The Andrews Labor Government is doubling its mobile support for small business with a second Small Business Bus now delivering valuable advice to towns and suburbs across Victoria.
Minister for Small Business, Adem Somyurek, today launched Victoria’s Small Business Bus 2015 touring program in Bendigo.
The enhanced touring program will take more information to more towns and benefit businesses that may not have the time or resources to access the services that the Government provides to these valuable employers.
The buses provide free and personalised on-board advice from Small Business Mentoring Service specialists.
Importantly, the two vehicles will also play an important role providing business recovery support where needed for communities affected by bushfire, flood, drought or other disasters. The additional capacity from a second bus will enable much greater flexibility in times of crisis and offer timely assistance when required.
The on-board business mentors are skilled in marketing, finance, human resources and sales advice and have extensive experience in running a small business or in senior business management.
The Bus travelled to more than 120 locations over a 156-day period last year, delivering 978 free mentoring sessions and information to 2,900 current and prospective business operators.
There are more than 525,000 small businesses in Victoria, representing 96 per cent of the state’s businesses. More than 28 per cent of all small businesses are in rural and regional areas.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Small Business, Adem Somyurek:
“A second Small Business Bus reinforces the Andrews Labor Government’s commitment to improving productivity and providing a fair and competitive small business environment.”
“Through the Small Business Bus program, we are providing face-to-face, free and expert help to support the vital role that small business plays in our state’s economy.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020