A boost in support for small businesses

7 Jul 2021

Strathbogie Shire Council has partnered with the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) to provide more support to local businesses to do business.

The new partnership is through the Small Business Friendly Council initiative, which the VSBC is seeking to roll out to all local government areas in Victoria.

The council – currently one of 60 to have signed the initiative’s Charter – is pledging to work with the VSBC on important measures including:

  • helping small businesses to keep trading throughout disruptive infrastructure projects by promoting practical tools for business owners and project managers
  • paying small business suppliers within 14 days, acknowledging the vital role prompt payments play in managing cash flow
  • helping local business networks to thrive including Go Nagambie, which encourages local business growth and opportunities by promoting the town as a tourism destination and supporting business to business collaboration
  • working to streamline permit approval processes for new businesses
  • raising local small business issues with the VSBC and working together on solutions
  • promoting how the VSBC can help resolve commercial disputes without the need for court.

The council’s pledge adds to their business supports in response to coronavirus (COVID-19), including their hub of information about state and national initiatives to help businesses get through to the other side of the pandemic.

Local small businesses from all industries and of all types stand to benefit from this new collaboration, from accommodation and food services to agriculture, forestry and fishing – the Shire’s largest employment sector.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Cr Chris Raeburn said small businesses were at the heart of the Shire.

“They are a key driver of our local economy. We’re here to understand their needs and support them in any way that we can,” Cr Raeburn said.

“We look forward to collaborating with the VSBC through this initiative and exploring new ways that we can support our local businesses to flourish.”

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