The Allan Labor Government is giving small and family businesses the confidence to invest, expand and innovate.
Minister Suleyman announced an expansion of the Business Skills Mentoring program, giving more small business owners access to free, one-on-one advice.
Eligible owners can access three confidential one-hour mentoring sessions to build their skills.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, making up 98 per cent of all Victorian businesses.
They employ more than 1.3 million Victorians and contribute over $429 billion annually.
Since July 2025 Labor has delivered hundreds of free, one-on-one business advice sessions.
Hundreds of businesses have benefited across the seven priority industry sectors.
Priority sectors include advanced manufacturing, health technology, agribusiness, regional tourism, circular economy, technology and distilleries.
One business to benefit is Green Collect who partner with organisations to process more than 150 tonnes of stationery, electronics, furniture, clothing, and homewares.
Through the free mentoring, Green Collect picked up skills to support their marketing and community outreach.
Over the coming months Labor is also launching two new programs:
- Multicultural Skills Fund: providing up to $5,000 for business skills training for multicultural businesses
- Small Business Activation Fund: grants of up to $5,000 for local councils, business organisations, chambers and industry associations to help small businesses to grow
Expressions of interest for the Business Skills Mentoring program close on Monday 31 August 2026.
To learn more about the program, visit business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs.
As stated by Minister for Small and Family Business Natalie Suleyman
"We're helping small and family businesses reach their full potential and building a stronger economy."
"This is about giving business owners the skills to innovate and the confidence to grow."
