By MICHELLE HERBISON
GEELONG Small Business Festival’s success prompted the launch this week of a ‘one-stop-shop’ of resources for local businesses, according to organisers.
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce Small Business Smart Business program will co-ordinate and centralise current information and events in City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe and Surf Coast and Golden Plains Shires.
The AusIndustry Small Business Advisory Services program will fund the initiative to help small businesses in the region start, operate and grow more efficiently.
Program co-ordinator Liz Grant said the program would provide resources to small businesses for free or at low costs.
“By putting all of the great resources available to small business in the region in the one place, we can identify any gaps for local businesses and create opportunities for Geelong providers to deliver services at minimal cost to small business.”
Resources available include online and in-person business advice, tailored information, experience, checklists and templates, seminars, conferences, health checks and mentoring.
A Small Business Smart Business information sheet said a recent survey of small businesses in Geelong found 91 per cent of respondents thought the region needed a ‘one-stop-shop’, with nearly 80 per cent saying they would support such an opportunity.
More information is at the Facebook page or smallbusinesssmartbusiness.com.au.
