Turning your idea into a business is an exciting journey. Whether you're launching a home-based venture or opening a hospitality venue, the City of Stirling is here to support you every step of the way.
Your companion from idea to opening day
From business research and finding a location to securing approvals, this guide brings together the tools, information and resources you need to start your business with confidence.
Getting started checklist
The four steps involved in starting a business in the City of Stirling.
Before you dive into locations, approvals or branding, it helps to get clear on what type of business you want to run and who you want to serve. Good research at this stage saves costly mistakes later.
The City of Stirling resources
- Invest in Stirling: Your gateway to the City's economy, demographics, opportunities and strategic advantages. Access the Investment Prospectus, interactive dashboards, detailed profiles and the latest initiatives shaping business across the City
- Business and Investment Concierge service: A single point of contact providing clear, coordinated and practical support from first enquiry through to operation. Talk to us early to get pointed in the right direction.
Other useful resources
- Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC):
- Steps to starting a business: A simple, self-guided tool and resources covering business structures, ABN registration and tax obligations for businesses starting in WA
- Buying a business: Taking over an existing business? This guide covers the process, what to look for and the steps you'll need to take.
- business.gov.au – New businesses: The Australian Government's starting point for business registration, structure and compliance guidance.
Whether you’re looking for a shopfront, office, warehouse, a shared space or planning to work from home, it’s important to understand basic zoning information and what types of business activity are permitted. Every property in the City is zoned for specific land uses; make sure to check the City's property maps before committing to a site.
To find out more, visit our Find a business location page.
Depending on your business type and location, you may need planning approval, a building permit, a health approval or an operating permit – sometimes more than one and in a specific order. Our Understanding business approvals page covers each type in detail: what's required, what it involves, and how to apply. The Business Approvals Roadmap sets out the full process at a glance.
Also use the SBDC's Business Licence Finder to check whether any State or Commonwealth government licences and permits apply to your business type or activities, separate from anything the City processes.
Once your business is up and running, ongoing support can make all the difference. The City provides a range of services to help local businesses grow, connect and stay competitive, from personalised guidance and economic insights to workshops, events and grant opportunities.
- Subscribe to our e-newsletter: Stay across news, events and business opportunities
- Community Grants Program: Funding and financial support for local businesses and community groups
- Procurement and tender opportunities: Work with the City as a supplier
- Promote your business: Across the City's channels and opportunities to increase your visibility
- Data and business insights: Demographic and economic data to inform your decisions
- Business support services: Events calendar, workshops, business awards and expos
- Commercial waste services: Commercial waste and recycling solutions
- Community safety: Safety programs to help keep your business and the local area safe.
Frequently asked questions
In most cases, even for a home business, some type of approval will be required to run a business in the City. It is not unusual for a business owner to commence operating without the correct approvals in place and this can often be a costly mistake. It is critical to ensure that all approvals are in place prior to signing up to any lease or purchasing a commercial property.
Yes. SBDC's self-guided tools are free, the City offers free pre-lodgement advice once you have a specific site in mind, and the Business and Investment Concierge service can help you sense-check your plans early, before you sign a lease or spend money.
Explore our Community Grants Program , where your business may qualify for the Vibrant Communities stream or Innovative and Productive Communities stream. Use the Stirling Grants Finder to discover local, state, and federal funding opportunities tailored to your business.
