Free advice for local businesses

PEOPLE in enterprise seeking advice and support around best professional services practice can access free help.

As part of a partnership between Commerce Ballarat and the City of Ballarat, a new Business Assistance Program is set to offer up-to four hours’ worth of consultation and assistance to Ballarat businesses.

Commerce Ballarat chief executive officer Jodie Gillett said the aim was to provide human resources, marketing, business planning and finance information.

“We know it is a very difficult business environment, so our organisation is advocating to all levels of governments for support,” she said.

“We thank the City of Ballarat and the economic development team for acknowledging the situation and supporting this project.”

Due to limited funding, businesses within the boundaries of the Ballarat local government area are eligible, as long as they are not already receiving professional business advice.

“The Business Assistance Program will provide a service that many business owners need but may not have the spare finances to access,” City of Ballarat mayor Des Hudson said.

“It may also be that they don’t know who to ask, and that’s where we can really help, by connecting businesses to appropriate advice.

“We are proud to be supporting the excellent business assistance program that Commerce Ballarat is facilitating this year.”

To express interest, head to the Commerce Ballarat website.