Startups Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on startups for australian businesses.
What Happens If There Is A Breach Of A Director’s Duty? (2026 Updated)
Being a company director in Australia can be exciting, especially when you’re building something you’re proud of. But it also comes with serious legal responsibilities. Directors’ duties aren’t just “best practice” guidelines....
8 January 2026
Assignment Clause In Contracts: What It Means
Dealing with customers, suppliers, or partners often means signing contracts. Hidden in those contracts is a small line that can have a big impact on your business when things change: the assignment...
8 January 2026
What Is a Trade Mark in Australia?
Building a brand your customers remember is half the battle in small business. But if you don’t lock down that brand legally, a competitor could start using a confusingly similar name or...
8 January 2026
What Is a Facility Agreement and How Does It Work?
Securing the right finance can unlock the next stage of growth for your small business. Whether you need working capital to cover cash flow gaps, a line of credit to manage seasonality,...
8 January 2026
Business Code of Conduct: How to Create One
A strong business code of conduct sets the tone for how your team, managers and contractors behave every day - with customers, suppliers and each other. It’s more than a set of...
8 January 2026
Shareholder Loan Agreements in Australia
Injecting cash into your company doesn’t always mean raising equity or going to the bank. For many Australian small companies, a shareholder loan is a straightforward way to fund growth, stabilise cash...
8 January 2026
Key Personnel: What They Are And How To Protect Your Business
Every small business has people it can’t live without. Whether it’s a founder who brings in sales, a head developer who knows the code base inside-out, or a site manager who holds...
8 January 2026
How To Choose A Co-Founder (2026 Updated)
Choosing a co-founder is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when starting a business. A great co-founder can help you move faster, think clearer, and share the pressure that comes with...
7 January 2026
What You Need To Know About Raising Capital (2026 Updated)
Raising capital can be one of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking) parts of building a business. On the upside, fresh funding can help you hire key people, build your product faster, invest...
7 January 2026
Written Contracts: Practical Tips and Legal Basics
When you’re growing a small business in Australia, a written contract is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk, lock in clear expectations and protect your cash flow. Verbal agreements and...
7 January 2026
Buy A Domain Name: Legal Considerations For Australian Businesses
Buying the right domain name can feel like a "small" step in your startup journey - until you realise your domain is often the front door to your brand. It's where customers...
7 January 2026
Getting Serious About Your Side Hustle? Don’t Forget Your Legals (2026 Updated)
Turning a side hustle into a “real business” is an exciting milestone. Maybe your weekend Etsy orders are now daily, your consulting work is booked out months ahead, or your content channel...
7 January 2026
End User Agreement In Australia: What To Include
If you provide software, an app, a platform or any digital service, an end user agreement is one of the most important documents in your business. It sets the rules for how...
7 January 2026
Valuation Caps: How They Work And How To Pick One For Startups
When you’re raising early-stage funding in Australia, terms like “valuation cap” start popping up quickly - especially if you’re looking at SAFEs or convertible notes. If you’ve never set a cap before,...
6 January 2026
Internship Agreement Template in Australia: Key Clauses
Bringing interns into your business can be a smart way to grow your talent pipeline, test new roles, and support future employees. But in Australia, internships sit at the intersection of employment...
6 January 2026
How To Start An Online Subscription Business: Legal Tips In 2026
Online subscriptions are no longer limited to streaming and software. In 2026, Australians are subscribing to everything from curated product boxes and paid communities, to ongoing professional services, templates, meal plans, and...
6 January 2026
Legal Setup for Consultants in Australia
Consulting can be a smart way to turn your expertise into a flexible, profitable business. Whether you advise on HR, marketing, IT, finance, design, operations or something niche, demand for specialised, project-based...
6 January 2026
Collateral Documents: What They Are And How To Use Them In Australia
When you take out a loan, sign up for equipment finance, extend supplier credit or bring on an investor, you’ll often be asked to sign “collateral documents”. They’re not just extra paperwork...
6 January 2026
What Is a Governing Law Clause and Which Law Should You Choose?
If you’re signing or drafting a contract for your small business, the “governing law” clause can look like boilerplate. But it has real-world consequences for how your agreement is interpreted, which rights...
6 January 2026
How To Apply For An Australian Credit Licence (ACL) In 2026
If you’re planning to offer credit products or credit services in Australia in 2026, getting your licensing right is one of the most important steps you’ll take. An Australian Credit Licence (ACL)...
6 January 2026
A Guide To SAFE Notes (2026 Updated)
If you’re raising money for your startup, you’ve probably heard investors mention a “SAFE” - sometimes in the same breath as “valuation cap”, “discount”, and “post-money”. It can feel like everyone else...
6 January 2026
I’ve Started My Own Business… What Legal Advice Do I Need? (2026 Updated)
Starting your own business is a huge milestone. You’ve probably put time into your idea, your branding, your pricing, and maybe even your first customers. Then the “legal stuff” starts creeping in:...
6 January 2026
What Is An Option Deed? (2026 Updated)
If you’re building a business, partnering with someone new, or planning an investment, you’ll often reach a point where you want certainty - but you might not be ready to commit today....
6 January 2026Deed of Indemnity for Directors: What It Is and How to Set It Up
If you run a company in Australia, your directors are making important decisions every day. With those decisions comes risk - and even when a director acts in good faith, they can...
5 January 2026
Need help with your business legals?
Speak with Sprintlaw to get practical legal support and fixed-fee options tailored to your business.