Small Business

Do you have an idea for a small business in Esperance? The Shire Small Business Team will help you navigate the various local government approvals and processes. Depending on your business idea, approval may be required from Planning Services, Environmental Health or Building Services.

The Small Business Team can advise you on next steps. Phone the Small Business Team on 9083 1533 or visit us at the Shire Planning Services counter. We will take your details and send you a Self-Assessment Checklist designed to tell us all about your small business proposal.

See the Small Business process below (under Starting a Small Business) for an indication of timeframes and fees. 

Self-Assessment Checklist 

To help us give you accurate advice, it’s important that your Self‑Assessment Checklist is completed in full. If key details are missing or the idea is only partly developed, we can’t properly assess your proposal or tell you what approvals you’ll need. Please make sure your business concept is clearly defined and all sections of the form are completed before submitting it. This allows our team to provide the right guidance from the start.
If you can’t answer the questions on the Self-Assessment Checklist, the idea isn’t developed enough for us to assess. In that case, we recommend speaking with the Esperance Chamber of Commerce first, as they can help you refine your concept before you complete the Self‑Assessment Checklist.

Before you purchase a food van, building or sign a lease 

Starting a business in the Shire of Esperance usually requires some sort of local government approval. Even if you are running a business from home. Before you begin or make any changes to your business, it's important to check whether you need approval from the Shire. 

Below is a simple step-by-step guide to help you understand the approval process in the Shire of Esperance. 

Step 1 - Do you need planning approval? 

Most new business, including those run from home, may need planning approval before they operate. This helps us make sure your proposed business is suitable for the location, meets our planning requirements, and won't create issues for nearby properties. 

You may need planning approval if you are: 

  • Starting a new business on a property 
  • Changing the type of business already operating e.g. retail to cafe, hair salon to restaurant
  • Running a business from home, especially if it involves customers, deliveries, signage or additional noise 
  • Putting up new signage or advertising materials 
  • Making changes to the outside of a building e.g. extensions, outdoor seating, new access points or alterations
  • Changing parking, traffic flow, or access on the site 
  • Introducing a new use that isn't already approved under the zoning of the property. 

If you're unsure whether your proposal needs planning approval, complete the self-assessment checklist and our Small Business team can guide you through the requirements and supporting information you need to provide.

Once planning approval is granted, there may be certain conditions you must meet before your business can open to the public.

If you don't need planning approval, you may still require building or health approval.

Step 2 - Do you need building approval? 

Building approval is different to planning approval. Even if your proposal meets planning requirements, you may still need a building permit before construction can begin. 

You will need a building permit if your business involves: 

  • Constructing a new building or structure
  • Renovating or altering an existing building
  • Making improvements such as extensions, fit‑outs, internal changes, or structural upgrades.

When building works are complete, you must lodge a Notice of Completion with the Shire. This is a short form that confirms the work covered by your building permit is complete. It must be submitted within seven days of finishing the job (or the stage of works the permit was issued for).

Before anyone can use or move into a new building, or a building that has changed its use, you will also need an Occupancy Permit. This permit confirms that the building is safe to occupy, and it sets out the approved use and building classification under the National Construction Code.

Step 3 - Do you need health approval? 

Depending on the type of business you plan to operate, you may need approval from the Shire’s Environmental Health team. Health approval helps ensure your business is safe, hygienic, and compliant with public‑health regulations.

You will need health approval if your business involves any of the following:

  • Preparing or selling food e.g. cafés, restaurants, food vans, bakeries, takeaway outlets, market stalls, or home‑based food businesses
  • Street trading, including temporary food stalls or mobile food vendors
  • Accommodation e.g. short‑stay accommodation, holiday homes, caravan park facilities, hostels, or guest accommodation
  • Hairdressing or barber services
  • Beauty and personal services e.g. waxing, tattooing, cosmetic tattooing, body piercing, or any skin‑penetration procedure
  • Operating a public building e.g. bar, pub, club, function space, cinema, or entertainment venue
  • Installing or altering wastewater systems e.g. grease traps or septic tanks, if the property is not connected to deep sewer

All food businesses operating within the Shire of Esperance must also register their food business with the Shire before trading. Find forms, fact sheets and more info for Food Business. 

Health applications can be lodged at the same time as a building permit application, or separately if no building works are required.

Once the Business Support Team have read your self-assessment checklist, we will advise you if any health approvals are required. If you need more information about health approvals or would like help understanding which requirements apply to your business, arrange an appointment with the Shire’s Environmental Health team.

Step 4 - Occupancy Permits & Health Inspections 

Occupancy Permit 

Before a commercial space or building can be used or opened to the public, the Shire must issue an Occupancy Permit. This permit relates specifically to the building itself, not to the person or business operating inside it.

If a new tenant moves into a building and the approved use and building classification stay the same, they may not need to apply for a new Occupancy Permit.

It’s important to note that a change of use for building purposes (under the National Construction Code) is different from a planning change of use under the local planning scheme. Each is assessed under its own set of requirements.

You will need an Occupancy Permit when:

  • Moving into a newly completed commercial building 
  • Completing a commercial fitout or renovation that required a building permit 
  • Changing the use of a building e.g. warehouse to art gallery, office to restaurant, retail store to childcare centre. 

Be sure to complete the self-assessment checklist 'Building' section. We can then advise you if an occupancy permit will be required. 

Building Inspection 

After you lodge an Occupancy Permit application, the Shire’s Building Surveyor will arrange a suitable time to visit the property and carry out the final inspection required for the approval process.

Health Inspection 

If your business needed health approval, the Shire's Environmental Health team will arrange a time for a final inspection at the site of your business. This is to confirm that the business meets all required health standards before opening. On completion, you will be issued with a certificate or approval letter. 

Step 5 - External Agencies

Some businesses need approvals from State Government agencies e.g. if you plan to serve alcohol, operate gambling activities, or manage trade waste e.g. waste from a commercial kitchen (fats, oils, grease, detergents). 

To find out which additional licences or permits you may need, you can use the Business Licence Finder, which provides guidance on requirements from other agencies.

Starting your small business journey 

Below is the process of your small business with the Shire of Esperance. Take a close look at the fees and expected timeframes. Before completing the self-assessment checklist, be sure you have a clear idea of your business proposal. If you can't describe your business in a paragraph, you most likely haven't given it enough thought. We recommend you visit the Chamber of Commerce. They can help with a business plan, registering your business name and can help you along the way. 

Family Day Care

There are fantastic opportunities to start a family day care in Esperance. A family day care provides a home care space for up to seven children in a residential dwelling.

To become a family day care provider you need to register with Family Day Care WA, and get health and planning approval from the Shire.

If you live in a house, you could potentially provide family day care!

If you are interested but not sure where to start, read our information sheet, or give the Business Support Team a call on 9083 1799 or email business@esperance.wa.gov.au.

Esperance is a great place to live, work and play.

Family Day Care Information Sheet

Trader's Permits

If you're planning to sell goods or services on Shire-managed land, such as operating a food van, merchandise stall, or offering yoga in the park, or surfing lessons at Fourth you'll need to complete a Trader's Permit Application. This applies to any commercial activity in public places, including beaches, parks, and carparks, and ensures your business complies with local laws, safety standards, and community expectations. 

 

 

Signage for your Business 

Hoping to promote your business with signage at the front of your business? Local Government call this Signage in a Thoroughfare. Please read the Advertising Signage in a Thoroughfare or Public Place Policy (POL 0062) and complete the Signage in a Thoroughfare Application Form. This policy provides a regulatory framework for the design and placement of portable advertising signs within Esperance.

Complete the application, pay the annual fee (to be renewed every March) and you will receive a permit.

Compliance is essential to promote tourism, business, public events, and community services while maintaining the amenity and streetscapes of the Shire.

If you have any questions, talk to the Business Support Team on 9083 1799 or email business@esperance.wa.gov.au

Signage in a Thoroughfare Application Form 

Esperance Chamber of Commerce & Industry

The Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) is a not-for-profit organisation, working as the voice for private enterprise in Esperance.  Their Mission is to help cultivate an environment in the Esperance Region where businesses, new or existing, can thrive.

As the peak representative body of the Esperance business community, the Chamber lobbies on behalf of members to ensure that the business community in Esperance has a strong and respected voice. The Chamber works collaboratively with organisations, aiming to advance the need of the business community in Esperance.

Goldfields-Esperance Development Corporation

The aim of the Goldfields-Esperance Development Corporation (GEDC) is to make the region an even greater place to live, work and invest and the GEDC works with business, industry, the community and government to achieve this goal.

The GEDC maintains up to date Economic and Community profiles on the Shire and the Goldfields Esperance region. Advice on investment, funding opportunities and advocacy at a State Government level are some of the tasks undertaken by the local GEDC office.

Small Business Development Corporation

If you own or are looking at setting up a new business the Small Business Development Corporation has a diverse range of material that can assist you on your way. The Corporation offers free advice for small businesses, runs workshops and has a significant amount of helpful information and templates on the website.