New chapter in evolving network

Anorth-west Victoria business-support network will launch a new hub in the Wimmera this month as part of a regional expansion.

West Vic Business, formerly Business Horsham, with support from Hindmarsh Shire Council, will launch its new Hindmarsh chapter on February 24 at Nhill Community Centre.

Former West Vic Business chair and Horsham entrepreneur Paul Atherton, who has launched business-coaching venture The Powerful Life, and Horsham Bonnie and Clyde’s Pizzeria owner Dan Lukazsewski will be guest speakers.

West Vic Business Horsham ambassador Stacey Taig said the organisation’s focus in 2022 was to help drive positive change across business communities in the Wimmera and northern Grampians.

“A great way of doing this is to showcase the amazing stories of those who have faced struggles and reinvented themselves,” she said.

Mr Lukazsewski said it was important for new and established businesses to be involved in a business network.

“When we first opened in 2010, we were new to business ourselves, but we were lucky enough to get a few contacts and learn a few things,” he said.

“It is so important in a rural area to get a feel on the ground of the business environment from others.

“You can do your research and work it out on paper, but if I had my time again, I would have connected with a business group. “The one-on-one support is so beneficial.” Mr Lukazsewski said he empathised with retailers who had battled COVID-19 and on-line shopping competitors as well as other hard-hit hospitality businesses.

He also emphasised the need for businesses to continue evolving and adapting their models.

“If you are not continually evolving and changing you burn out, you become a part of the landscape. You must be at the forefront to be successful,” he said.

Bigger picture

Council corporate and community services director Monica Revell said improved business networking opportunities were part of 20212025 council plan development discussions.

“Following the expansion and launch of West Vic Business, an opportunity was identified to form a partnership between Hindmarsh Shire and West Vic Business for the benefit of Hindmarsh businesses,” she said.

Mrs Revell said the council was excited to invite Hindmarsh businesses to the first networking session.

“While the first event will be relatively informal and will provide an overview of the business network, it will also be an opportunity to attract a diverse range of businesses within Hindmarsh Shire to consider how we can create positive change and momentum across our business community,” she said.

Mrs Revell said the first session would also involve round-table discussions and a question and answer session, to set a theme for future sessions.

“We have many businesses in our shire doing exciting things and we look forward to hearing their stories throughout our sessions,” she said.