Free or low-cost help available for small business

LOCAL sole traders or small business owners finding the current adverse trading environment tough may be thinking they can’t afford to reach out for help.

However, whether a person is seeking funding opportunities, advice, mental health assistance or networking events, there’s a wide range of low cost or free online and real-world services out there backed by all three levels of government.

The Federal Government’s business.gov.au website, for example, provides access to information, grant opportunities, services and advice from across its portfolios.

Meanwhile, Business Victoria offers a free Partners in Wellbeing Helpline (1300 375 330) and access to the travelling Small Business Bus, plus a bunch of online resources at business.vic.gov.au.

Closer to home, the Moorabool Shire Economic Development Team is another option.

As Moorabool Shire mayor Cr Paul Tatchell said, its purpose is to achieve long-term economic growth that facilitates “liveable communities, a thriving local workforce and a productive business economy.”

“The team’s functions primarily focus on attracting and supporting existing and new businesses, and creating job opportunities to drive local economic growth,” he said.

“(This includes) providing a business directory, servicing the visitor economy, networking events, distributing funding opportunities, linking local networks, promotion of local business news and activities, council permit support, event planning and development and providing general business advice.

“The team also runs free or low-cost workshops, partnering with training providers like Tourism Midwest Victoria.

“Council (also) runs regular capacity-building initiatives including a Women in Business event (and) an incubator program.”

Cr Tatchell added that the development team is always available for one-on-one advice and is happy to meet local businesses anywhere in the Moorabool Shire.

The Moorabool Shire Economic Development Team can be contacted on 5366 7100 or via [email protected].