The Department of Industry's Single Business Service is streamlining the way businesses access industry information, grants and services.

Single Business Service assistance is universal. Available to all Australian businesses, the service is made up of a consolidated online presence accessible anytime and anywhere, a contact centre and a face-to-face business facilitation network that links interested businesses with relevant programmes and services.

The practical support available includes information for businesses that is simple and easy to find, tailored advice for businesses when they choose to access it, direct links to services provided in the Entrepreneurs' Infrastructure Programme and connections with other Australian Government programmes or services like the R&D Tax Incentive and the Industry Skills Fund.

The Department of Industry offers information on essential business topics to help start, run and grow a business including:

- starting a business;

- registration and licences;

- business planning;

- business structures and types;

- employing people;

- selling products and services;

- taxation, finance and insurance; as well as

- available templates and downloads.

There are also many free tools and resources available through business.gov.au that can help your business start and grow. If you're looking for business grants and support, there are search tools that help you find government grants and assistance that can help you grow your business. For access to support and advice, you can also chat to experienced agents online via the website or call the contact centre directly on 13 28 46.

The Department of Industry website highlights a number of helpful tools for people looking to start a business; this includes:

- how to apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN);

- business and marketing plan templates to help guide your business;

- emergency management and business recovery templates;

- access to a suite of business planning videos about starting a business;

- expert insights and business case studies with tips and advice; and

- a checklist of steps to take in starting a business.

For portable devices, business and marketing plan templates are free to download as business apps. These applications include MyBizPlan, MarketMyBiz and MyBizShield.

For those established businesses looking to take their businesses to the next level, the website also offers tools for growing businesses. Visit www.business.gov.au for more information.