Starting Out

Resources for tradie ladies going out on their own.

Thinking about starting your own trade business?

You already know your trade. Here’s what needs to happen behind the scenes.

Knowing how to do the work and knowing how to set up the business are two completely different things.

Most tradie ladies were never taught how to choose a business structure, apply for an ABN, check a name, protect themselves with the right insurance or set up the systems needed before accepting the first job.

That is where this guide comes in.

We will take you through the main decisions in the right order, explain what matters and help you avoid some of the mistakes that can become expensive later.

Want to work through the complete process?

PTL Aligned Members can access the full Tradie Business Start-up Kit, including the comprehensive checklist, decision worksheets, official regulator contacts and practical tools needed to get started.

[BECOME AN ALIGNED MEMBER]

A SupportHER resource created with The Feel Co.

Start with the foundations

It is tempting to begin with the name, logo, website or work shirts. They are the exciting parts.

Before spending money on any of them, you need to answer a few more important questions:

Am I legally allowed to quote and contract for this work?
Who or what entity will operate the business?
Which structure suits what I am trying to build?
Is the business name genuinely available?
Which registrations, licences and insurance policies apply?
How will customers be quoted, booked and charged?
How will I keep business and personal money separate?

You do not need to have every answer immediately. You do need to find the answers before the decisions begin costing you money.

The order to do it in

The exact requirements depend on your trade, state and business structure, but the main process looks like this:

Check your trade and contractor licensing requirements.
Choose your business structure.
Choose and properly clear the business name.
Register the company first if you choose a company structure.
Apply for the correct ABN.
Register the business name if required.
Check your GST and employer obligations.
Secure the domain and social media names.
Arrange the correct insurance.
Set up your banking, bookkeeping, quotes and contracts.
Test the complete process before taking the first job.

The full Aligned Member checklist breaks this into 112 individual checks, with links and space to record what you have completed.

[ACCESS THE COMPLETE START-UP CHECKLIST]

First: can you legally run the work yourself?

Being qualified to perform a trade does not always mean you are licensed to advertise it, quote for it or contract directly with a customer.Depending on your trade and location, you may need separate authority to:

carry out the physical work
supervise another worker
quote or contract directly with customers
operate through a company
complete work above a certain value
perform residential building work
issue compliance certificates

The Australian Business Licence and Information Service is a useful starting point. You should then confirm the requirements directly with the relevant state or territory regulator.

The Aligned Member Start-up Kit includes a direct regulator directory for every Australian state and territory, including separate electrical contacts where required.

Choose your business structure

Your business structure is the legal setup sitting behind the business.

It affects who owns it, how income is treated, who is responsible for debts, how licences and insurance are arranged and what happens if the business grows or something goes wrong.

Sole trader

You and the business are legally the same person.

Simple and relatively inexpensive to establish, making it a common starting point when you are working on your own.

You are personally responsible for the business’s debts, losses and legal claims.

Partnership

Two or more people operate the business together.

It can work when you are combining skills, labour or resources with someone else.

Responsibilities, money, decision-making and exit arrangements should always be agreed in writing—even when you are starting with a partner, friend or family member.

Company

The company is a separate legal entity.

It can suit a growing business, particularly if you plan to employ people or bring in other owners.

It costs more to establish and maintain, and directors have ongoing legal responsibilities. A company does not protect you from every form of personal liability.

Trust

A trustee operates the business for its beneficiaries.

A trust may suit particular family, asset-protection or tax-planning needs.

It is more complicated to establish and manage and should be set up with proper legal and accounting advice.

Many people starting on their own begin as a sole trader because it is relatively simple. That does not make it the right choice for every tradie.

The risk involved in the work, expected turnover, tools and vehicles, finance, employees, business partners and plans for growth all matter.

Do not choose a structure only because someone told you it would save tax. Speak with an accountant who understands trade businesses and ask what the structure means for your licences, contracts, insurance and personal liability too.

Choose a name with room to grow

A good trade business name should be easy to say, spell and remember.

It needs to work just as well on an invoice and work shirt as it does on a website, vehicle and phone call.

Before committing, ask:

Can someone spell it after hearing it once?
Does it give people some idea of what I do?
Will it still fit if I add services or staff?
Will a location name become restrictive later?
Does it work without spaces as a domain and social handle?
Could it be confused with another business?
Do I want being female-owned to be visible in the name?
Will the name still suit the business I want in five years?

Being a female tradie can absolutely be part of your story. For some customers, it may be one of the reasons they feel comfortable getting in touch.

It does not have to become your whole brand or limit the business if you eventually build a mixed team, move into commercial work or add new services.

FAQs

Does checking my options affect my credit score?

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Ausloans checks your online application against more than 1,000 lender policies before sharing it with a lender. This helps identify suitable options and reduce unnecessary credit enquiries.

If you decide to proceed with a formal lender application, a credit check may still be required. The HiVis Finance team will explain this before moving ahead.

What can I finance?

2

Depending on your circumstances, finance may be available for a range of personal and business needs, including:

Work vehicles, utes and vans
Trailers
Tools and equipment
Plant and machinery
Business finance
Home loans
Investment property
Refinancing existing loans
Debt consolidation

If you are unsure whether something can be financed, the HiVis Finance team can talk you through the options available.

Can apprentices apply?

3

Yes. Apprentices are welcome to enquire.

Every application is assessed on its own merits, taking into account your individual circumstances, income and lending requirements. Even if you're just starting your career, it's worth having a conversation about what may be possible now or what steps could help you prepare for the future.

Can sole traders apply?

4

Absolutely.

Many tradies operate as sole traders, and HiVis Finance regularly works with self-employed business owners. Whether you've recently started your business or have been operating for many years, they'll help you explore lending options that suit your circumstances.

Can I finance a second-hand vehicle?

5

Yes. Many lenders offer finance for quality used vehicles, not just brand-new ones.

Whether you're buying privately or through a dealership, HiVis Finance can discuss the options available and guide you through the process.

Can I refinance existing loans?

6

Yes.

Refinancing may help simplify your finances, reduce repayments or better align your lending with your current goals.

If you're wondering whether refinancing could benefit you, the team can review your existing arrangements and explain the options available.

Do I need a deposit?

7

Not always.

Some finance options may require a deposit, while others may not. The amount needed, if any, depends on the type of finance you're seeking, the lender's requirements and your individual circumstances.

HiVis Finance can explain what's likely to apply to your situation before you proceed.

Is there any obligation to proceed?

9

No.

Making an enquiry doesn't mean you're committing to a loan. The first step is simply understanding your options. If finance isn't the right fit for your circumstances, you're under no obligation to proceed.

Is my information secure?

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