Making business easier

Starting, running and growing a business can be challenging.  Here are some tools that will help you on your journey.  

Starting your business checklist

Are you new to business? To help you get started, the Australian Government has developed a checklist covering many of the basic issues you need to consider.

The checklist contains a series of questions to guide you through the various stages of your business, including before you start, when you start, when you buy and when you run your business.

Download at business.gov.au.

Free and dedicated Business Concierge

Making Business Easier helps you cut through red tape and open your business faster

Service NSW for Business is a free service offered across a range of industries, that gives you personalised help and support when starting or expanding a small business so you can focus on your business and save time and money.

All businesses who use the portal will be supported by a dedicated personal Business Concierge through the process.

For more information please visit Service NSW for Business, call 13 77 88 or request a business concierge contact you.

Apply for outdoor dining

Maitland City Council is working with Service NSW to streamline the application process for outdoor dining. 

To apply for permission to undertake outdoor dining on a public footpath in Maitland visit the Service NSW website.

Setting up a business at home

The following are considered exempt development (not requiring development consent from Council) if they comply with the requirements of State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development) 2008 (SEPP) and Standard Instrument – Local Environmental Plan.

  • Home Occupations
  • Home Based Child Care
  • Home Business
  • Home Industry
  • Bed and Breakfast Accommodation

If you are unsure if your development is exempt, please ask. Time spent early may avoid delays later.