Starting, expanding or buying a business

Spend time now preparing to get your application right. Providing the right information and using the professional assistance of a quality draftsperson or planning consultant can save time on the assessment and may get the doors to your business open sooner.

What is your business idea?

Start with writing down what you know about your business proposal. You will need to be able to describe the type of business you want to set up and how it will operate in some details. 

Background research

These links below provide you with a range of advice and tools to assist your business preparation:

• Business Victoria - information on setting up a business

• VicPlan Property Zone & Overlay - create a free pdf planning property report

• Australian Taxation Office - record keeping for business

• Victorian Land Registry Services - find a copy of your title

• Liquor Licensing (VCGLR) – understand the processes for liquor licenses

• Small Business Mentoring Service  - get advice and support

What permits do I need?

 Use the Permit Checklist tool below to help you understand the types of permits you may need for your business. It takes around three minutes. At the end, you will receive a summary of the permits you will most likely need.

Click here to view form.

The Business Support Team

The Business Support Team is the first point of contact for business customers that are starting a business for the first time or those needing help to expand.

The service is designed to provide you with information up-front and to discuss the steps you need to take to open your business. The team will clarify who to speak to and the support available from Council or other organisations.

At any time, we are here to give the right information before you sign a lease or purchase a property to avoid you making costly mistakes. You can contact us on 5494 1200 or fill in your details below and we will call at a time that suits you. This is a free service.

Click here to view form.

Permit support meeting

If you need multiple permits, the Business Support Team can coordinate a meeting with you and the relevant Council departments to get advice on the information to include in your application. These meetings are free.

You are ready to apply!

Once you have your business proposal, you know what permits you need and the information to provide in an application, you are ready to apply. 

How do I apply for the permits I need?

There are application forms that will cover most of your permit or registration requirements. 

Click on link below to fill in your application.

We will start to process your application.

Receiving the application

A Council officer from each relevant department will be assigned to your application. They will confirm their contact details and the expected timelines to assess the application. You are welcome to contact them to check on the status of your application. The Business Support Team will be available as a point of contact throughout this process if necessary.

Permit payments

There are standard fees that apply to all permit types. The details of your application will determine the exact fees and charges. A Council officer from the relevant department will contact you to confirm the final fee and payment details. 

Requests for further information

You may get a request for further information during the assessment phase. Please be prompt in responding to any requests as a slow response may delay a decision on your application.

Once we have finished our assessment, we will be in touch to confirm our decision.

If your application is approved, we will then send you a copy of your permit or registration and, where appropriate, hard copies will also be mailed to you.

Congratulations! You are ready to open the doors. Thank you for choosing Loddon as a place to run your business