- Minister for Small Business
Small businesses in the City of Greater Geelong can look forward to better council support as it became the latest local government to sign up to the Small Business Friendly Council initiative.
Minister for Small Business Adem Somyurek today made the commitment alongside Small Business Commissioner Judy O’Connell and City of Great Geelong deputy mayor Cr Kylie Grzybek.
Designed to make it easier to start and run a small business in Geelong, the initiative requires local councils to pledge to pay small businesses within 30 days, streamline permit approvals and support local business networks.
This adds to the cuts to regional payroll tax and stamp duty for businesses in Geelong announced in the Victorian Budget 2019/20.
Making the pledge and signing the charter shows the City of Greater Geelong’s commitment to giving local businesses every opportunity to succeed and to create local jobs.
There are more than 17,000 businesses that stand to benefit from the council’s commitment in the region, spanning industries including health and allied services, education and manufacturing.
The City of Greater Geelong joins 32 other Victorian councils that have signed up to the initiative, following its launch by the Andrews Labor Government in May 2019.
By working together with councils to support small businesses, the Labor Government is ensuring a fair and inclusive economy benefiting all Victorians.
For more information, visit vsbc.vic.gov.au.
As noted by Minister for Small Business Adem Somyurek
“We know the importance of working with the City of Greater Geelong to increase the success of small businesses in the region – and that’s what the Small Business Friendly Charter will do.”
As noted by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“Our lower payroll taxes along with less council red tape will make it easier to grow or build a business in Geelong.”
As noted by Victorian Small Business Commissioner Judy O’Connell
“We’re so pleased the City of Greater Geelong has pledged to build on the supports they provide and work with us to help create a level playing field for their local small businesses.”
As noted by City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Cr Kylie Grzybek
“Small businesses are a huge driver of Greater Geelong’s economy and their success is important to our future vision. By becoming a Small Business Friendly Council, we are pledging to help these businesses get started, grow and ultimately thrive.”
