Shire of Ashburton pledge support to small businesses

Improved business approval processes across planning, building and health, as well as better engagement with small businesses and stakeholders are part of a Small Business Friendly Approvals Program supported by the Shire of Ashburton.

The Small Business Friendly Approvals Project focuses on mapping the small business customer journey and developing reforms to streamline approval process for business customers has been trialled at the Cities of Stirling and Canning in collaboration with the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC).

Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White said she was pleased the Shire has been invited to participate in the Approvals Program as the SBDC starts to roll out the program to 20 other local government partners over the next two years.

“The program recognises Local Government authorities in Western Australia that are committed to actively supporting small businesses in their area”, said Councillor White.

“Council’s endorsement of the program demonstrates Council’s ongoing commitment to local small businesses and is timely as it coincides with WA Small Business Day on Saturday 31 October 2020, which encourages consumers to “think small first” by buying local.

“The scheme aims to add value by way of introducing potential savings to small businesses in our region, as well as through appraisal of internal Shire processes.

“Systems that will be reviewed include the application process for opening or expanding a business, the time taken for applications to be approved, and the fees for some applications taking into account the variation across different Local Governments.

“Engagement and feedback from local small business operators will form an integral part of the project.

“If successful in its application, the Shire of Ashburton will provide updates to the Small Business Development Corporation to ensure it is on track with reaching targets”.    

The Shire of Ashburton recognises the value small businesses add to our community and is pleased to reduce barriers to opening or operating a business in our area.

Many local businesses recently benefited from the Shire’s COVID-19 Small Business & Community Grants Fund that ensured businesses were able to continue, sustain local jobs and groups and clubs could continue to operate during the restrictions of the health pandemic.

For media information contact:

Alison Lennon - Manager Media and Communications, Shire of Ashburton

M: 0409 314 140 | E: [email protected]

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