There’s no denying it – starting a new business as an international student can, in itself, be a lot of work. But worry not – starting up a business in Australia as an international student is absolutely achievable.
Before you start a company there are a series of factors you should consider:
What problem would you be solving?
While making money is the obvious benefit of business, at its core any company is essentially providing a solution to a problem. Not every ‘problem’ has to be life or death, you simply need to know that people will be willing to pay you money to make their lives better in some way. If you aren’t doing this then your business will not be successful.
Are there already other companies operating in the same area?
While there is nothing wrong with competition, particularly if you have a unique angle, you should be aware of other companies doing a similar thing. What are they doing well? What could you do better? What is their market penetration and market share like? A simple internet search is a great place to start before you invest too much time in your venture.
Do you have the time and money to get started?
The time and money required for any business are almost certainly more than you first anticipate. If you believe you have the time then the major concern is going to be financial. There are generally three main ways of financing a company – bootstrapping (doing it all yourself), money from friends and family, and seeking outside investment. It is not uncommon for businesses to utilise all three styles as they grow.
Do you have, or have access to, the skills and resources required?
You may have a great idea but do you have the skills to make it happen? The best way to test the waters of your business is to create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This MVP is the most basic version of your product or service that you can use to test on early customers and attempt to attract investment. You can use the MVP to test out your idea, see if there is a market for it and determine which areas you should focus on in future.
The Next Steps
Registering Your Business
If you want to start a business in Australia, you should look into getting an Australian Business Number (ABN). Your ABN is a ‘unique 11 digit number that identifies your business or organisation to the government and community’ (Australian Business Register).
It’s used by the Australian Business Register (ABR) to confirm your business identity (including business location, contact details, activity type, GST status, etc).
An ABN:
- legally authenticates your business identity and credibility.
When ordering and invoicing goods, partners and/or customers will want to feel reassured that they’re dealing with an authentic company. Without an ABN, your credibility might be questioned. - allows you, through the ABN online application process, to apply for key services.
These include getting an AUSkey (access to online government services), registering properly for taxes (PAYG withholding and GST), as well as applying for a national business name and/or Australian domain name to represent your new business.
Does getting an ABN cost money? Do I need one?
Applying for an ABN is totally free of charge! You can make your ABN application at any time through the ABR website.
But not everyone needs or is entitled to an ABN.
Eligibility might depend on whether you have outlined a formal business plan, if you’re already engaged in ‘start-up’ activities, your turnover (over $75,000 will require you to register for GST) and the size, scale and type of business structure you wish to set up (check entitlement information here). Consulting the ABR website (and their ABN Checker tool) might also be helpful whilst you set things up!
Employees don’t need an ABN
If you’re an employee, your employer may ask you to get an ABN. But be careful – this is called ‘sham contracting’ and it’s illegal, because if you’re operating as an employee under the direction of a boss – not as a ‘contractor’ – you’re always within your rights to receive your employee entitlements.
As an employer
Make sure to become aware of the rules. If in doubt, consult the Employee/Contractor decision tool.
TIP!: It’s important to note that an ABN does not replace a TFN (Tax File Number). See our article on TFNs.
Look for Scholarships
If you look around the internet, your local area or your Australian university, you might find a huge array of innovation, mentorship or career development opportunities out there to support you. Examples include:
Global Alumni Networking Events (Government Sponsored)
Endeavour Executive Fellowship (Government sponsored)
For more ideas and from other regions, check out our scholarship list.
Look for Mentorships, Innovation & Business Networking Programs
Has your university set up programs to promote entrepreneurship by connecting students with start-ups, businesses and communities? Initiatives like Flinder University’s New Venture Institute – which runs talks, mentoring programs (like Flinders Enterprise Consulting) networking events and innovation programs – are a brilliant forum for linking organisations, businesses and universities with staff, students and resources. If you want to participate in the entrepreneurial community, it’s best to go to the hub!
Be Inspired –
Attend events. Speaking occasions, like NVI Flinder’s ongoing lecture series Entrepreneurs in Conversation, are fantastic places to meet like-minded people and to catch inspiring, cutting-edge talks on upcoming start-ups, business thinking and big innovations.
Network –
Get to know people in your entrepreneurial community. Attend meet-and-greets, industry panels – even speed dating opportunities with business executives (with ideas, research and skills at the ‘heart’ of the date)! Not only will your confidence grow and networks expand, but you’ll be able to get in some valuable pitch practice too!
Get Hands on –
Working with your business team, get to work implementing your ideas in spaces populated by other students and start-ups in the entrepreneurial community. Spaces like the NVI’s eNVIsion Incubator Space and the Venture Dorm program make for inspiring education environments in which to work on your ideas, hands-on, whilst mixing with other students, mentors and start-up groups.
Check out their upcoming events on the main NVI page or on social media (for real-time updates – so you never miss a talk!).
Also check out your university’s Careerhubs (for example, the Flinders Careerhub) and career services (Careers and Liason Centres, etc), which assist students with finding job opportunities. Career services will not only help you look for a job in your field, but also will direct you to other relevant employer events, talks and further career-related resources.
If you do end up meeting all the necessary qualifications, participating in mentorship and innovation programs can be a brilliant way to learn from skilled mentors, expand your networks and get yourself started on your journey. That one extra application you make or networking event you attend could be what kick-starts you straight to success!
International Students Have Already Achieved Success
Wai Hong Fong is a shining example of an international student who exerted entrepreneurial influence in Australia with creative flair, founding Ozhut and Storehub as the Startupsmart Best Young Entrepreneur of 2011. Read Wai’s story here.
In Melbourne, friends Sam Ethell, Alfonso Ordonez and Gustavo Campos launched start-up Hobspot, a social media app network that – whilst initially created to connect international students at university – is now expanding out to the global market (The Financial Review).
Alright! You’ve got the facts, the expertise, and the passion to succeed… so what are you waiting for?!
