Baw Baw Shire Council On Board to Become Small Business Friendly

Published on 30 May 2019

This media release is being shared on behalf of the Victorian Small Business Commission.

Baw Baw Shire Council is the first council in Gippsland to sign up to a new initiative that will make it a lot easier for local businesses to do business.

This week in Warragul, Baw Baw Shire Council CEO Alison Leighton and Victorian Small Business Commissioner Judy O’Connell signed 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.

Commissioner O’Connell said it was great to see Baw Baw Shire Council sign up.

“It shows Baw Baw Shire Council’s genuine want to cut through red tape and support local businesses in running their business,” Commissioner 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.”  

In signing the SBFC Charter, Baw Baw Shire Council are pledging to:

It has the potential to benefit local small businesses – businesses that create jobs, deliver essential goods and services and help to grow the local community.

Minister for Small Business the Hon. Adem Somyurek MP, who recently launched the initiative, said the Victorian Government is 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,” Minister 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. The VSBC encourages other councils to follow their lead.

For more information and updates on the initiative, visit the VSBC website.

Image: CEO Alison Leighton and Commissioner Judy O'Connell signing up to the Small Business Friendly Council Charter.

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.

Contact: Christine Harris Phone: 03 9651 9465 Email: [email protected]