Starting Out
Resources for tradie ladies going out on their own.
A step-by-step guide for tradie ladies going out on their own
You already know your trade. This guide will help you sort out the business sitting behind it.
Work through the 11 steps in order. Some will take ten minutes. Others may mean speaking with an accountant, insurer or trade regulator before you move ahead.
You don’t need to know everything today. You do need to check the important things before they begin costing you money!
Step 1 of 11
Check your trade and contractor licensing requirements
Being qualified to do the work does not always mean you are allowed to advertise it, quote for it or contract directly with customers.
Depending on your trade and location, you may need separate permission to:
Perform the physical work
Supervise workers or apprentices
Advertise your services
Provide quotes
Enter contracts with customers
Complete residential or specialist work
Take on jobs over a certain value
Operate through a company
Issue compliance certificates
What to do
Start with the Australian Business Licence and Information Service.
Enter your trade, business activity and location. ABLIS will show you the licences, registrations, permits and approvals that may apply.
Then confirm the result directly with the regulator responsible for your trade in your state or territory.
Check:
Whether you need a contractor licence
Whether your existing licence covers the work you plan to offer
Whether a company needs its own licence or registered nominee
Whether job value or residential work changes the requirements
What details must appear on your quotes, invoices or advertising
PINK ADVICE: Don't rely on what another tradie has done! The requirements can change depending on your trade, state, business structure and the type or value of the job.
〰️
PINK ADVICE: Don't rely on what another tradie has done! The requirements can change depending on your trade, state, business structure and the type or value of the job. 〰️
Step 2 of 11
Choose your business structure
Your business structure is the legal setup sitting behind your business.
It affects:
Who owns the business
Who is responsible for debts or claims
How the business pays tax
Which name appears on contracts
How licences and insurance are arranged
Whether you can bring in partners or shareholders
How much administration is involved
Your main options
Sole trader
You and the business are legally the same person. It is usually the simplest structure to start with, but you are personally responsible for the business’s debts and claims.
Partnership
Two or more people operate the business together. Roles, money, responsibilities and exit arrangements should be agreed in writing.
Company
The company is a separate legal entity. It can suit a business that plans to grow, employ people or bring in other owners. It costs more to establish and directors have ongoing responsibilities.
Trust
A trustee operates the business for its beneficiaries. Trusts are more complicated and should be established with proper legal and accounting advice.
What to do
Think about:
The risk involved in your work
Your expected income
Tools, vehicles and finance
Whether anyone else will own the business
Whether you plan to employ people
What you want the business to become
Speak with an accountant who understands trade businesses before making the final decision.
PINK ADVICE: Do not choose a structure only because someone told you it would save tax. Your licences, insurance, personal responsibility and future plans matter too.
〰️
PINK ADVICE: Do not choose a structure only because someone told you it would save tax. Your licences, insurance, personal responsibility and future plans matter too. 〰️
Step 3 of 11
Choose and properly clear the business name
The name may be the exciting part, but do not start paying for logos, uniforms or vehicle graphics yet.
First, make sure the name is genuinely available.
What to check
1. Google and local directories
Search the name with your trade, suburb, region and state. Look for businesses with identical or similar names.
2. ASIC business names
Use the ASIC registers to check registered business and company names.
3. Australian trade marks
Search IP Australia for the same or similar words used for related services.
4. Domains and social media
Check whether the matching website address and social media usernames are available.
A business name can appear available through ASIC and still create problems if it is too close to an existing trade mark or established business.
Registering a business name does not give you the same protection as owning a trade mark.
“Say the name out loud. Spell it over the phone. Picture it on an invoice, work shirt and vehicle. Make sure it can grow with the business too.”
Step 4 of 11
Register the company first if you choose a company
(Skip this step if you have chosen to operate as a sole trader.)
“Use the same legal name and details everywhere. Small differences between registrations, licences, insurance and contracts can create unnecessary problems later.”
A company is a separate legal entity. It needs to exist before you apply for registrations in the company’s name.
Once registered, the company receives an Australian Company Number, known as an ACN.
Before registering
Confirm:
The company’s legal name
Who the directors will be
Who will own the shares
The registered office address
The main business address
The share structure
Who will look after the company records and annual reviews
Anyone becoming a director will also need to complete the required director identification process.
What to do
Register the company through the:
Australian Government Business Registration Service.
Once it has been created, use the company’s exact legal details when applying for:
The company’s ABN
Any business names
Bank accounts
Insurance
Trade or contractor licences
Keep the company registration confirmation and ACN somewhere secure.
Step 5 of 11
Apply for the correct ABN
“Be careful with commercial registration websites. They may charge you to complete an ABN application that is free through the official government service.”
An Australian Business Number, or ABN, identifies the person or legal entity operating the business.
The ABN does not belong to the business name.
Who should hold the ABN?
A sole trader applies in her individual name
A company applies in the company’s legal name
A partnership applies in the partnership’s name
A trust applies using the correct trust and trustee details
If you register an ABN as a sole trader and later change to a company, the company will generally need its own ABN.
What to do
Apply through the official Australian Business Register.
The application is free.
Check every name, address and entity detail before submitting it.
Once approved:
Save the confirmation
Check the public details on ABN Lookup
Make sure the legal name and business structure are correct
Keep the ABN ready for your business name, bank account, invoices and other registrations
Step 6 of 11
Register the business name if required
Your legal name and business name are not always the same.
Your legal name is the person or entity operating the business. Your business name is the name customers see.
You generally need to register a business name if you trade under anything other than:
Your own exact personal name as a sole trader
The exact registered name of your company
What to do
Register the name through the Australian Government Business Registration Service.
Make sure it is linked to the correct ABN.
Once registered:
Check the legal holder is correct
Save the registration confirmation
Record the renewal date
Set a renewal reminder
Use the correct legal name and ABN on quotes, contracts and invoices
Business names are registered for either one year or three years.
Remember that registering a business name allows you to trade under that name. It does not automatically give you trade mark protection.
Step 7 of 11
Check your GST and employer obligations
GST is based on turnover, not profit.
Turnover is the total amount of business income you receive before expenses are taken out.
You generally need to register for GST when your GST turnover reaches, or is expected to reach, $75,000.
If you register for GST, you will need to:
Allow for GST in your prices
Issue the correct tax invoices
Keep suitable records
Lodge Business Activity Statements
Set GST money aside
If you are not registered for GST, you cannot add GST to your invoices.
Check the current GST requirements
Employees and subcontractors
If you plan to employ someone or use subcontractors, check the arrangement properly before they begin.
Someone is not automatically a contractor because they have an ABN or send you an invoice.
Depending on the arrangement, you may need to organise:
PAYG withholding
Payroll
Single Touch Payroll
Superannuation
Workers compensation
Award pay and conditions
Written agreements
Worker records and inductions
If you are starting alone, you can move on for now. Come back to this step before anyone begins working for the business.
Step 8 of 11
Secure your domain and social media names
PINK TIP: You don’t need to actively use every social platform. Securing the matching username simply helps protect your business name and prevents customer confusion later.
A domain is the website address customers use to find your business online.
Once you have properly cleared the business name, secure the main online names before announcing it.
What to secure
Your preferred website domain
Any useful domain variations
Matching social media usernames
A professional email address using your domain
You do not need to build the complete website yet. Securing the domain simply stops someone else from taking it while you set everything up.
Keep control of the accounts
Register the domain and main accounts using an email address controlled by the business owner.
A designer, employee or outside provider can help manage them without owning them.
Also remember to:
Turn on two-factor authentication
Add recovery details
Store passwords securely
Record renewal dates
Keep payment details current
Check who has access
Step 9 of 11
Arrange the right insurance
Insurance needs to match the work you actually do.
Be completely clear with the insurer or broker about:
Every service you plan to offer
Where you will work
Whether you work in homes or businesses
Whether you work at heights
Whether you perform excavation or hot work
Whether you use employees or subcontractors
Where tools and materials are stored
How vehicles are used for the business
Cover you may need to consider
Public liability
Helps protect the business if your work causes injury or property damage.
Tools, stock and equipment
May cover theft, loss or damage at home, in a vehicle or on site.
Commercial vehicle
Covers a vehicle being used for business purposes.
Contract works
May cover damage to work or materials while a project is underway.
Professional indemnity
May be relevant if you provide professional advice, design or specifications.
Workers compensation
May be required if you employ people.
Personal accident or income protection
May provide support if illness or injury stops you from working.
Check that the insured name matches the person or entity entering customer contracts.
PINK ADVICE: The cheapest policy is not useful if it excludes the work you actually do. Ask important questions and get the answers in writing.
Step 10 of 11
Set up the business behind the work
PINK ADVICE: Extra work is still work. If a customer changes the job, stop and put the new scope, price and timing in writing before continuing.
Before the first customer says yes, make sure you can manage the job from enquiry through to payment.
Set up your banking
Open the correct account for your business structure.
Even if you are a sole trader, keeping business and personal money separate will make bookkeeping and tax much easier.
Consider separate accounts or money buckets for:
Everyday business expenses
GST
Tax
Wages and super, if relevant
Set up your bookkeeping
Choose a system for:
Recording income
Saving receipts
Entering purchases and expenses
Tracking materials and job costs
Checking unpaid invoices
Preparing information for tax and BAS
Keep the system simple enough that you will actually use it.
Prepare your customer paperwork
Create:
An enquiry process
A quote template
Written terms and conditions
A way for customers to accept quotes
Deposit and payment rules
A written variation process
An invoice template
Completion and handover documents
Warranty or care information where required
Every quote should clearly explain:
What work is included
What is not included
The materials or allowances included
The price and GST treatment
When payments are due
Expected timing
What the customer needs to provide
How changes will be handled
Step 11 of 11
Test everything before the first real job
Do not wait for a paying customer to discover that your quote, booking or payment process does not work.
Ask someone you trust to act as a pretend customer and run one job through the complete business.
Test the full process
1. Enquiry
Can the customer contact you and provide the information you need?
2. Job assessment
Can you work out whether the job suits your licence, location, timing and capacity?
3. Quote
Can you create and send a clear quote from the correct business?
4. Acceptance
Can the customer accept it in writing?
5. Deposit
Can the customer pay, and can you record the payment correctly?
6. Booking
Does the customer receive a clear booking confirmation?
7. Variation
Can you record a change, price it and receive written approval?
8. Completion
Can you save job notes, photographs, certificates and handover information?
9. Invoice
Can you send an invoice with the correct legal name, ABN and payment details?
10. Payment
Does the payment process work?
11. Close the job
Can you send the final documents and request a review?
Run one final check
Make sure:
Your legal name, business name and ABN are correct
Your licence details are displayed where required
Your insurance matches the contracting entity
Quote and invoice totals calculate properly
Your website form and email address work
Your payment details are correct
Job records are saved in the right place
Fix anything that does not work before opening the diary to real customers.
PINK TIP: A process is not finished because the template exists. It is finished when you have tested it and know it works.
〰️
PINK TIP: A process is not finished because the template exists. It is finished when you have tested it and know it works. 〰️
9. Know what it will cost to start
The cost of starting a trade business depends on the trade, structure and amount of equipment you already own.
Your initial costs may include:
Company, business-name and licence registrations
Accounting and legal advice
Insurance
Tools and safety equipment
Vehicle purchase, finance or setup
Uniforms and workwear
Phone and internet
Bookkeeping and job-management software
Domain names and business email
Branding, signage and vehicle graphics
Website setup
Advertising
Professional memberships
Training and compliance
Deposits for materials
Money to cover living and business costs while invoices are being paid
Separate the costs that are essential before the first job from the things that can wait.
You need to be legal, insured, organised and able to complete the work safely. You do not need to buy every piece of equipment, software or branding on day one.
The complete Aligned Member kit includes a start-up cost planner so you can work out what is essential now, what can wait and how much cash the business needs before it begins.
10. Work out what you actually need to charge
Your hourly rate is not simply the wage you would like to earn.
Your prices need to account for:
Time on the tools
Quoting and site visits
Travel
Administration
Bookkeeping
Materials and consumables
Tools and equipment
Vehicle expenses
Insurance
Licences and training
Software
Leave and sick days
Superannuation
Jobs that run over time
Unpaid invoices
Time that cannot be billed to a customer
Profit for the business
If you want to earn the equivalent of $50 an hour, charging $50 an hour will not achieve it. The business still has to cover every non-billable hour and operating cost around the work.
Know the cost of delivering the job before deciding what to charge for it.
FAQs
Where do I start?
1
Start with Step 1: check whether you are legally allowed to advertise, quote and contract for the work you want to offer.
It is much easier to build the business properly once you know exactly what your licence or registration allows you to do.
I am qualified in my trade. Do I still need a contractor licence?
2
Possibly.
A trade qualification shows that you have been trained to perform the work. A contractor licence or registration may be required before you can advertise, provide quotes, sign contracts or take responsibility for jobs yourself.
The rules depend on your trade, the type and value of the work, and the state or territory where you operate. Check through ABLIS and confirm the answer with your state or territory regulator.
Do I need everything sorted before I start?
3
You don’t need a fancy website, branded work shirts or a perfect Instagram feed before you begin.
You do need the important foundations in place before taking paid work. This includes the correct licence or registration, business structure, ABN, insurance, banking, bookkeeping and customer documents.
Should I start as a sole trader or company?
4
There is no single answer that suits every tradie lady.
A sole trader setup is generally simpler and less expensive to establish. A company is a separate legal entity, costs more to run and comes with additional responsibilities.
The right choice can depend on your level of risk, expected income, employees, business partners, finance and plans for growth. Read the business structure information on business.gov.au and speak with an accountant before deciding.
Do I need an accountant before I start?
5
You can complete many registrations yourself, but getting advice early can prevent expensive mistakes.
An accountant can help you choose a suitable business structure, understand your tax obligations, set up your bookkeeping and work out what you need to put aside from each payment.
Look for someone who understands trade businesses—not just someone who promises to save you tax.
Does registering a business name mean I own it?
6
No.
Registering a business name allows you to trade under that name. It does not give you ownership of the name or automatically protect it as a trade mark.
Before committing to a name, check the ASIC registers, search for similar businesses online and check the IP Australia Trade Mark Search.
Do I need a business name?
7
Not always.
If you are a sole trader operating under your exact personal name, you may not need to register a separate business name. If you trade under another name, you will generally need to register it.
Check your situation through the Australian Government Business Registration Service.
When do I need to register for GST?
9
Most businesses need to register once their GST turnover reaches the current registration threshold.
Turnover means the total income the business earns before expenses are deducted—not the amount you take home.
Read the current requirements on the ATO website or check with your accountant.
Is it free to get an ABN?
8
Yes. Applying for an ABN through the official Australian Business Register is free.
Be careful of third-party websites that charge a fee to submit the application for you.
What insurance does a trade business need?
10
It depends on the work you perform, where you work, whether you employ anyone and what your licence requires.
Common policies can include public liability, tools and equipment, commercial vehicle, personal accident or income protection, professional indemnity and workers compensation.
Tell the insurer exactly what work you do. Do not assume a general policy automatically covers every service you plan to offer.
You can learn more through the business.gov.au insurance guide.
Can I use my personal bank account?
11
Keeping business and personal money separate makes bookkeeping, tax time and understanding your actual profit much easier.
A company must have its own bank account. Even when you are starting as a sole trader, opening a separate account for business income and expenses is a smart move.
How do I know what to charge?
12
Your price needs to cover more than your time on the tools.
Allow for materials, travel, quoting, administration, insurance, licences, software, tools, vehicle costs, tax, super, leave and the time you cannot invoice to a customer.
Do not base your price only on what another tradie charges. Their costs, experience and business may be completely different from yours.
Can I start the business while I am still employed?
13
Possibly, but check your employment contract first.
Look for rules covering secondary employment, conflicts of interest, customer contact, confidential information, tools, vehicles and working for yourself outside your normal hours.
Never use your employer’s customer list, materials, equipment, systems or work time without clear permission.
What if I plan to use subcontractors?
14
Using a subcontractor does not automatically remove your responsibilities.
You still need to check that they have the correct licence, insurance and business registrations. You also need a written agreement explaining the work, price, payment arrangements and responsibilities.
The difference between an employee and a genuine subcontractor is not decided simply by giving someone an ABN. Check the current worker rules with the ATO.
Is this guide legal, accounting or financial advice?
16
No. This resource provides general business information to help you understand the steps involved in starting out.
Your requirements will depend on your trade, location, business structure and circumstances. Always confirm important decisions with the relevant government regulator and appropriately qualified legal, accounting, insurance or financial professionals.
What if I am not ready to take paying customers yet?
15
That is okay. Finding a gap now is far better than finding it after accepting a job.
Go back to the step that is not complete, contact the relevant regulator or adviser and sort it out before moving forward. Starting properly is more important than starting quickly.
About This Resource
This resource has been developed by The Feel Co as part of its partnership with Pink Tradie Ladie for SupportHER on Site.
It has been created to make the business side of going out on your own easier to understand, with practical steps, useful links and general information for tradie ladies starting their first business.
A Pink Tradie Ladie SupportHER on Site resource developed in partnership with The Feel Co.
Important Information and Disclaimer
This resource provides general information only. It does not provide legal, accounting, taxation, financial, insurance, licensing, employment or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice relating to your individual circumstances.
Business, licensing and registration requirements vary according to your trade, location, business structure and the work you perform. Laws, fees, thresholds, government processes and website information can also change. You are responsible for checking that the information you rely on is current, accurate and applicable to your circumstances before making a decision, entering into an agreement or starting work.
Always confirm your requirements directly with the relevant government authority, regulator or suitably qualified professional.
Links to external websites are provided for convenience only. Pink Tradie Ladie, SupportHER on Site and The Feel Co do not control, endorse or accept responsibility for the accuracy, availability or content of third-party websites.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Pink Tradie Ladie, SupportHER on Site, The Feel Co and their owners, directors, employees, contractors and contributors make no representations or warranties about the completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability of this resource and accept no liability for any loss, damage, cost or consequence arising from its use, reliance upon it or inability to access it.
You remain responsible for your business decisions, registrations, licences, insurance, contracts, tax obligations and compliance with all applicable laws.
Nothing in this disclaimer excludes, restricts or modifies any right, guarantee or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under Australian law.
Last reviewed: October 2026.