Warragul’s Courthouse Restaurant will today be transformed into a hub of small business information, support and networking opportunities as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s ‘Small Business Day’ in Warragul.
Local businesses will be able to sit down with local, state and federal providers and get answers to questions on everything from staffing and business growth to reducing bills and starting a business.
Through events such as ‘Small Business Day’ the Labor Government is supporting small businesses across the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland by providing the tools and information they need to contribute to the economy and create jobs.
Sixteen providers including the Victorian Small Business Commission, Latrobe Valley Authority, Small Business Victoria, Consumer Affairs Victoria, Rural Financial Counsellors and Australian Securities and Investments Commission will be on hand to answer questions and give presentations.
The event is one of a set of initiatives designed to support Latrobe Valley businesses and an outcome of consultations between the Victorian Small Business Commission, local businesses, chambers of commerce and key stakeholders.
$126,000 is being spent to fund the initiatives that also include small business workshops and increased support for small businesses tendering for big infrastructure and development projects across the region.
Minister for Small Business Philip Dalidakis will open the event and meet with business owners, local government and industry bodies as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s ongoing support for the region.
There are currently more than 576,000 small businesses across the state, accounting for almost half of all private sector jobs and contributing a third of the state’s output in goods and services.
Recent numbers from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that 20,000 new small businesses were created in Victoria in 2016 – making it the state’s fourth consecutive year of small business growth.
Quote attributable to Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis
“Whether it’s cutting pay roll tax, providing mobile mentoring services or making sure businesses are being paid on time, we’re committed to making sure the state’s small businesses can thrive.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victorian Harriet Shing
"Small businesses play an important role in the community and the economy of the Latrobe Valley and we want to do everything possible to make sure they can keep creating new jobs for locals.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Small Business Commissioner Judy O’Connell
“Local small business owners have told us what they want and we are making sure that no matter what the question is, there is someone on hand to answer.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020