Victorian Small Business Commission
Swan Hill Rural City Council has committed to provide more supports to local businesses by signing up to the Small Business Friendly Council initiative.
Developed by the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC), the initiative aims to address issues experienced by small business owners by making it a lot easier for them to start and grow their businesses.
Signing means the council is saying yes to working with local businesses and the VSBC on a range of supports including:
- paying small businesses within 30 days
- helping to set up and support local business networks
- working towards faster permit approvals
- helping to manage impacts to trade caused by disruptive infrastructure works.
With over 2,500 businesses across industries including agriculture, manufacturing, retail and tourism that stand to benefit, Mayor Cr Ann Young is pleased to be signing up.
"Small businesses are at the heart of our region and signing up to this initiative is an important way that we can strengthen the support we provide to small businesses," Cr Young said.
Minister for Small Business the Hon Adem Somyurek MP said the Victorian Government is committed to creating a fairer business environment.
"Our Small Business Friendly Charter helps councils support local small businesses and boost economic growth," Minister Somyurek said.
The signing follows Commissioner O'Connell's recent visit to Swan Hill to talk with the council about becoming small business friendly, and to engage with small businesses around the issues they're experiencing and how the VSBC can help.
"We're really pleased to have Swan Hill Rural City Council make this important commitment to work with us to create an inclusive and competitive business environment," Commissioner O'Connell said.
"We're also looking forward to going back to Swan Hill next year to speak with the local trader association on retail leasing issues, as part of the initiative's pop-ups events program."
The council's move to join the initiative builds on other supports they provide, including visiting businesses to gain insights into local issues and opportunities as well as running business workshops, breakfasts and mentoring sessions.
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