Colac Otway Shire to see a rise in small business supports
December 5, 2019
Colac Otway Shire will benefit from more small business support, with the local council having just signed up to the Small Business Friendly Council initiative.
The initiative, run by the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC), is about addressing problems facing small business owners by making easier to open and run a business.
Yesterday, Minister for Small Business the Hon Adem Somyurek MP and Commissioner Judy O’Connell travelled to Colac to meet with Mayor Cr Jason Schram and Chief Executive Peter Brown and sign the initiative’s Charter.
The meeting was a chance to talk about how the move will benefit a local business community strong in agriculture, manufacturing, construction and retail trade.
Signing up means the council will work with the VSBC and local businesses on a range of measures including:
- helping to set up and support local business networks
- working towards faster permit approvals
- helping to manage impacts to trade caused by disruptive infrastructure works.
Signing builds on the council’s commitment to pay small businesses within 30 days and start the Better Approvals Project program, which is focused on reducing the time it takes to process business permits.
Mayor Cr Schram, a local businessman born and raised in the Shire, is a big supporter of the local small business community.
“Our small businesses are at the heart of the Shire and bolstering the supports we provide will directly benefit the local community and our local economy,” Cr Mayor Schram said.
Minister for Small Business the Hon Adem Somyurek MP said the Victorian Government is committed to creating a fairer business environment.
“Our Small Business Friendly Charter helps councils support local small businesses and boost economic growth,” Minister Somyurek said.
Commissioner O’Connell congratulates the Shire on making the pledge.
“It’s really positive to see Colac Otway Shire commit to giving local businesses the support they need to do business, helping to create a level playing field,” Commissioner O’Connell said.
For media enquiries, contact Christine Harris on 0436 698 132 or at
The Victorian Small Business Commission is an independent government agency that advocates on issues affecting small business, educates people in small business about their rights and responsibilities, and helps them to avoid or resolve disputes.
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