Tuesday, 17th April

Traralgon’s Premiere Function Centre will be turned into a hub of small business information and networking opportunities today as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s ‘Small Business Day’ in Traralgon.

Local business owners will be able to sit down with local, state and federal providers and get answers to questions on everything from staffing and business growth to reducing bills and starting a business.

Through events such as ‘Small Business Day’, the Labor Government is supporting small businesses across Gippsland by providing the tools and information they need to contribute to the economy and create jobs.

Sixteen providers including the Victorian Small Business Commission, Latrobe Valley Authority, Small Business Victoria, Consumer Affairs Victoria, Rural Financial Counsellors and Australian Securities and Investments Commission will be on hand to answer questions and give presentations.

The event is one of a set of initiatives designed to support Latrobe Valley businesses and an outcome of consultations between the Victorian Small Business Commission, local businesses, chambers of commerce and key stakeholders.

$126,000 is being spent to fund the initiatives that also include small business workshops and increased support for small businesses tendering for big infrastructure and development projects across the region.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria, will open the event and meet with business owners, local government and industry bodies as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s ongoing support for the region.

There are currently more than 576,000 small businesses across the state, accounting for almost half of all private sector jobs and contributing a third of the state’s output in goods and services.

Recent numbers from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that 20,000 new small businesses were created in Victoria in the 2016-17 financial year – making it the state’s fourth consecutive year of small business growth.

Quote attributable to Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis:

“Whether it’s cutting pay roll tax, providing mobile mentoring services or making sure businesses are being paid on time, we’re making sure the state’s small businesses can thrive.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victorian Harriet Shing;

“Small businesses play an important role in the community and the economy of the Latrobe Valley and we are determined to do everything possible to help them to thrive and grow into the future – not just as part of transition, but also as our population grows.”

Quote attributable to Victorian Small Business Commissioner Judy O’Connell:

“Local small business owners have told us what they want and we are making sure that no matter what the question is, there is someone on hand to answer.”