Greater Shepparton City Council signed the Small Business Friendly Council initiative charter yesterday, making it easier for locals to start, run and grow a successful business.
Victorian Small Business Commissioner Judy O'Connell was in town for the signing, saying the initiative involved the Victorian Government working alongside local councils to make it easier for small businesses in the state.
“Shepparton council are the best place to actually understand what is happening in town, so it makes sense for them to be working closely with the small businesses," Ms O'Connell said.
“In Victoria the small business sector has grown 4.8% year on year and that's the highest in Australia, and so we want to make it as easy as possible for small businesses to be able to survive and thrive.”
Greater Shepparton City Council is the 20th council in Victoria to sign up to the initiative, committing topay small businesses within 30 days, work alongside small businesses to manage disruptions caused by infrastructure works and help set up and support local business networks.
With more than 6,300 registered businesses in the Shepparton area, council chief executive Peter Harriott said the initiative was particularly important.
He encouraged any small business owners or locals interested in owning a business in town to contact council's economic development department or visit their website for more information and advice.
“Small business is such a big part of our community and if we can help small businesses be more efficient that means they can be more sustainable, create more employment and continue to be that foundation to our local economy," Mr Harriott said.
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