Small business operators across Gippsland will be able to access free mentoring, support and government business services when the Small Business Bus visits the region in December.

Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Philip Dalidakis said this year the Andrews Labor Government had doubled its mobile support for small business with a second Small Business Bus now delivering valuable advice to towns and suburbs across Victoria.

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 a small business and in senior business management roles, offering free advice to local businesses.

There are more than 532,000 small businesses in Victoria, representing 96 per cent of the state’s businesses, and more than 28 per cent of those are based in regional areas.

This year’s enhanced touring program will take more information and services to more towns across the state than ever before, 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 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 stop in the following Gippsland towns:

• Meeniyan on Tuesday 1 December from 10am to 4pm outside the old Town Hall, 97 Whitelaw Street;
• Leongatha on Wednesday 2 December from 10am to 4pm in the Safeway car park, Pern Lane;
• Warragul on Thursday 3 December from 10am to 4pm outside the Baw Baw Shire Council Customer Service Centre, 61 Smith Street;
• Mallacoota on Monday 7 December from 10am to 4pm at 60 Maurice Avenue;
• Orbost on Tuesday 8 December from 10am to 4pm on Nicholson Street between Ruskin and Salisbury Streets;
• Lakes Entrance on Wednesday 9 December from 10am to 4pm on Myer Street, near the corner of the Esplanade; and
• Bunyip on Thursday 10 December from 10am to 4pm in the IGA car park, 6 Main Street.

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 Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“The Small Business Bus is a great service for local businesses to have access to expert face-to-face advice anywhere in Gippsland.”

“These support services play an important part in Labor’s commitment to providing Victorians with greater access to government help and driving ideas and growth within the community.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Small Business, Philip Dalidakis:

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the Andrews Labor Government is committed to providing them with ongoing business support services, encouraging them to grow and create more local jobs.”