Workspace open for business

THE fourth Ballarat Business Centre site was officially opened last week, based on Lowe Street.

Chair Sheree Collins said the not-for-profit is now able to provide centrally located offices and meeting spaces, not far from the Ballarat train station.

The building has space for 25 tenants; each an emerging local enterprise growing their brand and operations.

“It allows our small and start-up businesses to trial their skills and knowledge, well before they take on that risk of commercial responsibility in their independent spaces,” Mrs Collins said.

Ballarat Business Centre offers month-by-month licence agreements for those not yet ready to commit to a commercial space.

Their Lowe Street meeting rooms can be hired by any business for a few hours, or a day, and a lounge is available for people in transit who need to work between appointments. The centre has its own kitchen.

Mrs Collins reflected on all the organisation has achieved since it first launched 21 years ago.

“In the last three years, three new sites have been added to our management portfolio and we cater to over 80 start-up and emerging small businesses,” she said.

“This is not only through the provision of physical offices and workspaces, but through the strong partnerships we’ve built with key stakeholders to provide programs and mentoring support to those businesses, along with the networking opportunities between businesses, helping them to expand their brands and offerings.

“The future of small business in and around Ballarat is bright, and I thank the board and staff at the BBC for their tireless contributions to build the success of our services and facilities, and what we’re able to provide.”

Ballarat Business Centre has two other office buildings across the city, and an industrial shed space.