Commissioner announces greater small business supports for Ararat Rural City

Victorian Small Business Commissioner Judy O’Connell announced that Ararat Rural City Council has said yes to giving more support to local businesses.
The announcement was made at the council’s small business breakfast event in Ararat yesterday, where the Commissioner gave advice on ways to address local business issues and talked about how the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) can help them resolve disputes.
The Commissioner congratulated Ararat Rural City Council for signing up to the Small Business Friendly Council initiative, which is all about making it easier for people to start, run and grow their businesses.
The Commissioner also met with council CEO Dr Tim Harrison to sign the initiative’s Charter.
By signing, the council is committing to:
  • pay small businesses within 30 days
  • work towards faster permit approvals
  • help set up and grow local business networks
  • help manage the impacts of disruptive infrastructure projects.
Dr Harrison is pleased to have pledged to support local businesses in Ararat Rural City, which is rich in manufacturing, agriculture, food and wine production, construction, healthcare and tourism experiences.
“Ararat Rural City Council invests in supporting our local businesses to prosper and grow, which is why we feel it’s important to commit to provide further supports through this initiative,” Dr Harrison said.
The council currently offers a range of small business supports including assisting business owners in getting started and expanding and giving advice on business training workshops and seminars.
“It’s great to see Ararat Rural City Council build on their current small business supports and demonstrate their want to work together to achieve an inclusive, competitive and fair business environment,” the Commissioner said.
/Public Release.