One-to-one guidance from experienced business advisors to help you validate your idea, choose the right structure, and launch with confidence.
Key Benefits
- Validate your business idea before investing money
- Choose the right business structure and registrations
- Understand licences, permits and compliance
- Get practical marketing and startup advice
Contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book a Startup Consultation – $150 +GST/hr.
Helping Australian Businesses Since 2008
- 800+ businesses supported every year
- Independent business advisory organisation
- Advisors experienced across multiple industries
- Supporting startups, small business and exporters
Lighthouse began in 2008 as a joint initiative between the ACT Government and a venture capital fund to strengthen the local business ecosystem. Today we support entrepreneurs across Australia at every stage of the business journey. Read more about our story.
What We Help You With When Starting a Business
Starting a business involves many important decisions. Our advisors help you navigate them with practical, tailored advice.
Topics Covered
Choosing the Right Business Structure
Understand whether a sole trader, partnership, or company is best for your situation.
Business Compliance and Licences
Identify the registrations, permits and industry licences required for your business.
Validating Your Business Idea
Test whether your idea has real market demand before investing time and money.
Business Planning
Create a clear plan for revenue, marketing and operations.
Funding and Grants
Explore available government grants, loans and startup funding options.
Marketing Your Small Business
Learn how to attract your first customers using practical, low-cost marketing strategies.
Managing Risk
Understand insurance, intellectual property protection and legal considerations.
Running Your Business Day-to-Day
Get advice on record keeping, finances, HR obligations and workplace compliance.
Timing
Act as a sounding board as you identify if this is the right time to launch your business.
Who is this for?
This service is ideal if you are:
- Thinking about starting a business in Australia
- Turning a hobby into a business
- Launching a home-based business
- Starting a food business, food truck, restaurant or café
- Unsure whether your idea will work
- Wanting to avoid costly startup mistakes
Why Work With us?
Many startup programs focus on long courses, memberships or motivational coaching.
Our approach is different.
- Practical advice from business advisors who have lived experience of running a business in Australia.
- Our team works with hundreds of businesses every year, giving us real insight into what works.
- Tailored to your business idea.
- Every session is customised to your business, your industry and your goals.
- Flexible support.
- No long-term contracts. Book advice when you need it.
- Connected to the business and innovation ecosystem
- We can connect you with trusted accountants, lawyers, marketers and funding programs.
About Us
We began in 2008 as a public–private joint venture between the ACT Government and a small venture capital fund, created to do the heavy lifting needed to grow and diversify Canberra's business community.
Today Lighthouse is fully independent and works with businesses across Australia - from startups launching their first venture through to companies expanding into international markets.
Each year we support over 800 businesses with practical advice, mentoring and connections.
Start Your Business With Confidence
Starting a business is one of the biggest decisions you'll make.
Getting expert advice early can save you months of mistakes and thousands of dollars.
Consulting rate: $150 per hour +GST
Format: Online
Contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book your Startup Consultation.
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