Business Guide

A practical guide for Businesses within the City of Whitehorse Table of Contents

About This Guide 2 Starting Your Business 5 Whitehorse City Council’s Business and Economic Development Unit 7 Small Business 7 Australian Business Number (ABN) 8 Register Your Business Name 8 Taxation 9 Goods and Services Tax (GST) 9 Permits and Licences 10 Leasing or Purchasing Commercial Property 11 Whitehorse Investment and Development Facilitation Service 12 About Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) 12 Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) 13 This Guide Growing Your Business 15 Human Resources Regulations 16 THIS GUIDE IS DESIGNED FOR BUSINESSES Marketing and Promotion 16 TO ACCESS INFORMATION REQUIRED TO START Finance 16 AND DEVELOP WITHIN THE CITY OF WHITEHORSE. Digital Presence 17 IT ALSO HIGHLIGHTS THE WIDE RANGE Business Presentation 17 OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT COUNCIL Business and Sustainability 18 OFFERS TO ASSIST ALL BUSINESSES. Business Grants 18 For further information regarding this Exporting 19 guide or available assistance contact: Business Mentoring Services 19 Training For Business 20 Business and Economic Development Unit Networking 20 Whitehorse City Council Business Disputes 21 379-397 Whitehorse Road Nunawading VIC 3131 Whitehorse - A Great Place To do Business 23 PH: 9262 6333 Wbiz Website 24 [email protected] Box Hill 25 www.wbiz.com.au Data and Statistics 26 Sponsorship of Council Business Events and Programs 26 Council Venues 27 Useful Websites 28 Usefel Contacts 30 3 st a rting yourrting b usiness

starting Your Business Starting Your Business

A business owner must be strategic The City of Whitehorse offers this Whitehorse City Council’s Small Business Victoria when choosing a location to do and so much more. Located 15 Business and Economic Small Business Victoria is a State business. The right location can be the kilometres east of ’s Development Unit Government agency that offers a range difference between success and failure; central business district, Whitehorse Whitehorse City Council supports of services to help business owners providing the necessary ‘edge’ needed is a vibrant, accessible and dynamic new business; ensuring the start, manage and grow their business. in today’s competitive environment. environment in which businesses continuation and development of have every opportunity to prosper Year-round assistance for small The location must have adequate a thriving business community. and thrive. businesses is available via a range and reliable transportation networks, Council offers businesses a range of programs and services, including infrastructure and security. It must When deciding where to locate your of services including: the Small Business Bus as well as be a place where people will go business, think Whitehorse. workshops and seminars. and a place where your products • free mentoring sessions and services are easily accessible • workshops and seminars The Victorian Government’s website to consumers. • free online local business directory www.business.vic.gov.au offers useful • local and regional economic data information to assist small business • networking events owners including: • Investment Facilitation Service • newsletter and e-bulletins. • what to do before getting started • which business structure to use Whitehorse City Council’s business • how to write a business plan website www.wbiz.com.au offers helpful • where to access advice and support. information for new businesses. Please refer to page 24 for website information. For more information visit the website or phone 13 22 15.

6 7 Australian Business Register Your Taxation Goods and Services Tax (GST) Number (ABN) Business Name It is essential businesses comply GST is a broad-based tax on most An ABN is an 11 digit number that A business name is a name or title with their tax requirements. goods, services and other items sold identifies businesses and organisations under which a person or entity or consumed in Australia. to the government and community. conducts a business. For specific assistance speak to a registered tax professional about: Once registered for GST businesses Applying for an ABN is free with For more information or to must include it in the price of products. the Australian Business Register. register a business name, visit the • managing invoices, payments, Australian Securities and Investments paperwork and cash flow For more information on taxation For more information visit Commission’s website www.asic.gov.au • managing cash flow or to register for GST, visit the www.abr.gov.au or phone 13 92 26. or phone 1300 300 630. • lodging activity statements. Australian Taxation Office’s website www.ato.gov.au or phone 13 28 66.

8 9 Permits and Licences Planning Community Laws Leasing or Purchasing Obtaining appropriate planning Facilitates matters including land use, Regulates and issues permits relating Commercial Property approvals is important. These ensure development applications, parking needs, to outdoor trading, product displays Commercial property agents aid businesses are run in a manner that is operating hours, outdoor advertising, and A-frame footpath signage. business owners to lease or purchase safe and legally compliant. external works and alterations. Also assists in regulating car parking commercial property. across the city. Business owners are encouraged to: Building Visit the websites below for information on a range of available properties. • ask Council if any permits Monitors standards with alterations, Working from home are required demolitions, new building works or Planning controls have been • www.commercialrealestate.com.au • discuss plans with Council officers extensions to ensure buildings meet fire, introduced to make operating a • www.realcommercial.com.au prior to lodging a permit application safety and structural standards. business from home easier. Contact Once potential sites have been • advise surrounding business and Council for further information. identified, contact Council’s Planning property owners of plans Environmental Health • provide Council with necessary and Building Departments for advice Controls the registration of food and For more information documents and information on how the sites may be utilised. health-related businesses to ensure on permits and licences visit supporting the application. that all health requirements and www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au accreditation standards are met. or phone 9262 6333.

10 11 Whitehorse Investment Australian Competition and Consumer Affairs • conciliate disputes between and Development Consumer Commission (ACCC) Victoria (CAV) consumers and traders, and tenants and landlords Facilitation Service An independent Commonwealth The CAV is a business unit of the • enforce and ensure compliance A ‘one stop shop’ for large-scale statutory authority whose role is to Victorian Government’s Department with consumer laws. investment projects. Individuals, enforce a range of legislation, promoting of Justice whose purpose is to create businesses or organisations wanting competition, fair trading and regulating a competitive and fair marketplace for For more information visit to invest in major projects within national infrastructure. businesses and consumers. www.consumer.vic.gov.au or Whitehorse are encouraged to phone 1300 558 181. contact Council’s Business and Visit www.accc.gov.au for Their mandate includes: information on: Economic Development Unit for • review and advise the state further information. • rights and protections as a government on consumer legislation Visit www.wbiz.com.au/investment business owner and industry codes to view a copy of Whitehorse’s investment • treating customers fairly • advise and educate consumers, prospectus; Discover the Advantage. • legal obligations when promoting tenants, businesses and landlords or advertising. on their rights, responsibilities and changes to the law • register and license businesses and occupations

12 13 GROWING your b usiness

Growing Your Business Growing Your Business

There are many facets to operating a Marketing and Promotion Digital Presence Business Presentation small business. It is important to have Marketing and promotion can assist The majority of consumers will The presentation of a ‘bricks and an understanding of: in turning potential customers into search online for business information. mortar’ business is crucial in creating a • human resources regulations actual customers. Key points for Some benefits of having an online positive impression for customers. It is • marketing, promotion, networking successful marketing and promotional presence include: important to create: • finance campaigns include: • enhanced exposure and • a welcoming shopfront • digital presence • research target market business image • a unique window display • business presentation. • identify the most appropriate • increased professionalism • effective displays throughout the store The Victorian Government’s business marketing channels • improved client service through • clean, neat and obstruction website www.business.vic.gov.au • devise a marketing plan greater flexibility free environment. and Council’s business website • collect data to analyse the • providing customers with A Visual Merchandising booklet is www.wbiz.com.au contain detailed effectiveness of each campaign. up-to-date information available from Council. It is designed information on these topics; following • global access, 24 hours a day, to assist business in improving their is a short summary on each. Finance 7 days a week. product display, shop windows, A sound understanding of business Building a digital presence does not and shop presentation by using best Human Resources finance is crucial for small business have to be expensive. Website design practice in retail design and visual Regulations owners. Key aspects to consider include: consultants are available at a relatively merchandising techniques. It is essential for small business low cost. In addition, various social • effectiveness of financial procedures owners who employ staff to have media channels are available to Download a copy from www.wbiz.com.au • pricing of products an understanding of human promote your business; most being or request a copy by contacting Council’s • Appropriate accounting software. resource regulations. free of charge. Business and Economic Development Unit on 9262 6333. Key areas to consider: • responsibilities as an employer • human resource documents e.g. position descriptions • staff management and training • salaries • recruitment process.

16 17 Business and Sustainability Business Grants Exporting Business Mentoring Services With ethical and environmental The Victorian and Federal Governments Austrade is the Australian Government’s Free and confidential business concerns increasingly influencing offer a range of grants and financial trade, investment and education mentoring sessions with highly qualified purchasing decisions, it makes sense for assistance for businesses that meet promotion agency. It assists Australian mentors from the Small Business business owners to incorporate some specific criteria. To see the range of businesses exporting to foreign markets. Mentoring Service (SBMS) are available sustainability practices. grants on offer, visit: It offers: throughout the year. • become more efficient by optimising www.business.vic.gov.au/grants • advice on doing business in Council is also supported by the resource and energy use -and-assistance international markets Victorian Government’s Small Business • align business values with those • export grants Bus. This service also offers small of customers and staff www.australia.gov.au/topics/ • assistance with market entry and business owners the opportunity to • gain or retain sales to government business-and-industry/grants-and- expansion access free business mentoring and big business financial-assistance • identification of specific international sessions from SBMS. • do the right thing by the business opportunities. environment and the community. For further information, visit For more information visit www.wbiz.com.au or contact Council’s For more information visit www.austrade.gov.au Business and Economic Development Sustainability Victoria’s website Unit on 9262 6333 to find out when www.sustainability.vic.gov.au The Victorian Government’s business the next mentoring sessions will be or phone 1300 363 744. website also contains information held in Whitehorse. concerning exporting visit Sustainability information is also www.business.vic.gov.au/export For further information on SBMS available through Whitehorse visit www.sbms.org.au City Council’s website www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ sustainability.html

18 19 Training For Business share information and be involved with Business Disputes The Commissioner’s Office provides the Whitehorse business community. practical assistance on a range of small A number of training opportunities are Business disputes can be expensive; business issues and promotes informed available throughout the calendar year. diverting valuable resources away The WBG also runs the annual decision-making by small business to Whitehorse Excellence in Business from business operations. They • Boost Your Business program assist in minimising disputes with other Awards. To get involved, visit can also be very stressful for the • Whitehorse Business Week businesses and government agencies. www.whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au individuals involved. • Free business mentoring sessions or phone 9275 6910. For more information, visit • Small Business Victoria’s Small The Office of the Victorian Small www.vsbc.vic.gov.au or phone 13 87 22. Business Bus. Business Commissioner assists in the resolution of disputes between two To access an updated events calendar or more enterprises by providing an visit www.wbiz.com.au/events informal, low cost, timely and effective dispute resolution service. Networking Savvy business operators will use every opportunity to network. Whitehorse City Council hosts events throughout the year that provide numerous networking opportunities. Whitehorse Business Week (WBW) is Council’s flagship business program of events. Held each August, WBW forms part of the Victorian Government’s Small Business Festival. Getting involved with a local business group or association also offers fantastic networking opportunities. The Whitehorse Business Group (WBG) hosts monthly events, giving businesses the opportunity to meet,

20 21 A GREAT PLACE TO DO business ce a t pl a hitehorse - a gre hitehorse W To Do Business Do To Whitehorse - Discover The Advantage For Your Business

The City of Whitehorse offers investors Wbiz Website Box Hill Significant investment dollars have and prospective business owners an been injected into Box Hill; establishing Whitehorse City Council’s business Box Hill is known for its cultural attractive business environment: it as the pre-eminent growth centre website contains relevant information diversity, particularly with its for Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. for local businesses: specialisation in Asian cuisine and • pro-business Council This growth includes the housing • convenient strategic location retail. It is a popular destination in • directory showcasing market, as well as the health, • links to major arterial roads including Melbourne’s east and includes a busy Whitehorse businesses education, retail and commercial EastLink and the Eastern Freeway central business district. • business advice targeted to development sectors. • integrated transport, trams and buses both new and existing businesses Box Hill is supported by strong • highly educated workforce www.boxhill.com.au • information to assist with public and private transport networks, • affluent households. investment decisions making it highly accessible to the • business activity data of surrounding region. Contact the Business and Economic Whitehorse and Melbourne’s east Development Unit for a copy of Council’s • latest business news A bustling centre, Box Hill boasts a economic prospectus; Whitehorse: • retail information diverse business offering including retail, Discover the Advantage, or access it • business-related events, workshops, education, medical, entertainment and online at www.wbiz.com.au/investment and networking sessions within commercial offices. Whitehorse and surrounding municipalities. www.wbiz.com.au

24 25 Data and Statistics Sponsorship of Council Council Venues Whitehorse Civic Centre For comprehensive data and Business Events and Programs Council has a range of venues The Whitehorse Civic Centre contains statistics regarding the economic There are several opportunities available available for businesses to hire. several rooms that are ideal for composition of Whitehorse, visit for local businesses to sponsor Council- community meetings. The Willis Room www.economicprofile.com.au/ run events. For more information, Box Hill Town Hall and can accommodate up to 80 people in whitehorse contact Council’s Business and Economic Community Hub auditorium-style seating, while the Courtyard Room can accommodate Development Unit on 9262 6333. Box Hill Town Hall is a major local For the latest data and trends on the up to 50 people. composition of Whitehorse’s population, landmark. Rooms for hire include the Main Hall, the Lower Hall, a variety family structures and education, visit Box Hill Community Arts Centre www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/about- of heritage rooms and community This award-winning building is an ideal whitehorse meeting rooms in the Community Hub. Catering and conference services can venue for community meetings and be arranged on request. informal celebrations, with seven rooms available for hire. Whitehorse Centre For the addresses and contact numbers The Waratah Room, located within of these venues, visit www.whitehorse. the Whitehorse Centre can vic.gov.au/Halls-Function-Centres accommodate up to 200 people in a theatre style format or up to 180 people There are also a number of privately seated at tables. It can also be divided owned facilities in Whitehorse that are for more intimate gatherings. worth considering.

26 27 Useful Websites Austrade www.austrade.gov.au Invest Victoria www.invest.vic.gov.au Australian Bureau of Statistics www.abs.gov.au IP Australia www.ipaustralia.gov.au Australian Business Register www.abr.gov.au Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS) www.sbms.org.au Australian Competition and www.accc.gov.au Sustainability Victoria www.sustainability.vic.gov.au Consumer Commission (ACCC) Victorian Employers’ Chamber of www.vecci.org.au Australian Government Business website www.business.gov.au Commerce and Industry (VECCI) Australian Securities and Investments Commission www.asic.gov.au Victorian Workcover Authority www.workcover.vic.gov.au Australian Taxation Office www.ato.gov.au Victorian Government Business www.business.vic.gov.au Business Enterprise Centre Victoria www.becnvic.com Victorian Small Business Commissioner www.vsbc.vic.gov.au Consumer Affairs Victoria www.consumer.vic.gov.au Whitehorse Business Group www.whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au Export Assistance Services www.export.vic.gov.au Whitehorse City Council Business www.wbiz.com.au Fair Work Ombudsman www.fairwork.gov.au Whitehorse City Council www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au GrantsLink www.grantslink.gov.au Whitehorse City Council Box Hill www.boxhill.com.au

28 29 Useful Contacts AusIndustry Box Hill Business Australian Taxation Office Whitehorse Business Group Victoria State Office Enterprise Centre Collins Square Level 1, Kenneth McIntyre Room Level 5, 111 Bourke Street 456-468 Elgar Road 747 Collins St Box Hill Town Hall Melbourne VIC 3000 Box Hill VIC 3128 Docklands VIC 3008 1022 Whitehorse Road PH: 9268 7555 www.boxhillbec.edu.au www.ato.gov.au Box Hill VIC 3128 [email protected] PH: 8892 2002 PH: 13 28 61 www.whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au PH: 9275 6910 Australian Chamber of Consumer Affairs Victoria Australian Competition and Commerce and Industry 113 Exhibition St Consumer Commission (ACCC) Whitehorse City Council Industry House Melbourne VIC 3000 Level 35 The Tower Business and Economic Level 3, 486 Albert Street www.consumer.vic.gov.au 360 Elizabeth Street Development Unit East Melboure VIC 3002 PH: 1300 558 181 Melbourne Central 379-397 Whitehorse Road www.acci.asn.au [email protected] Melbourne VIC 3001 Nunawading VIC 3131 PH: 9668 9950 PH: 1300 302 502 www.wbiz.com.au [email protected] Department of Economic www.accc.gov.au PH: 9262 6333 Development, Jobs, Transport [email protected] Australian Industry Group and Resources Small Business Victoria Level 2, 441 St Kilda Road Eastern Metropolitan Region Victorian Consumer and Business Centre Whitehorse City Council Melbourne VIC 3004 Suite 11, Level 1 121 Exhibition St Business compliance and general www.aigroup.com.au 12 Maroondah Hwy Melbourne VIC 3000 matters relating to disability PH: 9867 0111 Ringwood VIC 3134 www.business.vic.gov.au access and customer service. [email protected] www.economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au PH: 13 22 15 Metro Access Development Officer, PH: 9938 0150 [email protected] Community Development Department 379-397 Whitehorse Road Australian Retail Association VECCI Nunawading VIC 3131 Level 10, 136 Exhibition Street Industry House www.wbiz.com.au Melbourne VIC 3000 486 Albert Street PH: 9262 6333 www.retail.org.au East Melbourne VIC 3002 PH: 1300 368 041 www.vecci.org.au [email protected] PH: 8662 5333 [email protected]

30 Acknowledgement of Country In the spirit of reconciliation, Whitehorse City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners of the land now known as Whitehorse and pays respects to its elders past and present.

Contact Whitehorse City Council’s Business and Economic Development Unit Postal address: Whitehorse City Council Locked Bag 2, Nunawading Delivery Centre VIC 3131 Email: [email protected] PH: 9262 6333 FAX: 9262 6490 If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can call Council through the National Relay Service: Select an option below and quote 03 9262 6333 for Whitehorse City Council. TTY/ voice calls: 133 667 Speak and listen: 1300 555 727 SMS relay: 0423 677 767 Internet relay: www.relayservice.com.au

Service Centres Whitehorse Civic Centre (Main Service Centre) 379-397 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading 3131 Box Hill Service Centre Box Hill Town Hall 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill 3128 Forest Hill Service Centre Shop 275, Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre Canterbury Road, Forest Hill 3131

Publication no. 030315134 This publication is printed on 100% recycled paper. An electronic version of the Cit of Whitehorse Business Kit is available on the councils website www.wbiz.com.au 32