The Moreland community will benefit from greater small business support, with the local council signing up to become small business friendly.
The Small Business Friendly Council initiative is being rolled out by the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) to make it easier for people to start and run their businesses.
Today, the VSBC's Senior Manager, Advocacy and Monitoring Services Dan Shepherdson and Member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn MP signed the initiative's Charter with Moreland Mayor Cr Natalie Abboud and Acting CEO Grant Thorne.
By signing, the council is committing to pay small businesses within 30 days, work with small businesses to manage disruptions caused by infrastructure projects and notify the VSBC of key issues affecting local businesses.
Ms Blandthorn MP, attending on behalf of the Minister for Small Business, said Moreland City Council's signing demonstrates how we can work together to bring about a fair and inclusive business environment that will benefit the local community.
With more than 13,700 registered businesses in the area that could benefit from the council's commitment, Cr Abboud is pleased to be signing up.
"Moreland City Council is a long-standing supporter of its local businesses and signing the Charter is an important way that we can strengthen our small business support system, delivering results for the local economy," Cr Abboud said.
This builds on other council initiatives such as their participation in the Better Approvals Project, aiming to streamline processes, forms and permits to make it easier to open up a new business, and the Business Moreland website, where small businesses can access the information they need to grow and connect with the local business community.
Mr Shepherdson, attending on behalf of the Victorian Small Business Commissioner, said local councils are a much-needed support for small businesses in the area.
"With local councils playing such an important role in the starting and running of small businesses, it really is great to see Moreland City Council commit to providing greater supports," Mr Shepherdson said.
In signing up, Moreland City Council follows South Gippsland Shire Council, Frankston City, City of Casey, Wyndham City, Yarra Ranges Council, City of Kingston, Mount Alexander Shire, Gannawarra Shire, City of Wodonga, Latrobe City Council, Baw Baw Shire Council, Corangamite Shire, Northern Grampians Shire Council, Glen Eira City Council and City of Yarra.
