Baw Baw signs business initiative
Baw Baw Shire Council is the first council in Gippsland to sign up to a new initiative that will make it easier for local businesses to do business.
Victorian Small Business Commissioner Judy O’Connell last week met with shire chief executive officer Alison Leighton to sign the Small Business Friendly Council (SBFC) charter.
The initiative was developed by the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) in partnership with local councils to create a trading environment for small business that’s fair and competitive. In signing the charter, council has pledged to: Pay small businesses within 30 days; Support local businesses in managing the impacts of infrastructure projects;
Streamline the approval process for new businesses; and;
Helping to establish and support local business networks.
Cmr O’Connell said it was great to see Baw Baw Shire Council sign up.
She said the charter had the potential to benefit local small businesses – businesses that create jobs, deliver essential goods and services and help to grow the local community.
“It shows Baw Baw Shire Council’s genuine want to cut through red tape and support local businesses in running their business,” Cmr O’Connell said.
“We are carrying out this work with local councils because they play such an important role in supporting small businesses within their local community.”
Small Business Minister Adem Somyurek said the government was committed to making Victoria a small business friendly place and that local governments are an important part of the equation.
“We know that red tape can be a barrier to growth for small business and that is why we are working with local government to improve regulatory processes and reduce the time and money small businesses spend on compliance,” Mr Somyurek said.
Baw Baw Shire Council joins the City of Yarra, Northern Grampians Shire Council, the City of Glen Eira and Corangamite Shire in being among the first to sign up.