Business

Over the past few months, the Nillumbik Bushfire Business Recovery Network Committee, in conjunction with the Business & Economic Development Unit within the Nillumbik Shire Council, surveyed a number of Strathewen and St Andrews businesses to determine what business training they required. The responses were varied and included: restabilising a business, starting up a new business venture, or they required specific training and support, such as website marketing, or financial / bookkeeping.

There were over 40 survey returns and the training then devised and offered depended on the specific needs of the residents.

The training options included:

Free Small Business Clinic - Start Up Business
FREE - mentoring sessions which will involve a small process of engagement and consultation.
Commitment: 45 minute consultation.
Venue: Panton Hill Living and Learning Centre.

Advanced Small Business Clinic - Established Business
FREE - mentoring sessions which are designed to assist business owners with strategic planning.
Commitment: 4 sessions with an approximate duration of 1.5 hours consultation.
Venue: Panton Hill Living and Learning Centre.

Starting Your Business Workshops (Living and Learning Centre)
FREE - A comprehensive workshop on starting a business covering topics that include how to assess the viability of your idea, identifying the best business structure for your needs, financial considerations, tips on preparing a business plan, resources that are available to assist and support new business and more.
Venue: Panton Hill Living and Learning Centre

Strategic Planning - Group Program
FREE - Consists of four 2 hour workshops for up to 15 businesses.
Timing and Venue: to be advised.

Hands on Training and Support - Improve your skills
FREE - customised marketing workshop where the facilitator will work with a group of businesses from the area on their marketing needs.
Commitment: 4 hour session.

• In addition specialist website and bookkeeping training has been organised for three businesses.

• Marketing workshops are currently being planned with a facilitator.

On Demand Workshop Module - Business Management Skills
FREE - Full business development program to upgrade your business management skills. Seven modules offered and working with small groups.
Note: a minimum of 10 businesses required for this program to proceed.

There are still limited training opportunities available and they are all FREE, due to state government funding. The training will expire at the end of this financial year, so please do not delay in contacting us if you are interested in participating.

If you would like to talk to Nillumbik Shire Economic Development on potential training for you and your business, or business idea, please contact

Heidi Crundwell m: 0417 580 009 or e: heidi.crundwell@nillumbik.vic.gov.au