 business days and help you to understand what regulatory permits you might need and how to process your application.

Examples of regulatory permits and registrations

• Planning permits are required to make sure your business is operating in the correct zone, if you are changing the type of business in a certain location, for any signage and external alterations, parking requirements and liquor licenses.
• Building permits are required for any internal or external building works to your business, if you are changing the type of business in a certain location, for disability access, and for fire and safety requirements. Council does not issue building permits. You will need to obtain a building permit from a private building surveyor. Please note a building permit is often required if a planning permit is required.
• Environmental Health registrations are required for
  • all food businesses (including home-based businesses) that prepare, handle and /or store food for sale.
  • all health businesses that undertake services such as hairdressing, beauty treatments, tattooing, colonic irrigation, dry needling etc.
  • all accommodation businesses such as residential accommodation, rooming houses, hotels, hostels, student, holiday camps, bed and breakfast etc.
• Footpath trading permits are needed for placing any furniture or signage on the footpath.
• Local laws permits are needed for any animal related businesses. 
• Permits or licenses from external regulators may be needed, for example the Department of Transport or the Victorian Liquor Commission. Biz Wiz will offer guidance on what external regulators you may need to engage.

When you have spoken with Biz Wiz and have identified the permits and registrations you need, you can start the formal application process.

Apply for your permits

• business permits for the application forms.
• You need to submit applications for each permit that applies to your business.
• See Step 3: Assessment or the journey map(PDF, 77KB) for an indication of timelines.

Fees

The fees and charges will depend on your proposed business activities and type of business.

• Planning application fees
• Building fees
• Environmental health, footpath trading and local laws fees(PDF, 38KB)

For further information related to fees you can also contact Biz Wiz.

Council assess/s 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 request further information if required.
• To check on the status of your application, you can contact the assigned team member.

Permits and registration timelines can depend on whether Council needs to:

• request further information
• refer to internal departments
• refer to external regulators
• advertise your plans to the public
• perform an on-site inspection

Timelines

• Planning: 3 - 18 months
• Building: 2 - 3 months
• Environmental health: 1 month
• Local laws: 1 month
• Footpath trading: 2 weeks

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 be mailed to you.

Biz Wiz will provide ongoing support and can connect you with services that will help your business to grow and succeed. 

Hire staff

Our free dedicated Kingston Jobs website assists local employers and job seekers with employment opportunities, courses and links to other valuable resources.

Attend a business workshop or event

We run various workshops, events and networking opportunities throughout the year that allow you access to low-cost or free options and learn new skills that can assist in managing and growing your business. 

Mentor partners program

In conjunction with the Small Business Mentoring Service, we're offering a range of mentoring opportunities. The sessions are provided by an experienced business mentor and are available for business owners and those considering starting or growing their business in Kingston.

Meet our energy advisor

Our energy advisor can assist you with free energy assessments, energy upgrade funding and advice on government schemes, grants and rebates. 

Be sustainable

Reduce the waste you send to landfill through our ASPIRE and plastic free Kingston programs. Sustainable business practices are recognised and rewarded through Kingston’s Sustainable Business Awards.

Find out more on sustainability in business.