Support for business

Council has a number of initiatives to support local businesses, led by the Economic Development Department including the City of Whittlesea Business Network, Business Concierge free mentoring sessions and the It’s All Here Campaign.

Calling for Business Advisory Panel member EOIs

Expressions of interest are now open to local business operators interested in being a part of a new Business Advisory Panel.

The Business Advisory Panel, launched in 2021 is expanding and seeking new members.

Following a successful first year in operation, providing advice, insight and feedback to Council on the outlook of the local economy, industry-specific challenges and opportunities, and the impacts of government policy.

The Panel will include 19 representatives from local businesses, City of Whittlesea Administrators and Council officers.

Membership to the Business Advisory Panel is voluntary. Meetings will be held five times per year for a two-year term.

The Panel will report back to Council twice a year.

Expressions of interest for the City of Whittlesea Business Advisory Panel will be open until 30 August 2022.

Business resources

Visit these websites for more information on the Coronavirus and your business:

Business Victoria - call the dedicated business hotline on 13 22 15.

Business Australia (information on support for business)

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Worksafe Victoria

Information for exporters

Workplace entitlements

Food standards

Australian Retailers Association

Victorian Small Business Commission

Government Programs to support Local Businesses

Small Business Ventilation Program – Ventilation Grant | Business Victoria

Council support for business

Business support service

Council’s Business Engagement Officer can help connect businesses with a variety of support available from Local, State and Federal Government and across industry. Call 9217 2278 or email business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Mentoring

Free Monthly Business Mentoring

Are you thinking of starting a new business, already involved in an established business or simply want to take the next big step?

The City of Whittlesea in conjunction with Small Business Mentoring Service is offering FREE business mentoring sessions to support businesses situated within the City of Whittlesea.

Business mentors can assist with:

Insightful advice on how to work on your business
Enhance your marketing and business planning skills
Help setting objectives and direction
Moral and Mental Health support
Help you to boost sales and profits
Bring fresh perspectives and ideas to identify new opportunities
Help you to link into other organisations
Assist you in addressing time management

Small Business Mentoring sessions provide one on one general business information and can assist you in the steps you need to take to overcome an issue or information gap. Appointments can be carried out over the phone, online or in person as required.

If all sessions are filled please contact the team at business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au to discuss further options.

To book your slot, visit SBMS Upcoming Events

Webinars

If you missed our recent webinar series, or would like to learn more about gaining new skills or thinking for your business, you can view all the recordings on Council's YouTube channel. Recorded webinars have covered topics such as; online networking, managing cashflow, mental health, business planning, negotiating rent relief, running a home-based business, applying for grants, moving your business online, business continuity and risk planning.

Watch a Visual Marketing webinar online.