Hepburn Shire Council has signed up to the Small Business Friendly Council initiative, pledging to provide small businesses in the region with greater support.
The initiative, delivered by the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC), is about making it easier for people to start, run and grow their businesses.
Commissioner Judy O’Connell and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas MP visited Daylesford to sign the initiative’s Charter with Hepburn Mayor Cr Don Henderson and CEO Evan King.
The council’s signing signifies their pledge to:
- pay small businesses within 30 days
- work towards faster permit approvals
- help establish and grow local business networks
- work with small businesses to manage impacts of disruptive infrastructure projects
Thomas, attending on behalf of the Minister for Small Business, said Hepburn Shire Council’s commitment shows how we can work collaboratively to achieve an inclusive and fair business environment.
Mayor Henderson is pleased to make the pledge to support local businesses in Hepburn Shire, which is rich in construction, hospitality, tourism, agriculture and retail businesses and offers a wealth of outdoor activities to attract visitors to the area.
“A key focus of Hepburn Shire Council is understanding and helping to meet the needs of our local small businesses, and becoming small business friendly is one way that we can strengthen this focus,” Henderson said.
The council’s pledge builds on the range of small business workshops and events they offer, and aligns with their goal of making Hepburn Shire a desirable location for people to produce, trade, live, grow and visit.
“Congratulations to Hepburn Shire Council for committing to work together to provide local businesses with the support they need to do business,” Commissioner O’Connell said.
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.
