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 who will take your details.  You will then receive a Self-Assessment Checklist via email that tells us all about your small business plans. We can then advise you on the various department (if any) that may require further information.  

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

The Shire of Esperance is committed to supporting local businesses in Esperance and encourages all existing and potential business owners and investors to contact the Shire or representative agencies for access to a wide range of resources or answers to specific queries. The Shire of Esperance has signed the Small Business Friendly Local Governments Charter.

The Small Business Friendly Local Governments initiative recognises local governments who are committed to working with and supporting local small businesses.

Starting a Small Business?

This Shire can assist anyone looking at starting a new business or investment opportunity. Ranging from ensuring the proposed activity is permitted under Local Planning Schemes through to approving premises for commercial activities. It is a great place to start your journey when looking at opening a new business in Esperance.

Would you like more information on how the Shire can help you? Do you have an idea or suggestion on how we can improve services to small businesses?  Don't hesitate to contact Shire staff via email on shire@esperance.wa.gov.au or call on 9071 0666.

Building and Planning information for the Shire can be found on this website or alternatively call to speak to a friendly staff member on 9071 0666 or call in to the Shire Administration Building.

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

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.