Small business operators in the Portland area will be able to access support and government business services when the Small Business Bus visits on Monday 26 February, 2018.
The Andrews Labor Government doubled its mobile support for small business in 2015, with a second Small Business Bus delivering valuable advice to towns and suburbs across Victoria for the past two years.
The bus service provides advice from small business mentoring specialists skilled in marketing, finance, human resources and sales. These experts have extensive experience in operating small businesses and in senior business management roles.
In 2017 more than 1,180 small businesses accessed free on-board mentoring, while a further 4,980 received assistance from information officers.
This year’s touring program will take information and services to towns across the state, benefiting businesses that may not have the time or resources to otherwise access the available support.
The two vehicles also play a vital role in providing business recovery support to communities in times of crisis, such as those that have been affected by bushfires.
The increased capacity of the program now enables greater flexibility and faster response times when assistance is required.
The Small Business Bus will be located outside Alibi Café, 55 Percy Street, Portland from 10am to 4pm on Monday 26 February 2018.
Free mentoring sessions on board the bus are limited and bookings are essential.
For more information or to book a session, visit business.vic.gov.au/sbb or call Small Business Victoria on 13 22 15.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“The Small Business Bus is a great service for local businesses to have access to expert face-to-face advice anywhere in Victoria.”
“This program plays an important part in Labor’s commitment to providing Victorians with greater access to government support services to encourage business and jobs growth across the state.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Small Business, Philip Dalidakis:
“Victoria is home to more than half a million small businesses and we are leading the country in small business growth.”
“We understand that our small business community is the backbone of our local economies right across the state and the Small Business Bus is a fantastic program that brings expert services right to your doorstep.”