General business support
The City encourages economic investment, supporting local businesses and attracting workers, residents and visitors to the City.
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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. Depending on your business type and location, you may need approvals from the City before you begin.
Before you begin
Before you dive into locations, approvals, or branding, it helps to get clear on what type of business you’re planning to run.
The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) offers these simple, self‑guided tools that can help you understand your business structure, what’s required in Western Australia, and the typical obligations that come with your industry:
Business Licence Finder - explore the licences, registrations and permits that may apply to your business type and activities.
Business information and support - guidance on choosing a business structure, registering your business, and accessing support programs.
Step 1. Choose your location
Choosing the right location is a key step in setting your business up for success. The space you choose affects who you can serve, what activities you can carry out, and which approvals may apply to your business.
Before you fall in love with a property, make sure the location is suitable for the type of business you want to operate. Different areas have different land‑use rules, so it’s important your business aligns with local zoning requirements. You can use the City's property maps to confirm basic zoning information and understand what types of activity are supported in each area.
If you’re looking for a commercial or retail site, you can browse available properties through local real estate agents or online platforms such as reiwa.com.au, realestate.com.au and realcommercial.com.au. For opportunities within City‑managed properties, visit the City of Stirling’s Opportunities webpage to see current leasing and sales options.
Some locations may require approvals for planning, building or health purposes, especially if you’re changing the use of a building or fitting out a space. At this stage, you don’t need to apply for anything yet, but it’s useful to be aware that:
- Most new businesses require planning approval
- Fit‑outs or renovations may require building permits
- Certain business types (like food, beauty or childcare) require health approvals
You’ll learn more about these in the Find the Right Approvals section.
Step 2. Explore your approvals
Every business in the City of Stirling needs to meet certain requirements before opening its doors. The types of approvals you’ll need depend on your business activity, the building you choose, and whether you’re making any changes to the site.
Planning approvals, building permits, and licenses ensure businesses operate safely, legally and in accordance with relevant regulations. These approvals protect you as the business owner, public health and safety, promote fair competition among businesses, and help maintain a safe and healthy community.
You can understand the types of approvals your business may need using these tools:
- SBDC Business Licence Finder - This tool gives an overview of the licences, permits and registrations that may apply to your business type and location. It’s an easy way to understand your general obligations before moving further into the approvals process.
- City of Stirling Planning Wizard - This tool provides self‑service planning advice and helps you understand whether your business activities are likely to require development (planning) approval.
What types of approvals might apply?
Planning approval, also known as Development Approval, is generally required for most new businesses, as well as for any changes to an existing business that affect how land or buildings are used. This may include altering the type of activity carried out at a premises, modifying the layout of a building, or installing signage. Planning approval ensures that your business activities align with local zoning requirements and support safe and appropriate land use within the City.
The City of Stirling’s Planning Wizard tool can help you understand whether your business is likely to require planning approval and what steps may be involved.
Health approvals are mandatory for businesses operating in industries that impact public health, such as food service (including cafés, takeaways and food trucks), personal care services like tattooing, beauty and skincare, as well as childcare and aged care facilities.
These approvals ensure your premises, equipment and operations meet health and safety standards under relevant legislation, including requirements for food handling, hygiene, waste management and fit‑out specifications.
Businesses in the food industry must also obtain a Trade Waste Permit from the Water Corporation before discharging wastewater into the system.
Depending on your business activities, you may also need specific operating permits to legally trade within public areas or to undertake certain types of commercial activity.
These may include Footpath Trading Permits for outdoor dining or product displays, Temporary Food Stall Permits for events or markets, or other activity‑based approvals such as liquor licensing (granted by state authorities). These permits ensure that your activities are safe, accessible, and compliant with local laws governing public spaces and specialised business operations.
You may need a building permit if you are planning to construct, renovate or fit out a commercial space. This includes structural changes, internal alterations and installation of new fixtures or services. Building permits ensure any work completed at your premises meets required building standards and safety requirements, and that your fit‑out is compliant before you open for business.
The City of Stirling’s Planning Wizard tool can help you understand whether your business is likely to require a building permit, or check out the Building Advice page.
Once you understand which approvals apply to your business, you can move to Finding the Right Business Approvals for detailed guidance on how to apply.
Step 3. Access ongoing business support
Once your business is up and running, ongoing support can make all the difference. The City of Stirling 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. These resources are designed to support you at every stage of your business journey and make it easier to thrive in our community.
