The Allan Labor Government is backing Victoria's culturally diverse small businesses with new appointments to the Multicultural Business Ministerial Council.
Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman said the council will ensure multicultural small businesses are heard, consulted and engaged, helping them to thrive.
The council will also provide advice on government policy and services relating to the multicultural business sector and will raise emerging issues affecting the sector.
Ms Bihong Wang has been appointed as the new council Chair. Ms Wang brings leadership skills and multicultural business experience as the President of the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse and in her role on the Premier's Business Council.
Dr Angraj (Raj) Khillan MBBS, MD, MIAP, FRCPCH (UK), FRACP has been appointed Deputy Chair for the council. Dr Khillan is the 2023 Australian of the Year for Victoria and brings extensive experience to the role as Founder and former Co-Chair of the Australia India Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The council members bring a mix of skills and experience. The other members are:
Dr Angeline Achariya, (CEO of Innovation GameChangers and CEO of Monash Food Innovation Centre)
Ms Lynda Cavalera GAICD FAMI CPM (General Manager, Growth at Teach For Australia)
Mr Nicholas Kalogeropoulos (Director/COO of Global Hospitality Group and Director/Founding Partner of Calibre Feasts)
Mr Hy (Andy) Tran (Head of Business Development, Interscale, Co-Vice President of Vietnamese Australian Professional Network)
Victoria is proudly home to more than 718,000 small businesses, over a third are owned by migrants.
The Labor Government offers a range of small business support, including the Small Business Bus, Small Business Mentoring Service and workshops.
For more information about the Victorian Government's ongoing support for small businesses, visit business.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman
"Victoria is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Australia and having an expert council representing multicultural businesses and their communities makes sure all voices and concerns are heard."
"I look forward to meeting with the council and working together to make sure Victoria's multicultural businesses continue to grow and thrive."
