Business.gov.au is the federal government's free service to help Australian businesses to start, run and grow. Available over phone, email and live chat from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. They provide and extensive list of support resources.
Everyday Climate Choices provides support and advice from the ACT Government to make your business more environmentally sustainable and efficient.
The Gateway Team is the first point of contact for all enquiries relating to ACT planning matters and the development application process. The Gateway team is part of the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate.
The Leasing Team is responsible for administering the development application side of leasing in the ACT. The Leasing Team is part of the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate.
Financial stress
Small Business Debt Helpline is a dedicated small business financial counselling service. It offers free, independent and confidential support. Access support online or over the phone.
Networking, mentoring and advice
CBR Innovation Network (CBRIN) empowers Canberra’s entrepreneurs and SMEs. It runs a number of programs designed to connect leading experts and mentors with business, including Innovation Connect (ICON).
Canberra Business Chamber represents businesses in the Canberra region. They provide membership, training, networking, workplace relations and international trade advice.
Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS) provides Australian businesses with low-cost mentoring. It covers all aspects of business, including marketing, finance and planning.
Self-employment Assistance Program provides free advice to help you with your business idea or existing business. Includes free accredited small business training, business advice sessions and coaching. Financial support may be available while you start and run your business.
Enterprise Plus helps businesses start, run and grow. They offer business support, concierge, mentorship and training programs backed by government.
Canberra Women in Business is a not-for-profit. It supports women in business in the Canberra region. They provide a range of events and networking opportunities for women in Canberra.
Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre helps individuals and organisations build capabilities to meet current and future challenges. Programs, funding and events to support innovation, export, micro-credit and service design.
Canberra Indigenous Business Network provides an opportunity for Indigenous businesses operating in the Canberra region to come together and explore options for work prospects.
Digital Solutions Program is designed to help business owners feel more capable and confident across areas like websites, social and digital media and small business software. The program is delivered by Realise Business on behalf of the Australian Government.
Australian Hotels Association represents more than 5,000 members across Australia in the hotel and tourism industry.
Canberra Region Tourism Leaders Forum holds monthly forums to connect with industry, partners and associations interested in promoting and improving the value of the visitor economy to the ACT.
Fair Work Ombudsman helps Australian business owners follow the laws that make all workplaces fair and equal. They provide information on pay, leave entitlements, Awards and working conditions.
Fair Work Ombudsman's Small Business Showcase provides information to support business, no matter what stage you’re at. Online courses and resources to help you understand workplace rights and obligations.
Fair Work Commission Workplace Advice Service organises free legal help for employees and employers that qualify and meet eligibility requirements. Legal advice is for employment issues involving dismissal, general protections, bullying and sexual harassment at work.
Canberra Cyber Hub has everything you need to support a career or business in cyber security. Networking events and information to help you study, learn, grow and build a business in cyber.
Cyber Wardens offers free, self-paced, online cyber training for small business owners. Cyber Wardens is an initiative of the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia, supported by the Australian Government and an industry alliance.
The Small Business Cyber Resilience Service is funded by the Australian Government and provided by IDCARE. It's a free not-for-profit cyber security support service for businesses with 19 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
Small Business Cyber Security Guide helps small businesses protect themselves from common cyber security threats. Delivered by the Australian Signals Directorate and the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
Innovation and funding
Venture Capital is the federal government's venture capital programs which may help you secure the right investments.
Australian Investment Council helps Australian businesses with private capital investment. Memberships with networking opportunities and skills development programs.
Innovation Connect helps organisations meet the challenges of innovation, operation and growth. They specialise in technology knowledge commercialisation. They also provide interim CEO and Board positions for start-ups.
TradeStart helps small businesses reach export markets with access to Austrade’s international networks.
Office of International Engagement supports and is responsible for overseeing all international engagements for the ACT Government. This includes trade missions and trade visits to Canberra.
