My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Small Business. The action I seek is for the minister to visit the Glen Waverley district to see the Small Business Bus when it visits Brentford Square in Forest Hill in December.
The Small Business Bus is a great service run by the Victorian government. The buses travel to locations all over Victoria, from metropolitan Melbourne to the regions, providing support and advice for our small local businesses. Partnering with the professional services training organisation the Monarch Institute, businesses have the opportunity to climb aboard and receive one-on-one and confidential advice. Furthermore, people wanting to establish their own small business can receive advice on how to start and build their business. People are also able to walk in and receive broader information on the support services provided by Business Victoria. It is great to see the Allan Labor government doing the work to support small businesses in Victoria. As someone who used to run a small business, I know just how important these government programs are in setting up a small business for success.
With the Christmas holidays coming up, now is the perfect time to support your local businesses. From buying unique gifts for loved ones to buying produce for the festive celebrations, our local businesses have plenty to offer. In my electorate we have so many small businesses, from Vermont to Glen Waverley, that provide excellent customer service and products. I will be shopping locally this Christmas, and I encourage my constituents to do the same. Furthermore, I know that shopping during the season can be stressful, but remember it does not cost a single dollar to be kind to the workers in the retail, hospitality and service industries. Nobody deserves to be abused by customers at work, and kindness is the best gift that you can give.
I am looking forward to the Small Business Bus visiting Brentford Square on 7 and 8 December – the 8th is the second day that got booked in because of how popular it was for 7 December. So I hope the minister can join me when the bus stops in my district.
Minister’s Response
I was very pleased to accept the invitation from the Member for Glen Waverley to join him at Brentford Square on Thursday, 7 December 2023 during the Small Business Bus visit to the Whitehorse Local Government Area (LGA).
The Allan Labor Government appreciates the importance of providing accessible business advisory services and resources to Victorians that operate or intend to start up a small business. They provide a key source of advice and support for local businesses and communities, building capacity and helping more businesses to open their doors.
I am happy to advise that the Small Business Bus visit to Brentford Square received significant interest and that all available sessions were booked. Given this solid demand, a return visit was scheduled, which was also fully subscribed. The success of these visits demonstrates the strong value of the Bus to business communities across Victoria and the service’s ongoing commitment to supporting local economic growth.
Every year, the Small Business Bus visits locations in all 79 Local Government Areas and has been a vital resource for local small business precincts. For over 12 years, the Bus has provided free individual and tailored support to more than 39,000 Victorian small businesses, giving them the information and guidance, they need to successfully operate and confidently grow their business.
As of June 2022, there were 18,671 small businesses in the Whitehorse LGA reflecting an 8% increase in their numbers during 2021-22. Small businesses make up 98% of all businesses in the Whitehorse area.
The Allan Labor Government also encouraged individuals to support small businesses by shopping local during the holiday season and crafted the 2023 Business Victoria Christmas Gift Guide, which showcased small businesses throughout the state offering unique and inspiring gift ideas. The Guide was featured on the Business Victoria website and appeared in the fortnightly Business Victoria newsletter.
It was a pleasure to join the Member and meet local business owners in Forest Hill who contribute so much to the economy and local community.
The Hon. Natalie Suleyman MP
Minister for Small Business
