Small business bus brings advice on wheels to regional victoria

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, encouraged small business operators throughout Macedon to take advantage of the free support and advice offered by the Small Business Bus as it tours regional Victoria throughout 2015.

The Small Business Bus provides free and personalised on-board advice from Small Business Mentoring specialists who are skilled in marketing, finance, human resources and sales advice and have extensive experience in running a small business or in senior business management.

On a visit to the bus where it was stationed in Lancefield on Thursday, Ms Thomas highlighted that the Andrews Government is doubling mobile support for small business with a second Small Business Bus now delivering valuable advice to towns and suburbs across Victoria.

"The enhanced touring program will take more information to more towns and benefit businesses that may not have the time or resources to access the services that the Government provides to these valuable employers," Ms Thomas said.

Importantly, the two vehicles will also play an important role providing business recovery support where needed for communities affected by bushfire, flood, drought or other disasters. The additional capacity from a second bus will enable much greater flexibility in times of crisis and offer timely assistance when required.

"Small businesses play a vital role in our state’s economy and this program highlights the Andrews Government’s commitment to providing the support they need to succeed," Ms Thomas said.

"The business mentors have extensive experience in running their own small business or have worked in senior business management. They are skilled in marketing, finance, human resources and sales."

There are more than 525,000 small businesses in Victoria, representing 96 per cent of the state’s businesses. Around 28 per cent of small businesses are located in rural and regional areas.

For more information about the Small Business Bus or to book a free on-board mentoring session, visit business.vic.gov.au/sbb or call Small Business Victoria on 13 22 15.