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GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Victorian Business Centres (VBCs) can assist small and medium businesses to flourish.  They are located throughout Victoria and have an array of services available from books to computer listings of all the required licences for a business.  They also have a bank of consultants they recommend for specific requirements.  A list of VBCs can be found at the end of this workbook.

Victorian Business Line

Phone 13 22 15
8am-6pm Monday to Friday
Fax: 03 9651 8108
Email: enquiries@iird.vic.gov.au
Website: www.business.vic.gov.au

Under New Management Program

Business intenders are assisted with group workshops and seminars across Victoria. Topics include Going into Business, Signing a Retail Lease, Buying a Franchise, Strategic Business Planning, Marketing, Networking Time Management, Financial Controls and others. Workshops are practical, low cost, locally delivered and can be facilitated in languages other than English. Information booklets on key small business topics are also available, along with translated versions in ten languages.

www.business.vic.gov.au/workshops

Small Business Development Program

The Melbourne City Council runs a program each year in March, July and October to encourage and attract new, sustainable small businesses that will add value and diversity to the City of Melbourne business landscape.

www.business.vic.gov.au/programs

Plan to Succeed

A comprehensive guide introducing the essential steps in business planning and how to write a business plan. Over 80 information sheets and booklets on a variety of small business management subjects are also available.

www.business.vic.gov.au

Business Licence Information Service (BLIS)

Helps identify the state, local and federal licences and state codes of practice needed to start and operate your business in Victoria. View details for your business or create a tailored report that includes application forms.

www.business.vic.gov.au/blis

Showcasing Women in Small Business

Practical business support for women including seminars and practical workshops on understanding the finance options available and the preparation of finance submissions.

www.business.vic.gov.au/women

Koori Business Network

Support and referral services for existing and potential Koori business operators through programs to assist communities and businesses turn their skills and expertise into sustainable economic businesses.

www.business.vic.gov.au/kooribusiness

Grow Your Business Program

Provides assistance, including grant subsidies, to financially viable Victorian businesses who can demonstrate a commitment to productivity gains, increased exports or import replacement, application of new technologies and innovative practices.

www.business.vic.gov.au/gyb

Agenda for New Manufacturing

A shared action plan for manufacturers and the Victorian Government aimed at building tomorrow's manufacturing businesses. The Agenda features programs to help with exporting, accelerating innovation and developing new technology.

www.business.vic.gov.au/programs

Overseas Trade Fairs and Outward Trade Missions

A vehicle for Victorian businesses to enter or expand their presence in overseas markets, and to expand their knowledge of export market requirements and opportunities.

www.business.vic.gov.au/programs

StreetLife Program

Encourages small business and economic growth through innovative local strategies in regional centres, small towns and metropolitan commercial and industrial precincts.

www.business.vic.gov.au/streetlife

Export Assistance Services

The Victorian Government helps companies explore and develop export opportunities through a range of programs. These programs include support, information and training for export plans, overseas market research and promotional activities and access to experienced export advisers.

www.export.vic.gov.au

Austrade

Austrade Trade Commissioners are co-located at a number of Victorian Business Centres and can assist potential exporters and exporters with general export information and advise on access to Commonwealth export assistance programs.

www.business.vic.gov.au/vbc

Industrial Relations Victoria (IRV) Information Services

IRV provides information services to employees and employers about good industrial relations practices and statutory rights and obligations. Covers child employment, outworkers, long service leave and low paid workers.

www.irv.vic.gov.au

Child Employment Permits

There are regulations about employing children under 15 years of age in Victoria. In many situations, there is a legal requirement to obtain a Child Employment Permit before a child can be employed. For more information please contact IRV.

www.irv.vic.gov.au

Centre for Innovation and Technology Commercialisation

The Centre supports and promotes an entrepreneurial culture in Victoria by showcasing innovative businesses, activities and new technologies.

www.innovation.vic.gov.au

Science Technology Initiative Infrastructure Grants Program

Invests in collaborative projects between industry and research sectors that enhance opportunities for the translation of knowledge and research to the marketplace. Grants are aimed at building capabilities that increase the movement of new technologies or discoveries towards market testing and uptake.

www.innovation.vic.gov.au

ICT Trade Fairs and Missions

Provides financial assistance for Victorian information and communications technology (ICT) companies to attend recognised overseas trade fairs and missions.

www.mmv.vic.gov.au/tradefairs

Regional Development Victoria (RDV)

The Government’s lead agency in developing rural and regional Victoria, with a focus on building stronger economies, communities and infrastructure. RDV assists in the coordinated delivery of Government programs, services and resources in provincial Victoria. Programs include:

• Economic development programs which provide assistance to encourage councils and regional development bodies to work together.

• Assistance to interface councils for projects that promote and facilitate economic development.

• The Community Regional Industry Skills Program (jointly administered by RDV and the Department for Victorian Communities) which brings together local employers, labour market and education providers to address local skill shortages.

RDV is widely accessible at Victorian Business Centres located across Victoria – see back page for listing www.rdv.vic.gov.au

Events Calendar

The Victorian Government supports events that recognise excellence and assists with business establishment and growth. The Events Calendar lists various events across the State. To submit your event, email the details to: enquiries@iird.vic.gov.au or look at www.business.vic.gov.au/calendar

Other useful links

Small Business Newsletter www.business.vic.gov.au

Business Enterprise Centre Victoria www.becnvic.com

Public Holidays www.business.vic.gov.au/publicholidays

Government Services for Aboriginal www.indigenous.gov.au
and Torres Strait Islander peoples

VICTORIAN BUSINESS CENTRES