First things first – issues to consider

You've got an idea. Now you want to turn it into a money-making enterprise.

What you need to find out

• Is your idea viable?
• How do you get your business off to a good start?
• What skills are needed to make your business a success?
• What costs are involved in getting started?
• How do you market your services and manage your money once your business is up and running?

Before you start

1. Focus on a specific product or service. As a general rule, specialising in a type of product or service will improve your chances of success.
2. Decide if your business will be home-based, a shopfront, an online operation, or a franchise.
3. Know your competition and understand your limitations.

Making your business work

Before you start your business, it's important to assess the feasibility of your idea.
The Creative Business Toolbox provides you with the information and resources you need to set up your business. You'll find out how to:

• identify an opportunity for your idea and then develop it
• plan your business
• protect your idea
• market your idea
• raise capital to fund your idea
• and much more.

Take the next step

There are a number of resources that help you take the next step. Consider the following.

• Work through the 7 Steps to Business Success, a checklist helping you assess the viability of your business before you start.
• Get feedback on your business readiness with the Business Readiness Diagnostic.
• Contact the Department of State Development and Innovation's Business Resource Centre, an information service designed to assist you assess the viability of your business idea and help you plan for future success. Phone 1300 363 711.