Economic Development

Starting a business in Yass Valley offers opportunities in agriculture, tourism, retail, and professional services. Entrepreneurs benefit from a growing regional economy, supportive local networks, and proximity to Canberra and Sydney. This section provides information on key considerations when establishing a business, including planning, registration requirements, licensing, funding options, market research, and connecting with local support services to help your venture succeed.

Starting a business

A great place to begin is the Australian Government’s guide to starting a business, which provides comprehensive information on business planning, registration, taxation, legal requirements, finances, insurance, and employment obligations. It is a valuable resource for understanding the key steps involved in establishing and managing a successful business in Australia.

Guide to starting a business | business.gov.au

Registration and business name

You will need to register your business and apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and, if required, a Tax File Number (TFN) through the Australian Business Register. Registering your business ensures you can operate legally, meet taxation obligations, and access a range of government services and support programs available to Australian businesses.

Home | Australian Business Register

You may also need to apply for an Australian Company Number with ASIC. If you plan to trade under a name other than your own, you must register a business name with ASIC. You can also register as an employer with the Australian Taxation Office.

Grants, funding and support programs available

The Federal and State Governments offer a range of grants, funding opportunities, and support programs to help businesses start, grow, and succeed. When exploring funding options, it is important to review the eligibility criteria, as each program has specific requirements. In addition to financial assistance, many programs provide valuable support through training, mentoring, networking opportunities, and skills development to strengthen your business knowledge and capabilities.

Grants and programs finder | business.gov.au

Licences and permits 

Certain businesses require licences and permits before they can operate or undertake specific activities. Requirements vary depending on the state, local government area, industry, and the nature of your business operations. The licences and permits you need will depend on your business type, the activities you intend to carry out, and the location from which your business operates. It is important to identify and obtain all relevant approvals before commencing business activities.

Australian Business Licence and Information Service - ABLIS

Business support 

Australian Government - Business - Support to help your business succeed with information, grants and services.

Support for businesses in Australia | business.gov.au

Service NSW - Support to help you start or grow a business in NSW with a range of support options and information to help understand the government requirements.

mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au

Yass Valley Business Chamber - Supporting local businesses to maximise their potential by working together to create positive development and engagement. 

Yass Valley Business Chamber | Collaborate to Invigorate

Yass Valley Business Directory - Find many of the local businesses and services provided in Yass Valley 

Yass Valley Business Directory

Food businesses

Inspections 

Local government has statutory responsibilities for public health protection under the Local Government Act, Public Health Act 2010 and Food Act 2003 by regulating environmental health premises and food businesses.

For more information visit  Food Business and Inspections Yass Valley Council

The Yass Valley was settled by pastoralists in the 1820’s, following the expeditions of Hume and Hovell, which eventually led to the construction of the present day Hume Highway, connecting Sydney and Melbourne. Yass has long been a stopover for travellers and tourists and the region is renowned for producing fine wool and lamb.

Today, Yass Valley is home to much of the Canberra Wine district, with over 40 vineyards, many with cellar doors. Boasting numerous fine food producers, niche agricultural products and a variety of artisans and craftspeople, the community abounds with creative talent.  

Yass Valley enjoys one of the strongest economies in regional NSW, driven primarily by agriculture, tourism and the incomes earned by residents working in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). As a result of the availability of high paying jobs within commuting distance, Yass Valley enjoys a very low unemployment rate of 2.6 per cent, well below the average for regional NSW (5.4 per cent). 

Residents of Yass Valley are more highly educated than the average Australian and earn higher average incomes compared to both NSW and Australia. Over 50 per cent of Yass Valley workers travel to work outside the region on a daily basis with over 4,100 people commuting to jobs, predominately in the ACT. Those commuting are primarily employed in the public sector, construction industry and professional, scientific and technical services sectors. Within the local government area, the greatest number of people are employed in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector followed by accommodation and food services, then construction sectors.

As a result of the strength of the local economy, Yass Valley ranked 18^th out of over 150 Local Government Areas for the lowest levels of disadvantage and is the second highest in regional NSW. 

Yass Valley offers many business opportunities across the region for locals and newcomers to the area. The competitive advantage is location, just 45 minutes from Canberra, and a three hour drive from Sydney, the area is very well connected at the junction of five main highways, including the Hume and Federal Highways linking the region to Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

The Gross Regional Product (GDP) is $0.69 billion for Yass Valley with the major importing sector being manufacturing and the major exporting sector being agriculture, forestry and fishing. Food and wine is a growth area for the region with data from a study undertaken by Tourism Research Australia noting that 12% of people interviewed listed the Canberra Wine District, of which Yass Valley is part, as a top NSW food and wine destination.

A variety of industries have seen business success here including agriculture, food and wine, retail, hospitality, tourism and business services. Yass Valley – it’s good for business. 

Economic Development is a key priority of the Yass Valley Community Strategic Plan. Council's Economic Development Manager’s role is to promote Yass Valley as an attractive place to live, work and invest and to provide support and information to businesses and potential investors. The Economic Development Manager can provide businesses with a range of services including:

• Market analysis information.
• Information on setting up a business in Yass Valley.
• Advice on potential business locations.
• Access to grants including assistance with applying for state and federal government grants.
• Access to small business advisors and training.
• Networking and information on training and educational opportunities.

Tourism in Yass Valley plays an important role in the region’s economy and cultural identity. Located in the southern tablelands of New South Wales, the valley is known for its beautiful countryside, historic towns, vineyards, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Its convenient location near Canberra makes it a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways, while is position on two major highways makes it the perfect spot to e

One of the main attractions in Yass Valley is the town of Yass, which features heritage buildings, charming streets, and local museums that reflect the area’s rich colonial history. Visitors can explore historic sites, browse local shops, and enjoy cafés that showcase regional produce. The valley is also famous for its cool-climate wineries, where tourists can sample award-winning wines while enjoying scenic rural landscapes.

Nature lovers are drawn to the region’s parks, rivers, and walking trails. Outdoor activities such as fishing, cycling, birdwatching, and camping allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of the area. Nearby attractions, including Burrinjuck Dam, provide opportunities for boating, water sports, and picnicking.

Throughout the year, Yass Valley hosts community events, agricultural shows, markets, and festivals that celebrate local culture and traditions. These events attract visitors from across Australia and contribute to the region’s vibrant atmosphere.

Overall, tourism in Yass Valley offers a unique combination of history, nature, food, wine, and rural hospitality. Its welcoming communities and diverse attractions make it an appealing destination for travellers seeking an authentic Australian country experience.

Yass Valley Council takes a proactive approach to supporting the region's tourism sector with a dedicated business unit providing destination information services, destination marketing, industry and product development.  The region's tourism industry is supported by a Destination Management Plan (DMP) that aims to provide a pathway to develop the industry and drive the region's visitor economy.  The DMP is a regional plan developed across the eight local government areas of the Canberra Region by Destination Southern NSW in conjunction with local tourism operators, local government, Visit Canberra and Destination NSW.

Agritourism is a form of tourism that connects visitors with agricultural products, produce, and rural lifestyles through authentic on-farm experiences. By offering recreational, educational, or interactive activities, farmers can diversify their operations beyond traditional agriculture, creating additional income streams and employment opportunities.

The Yass Valley region is well positioned to support agritourism ventures, with its strong agricultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and proximity to major visitor markets. Agritourism experiences can contribute to the local economy by attracting visitors, encouraging longer stays, and showcasing the region’s unique rural character.

Below are a range of resources and guides to assist with the planning, development, and operation of agritourism experiences, including information on business planning, regulatory requirements, visitor management, marketing, and tourism development.

• The Australian Regional Tourism Toolkits for Farmers
• Five things you can do on your farm
• Setting up an agritourism business: A guide to planning approvals
• Agritourism FAQ’s
• NSW Planning Agritourism webpage
• Tips for creating bookable agritourism experiences