Where do I begin?

You’ve decided to start a business or are planning to grow or buy an existing one, but you’re unsure where to begin. We can help.

Help with permits and approvals

We can connect you to a range of free services to help you navigate the permits and approvals process.

They include:

Business permit finder

The Business Permit Finder is an easy-to-use tool. Use it in your own time to match your business activities and plans with the relevant:

  • permits
  • licenses
  • registrations.

From there, you can get in contact with our Business Concierge for further advice or start applying.

Find a permit

Business Concierge

Get tailored advice and support from our Business Concierge.

Our Business Concierge can help you:

  • navigate the permit process if you are opening, growing, or buying a business
  • find the right permits and approvals for your business
  • get information and advice across Council
  • improve the quality of information you provide with your application.

Make an enquiry

Open for Business Resources

We know permit requirements can be confusing to understand, the City of Port Phillip has been involved in a project to develop materials to help you complete permit requirements.

Six councils partnered to deliver this project: Merri-bek, Stonnington, Port Phillip, Greater Shepparton, Yarra and Hobsons Bay. It was funded through the Victorian Government’s Regulatory Reform Incentive Fund.

These resources are available at Open for business guidelines

Please contact our Business Concierge for City of Port Phillip specific advice to set up your business.

Entering into a retail lease

A retail lease is a legal document that outlines the terms under which one party (a tenant) agrees to rent property from another party (a landlord).

The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) provides detailed guidelines for tenants and landlords on retail lease agreements. Along with this helpful fact sheet.

Read more:

Stay in the loop

Business news and updates

Sign up for our business e-newsletter to receive the latest information to help your business.

Contact us

For general business enquires, please contact our Business Concierge.