Small business information, support and mentoring will soon be coming to Nagambie when the Victorian Government’s Mobile Business Centre visits on Tuesday 5 June.
Member for Benalla Bill Sykes said the Mobile Business Centre will give small businesses in Nagambie access to valuable information about programs and services, including the latest schedule of business skills workshops.
He said, “The Mobile Business Centre is designed to help people plan, start and grow their business. Small business operators can access business tools, tips and the on-board mentoring service provides a fresh pair of eyes to look at a business objectively.”
Minister for Innovation, Services, and Small Business Louise Asher said the Mobile Business Centre will be delivering free business mentoring and face-to-face assistance to Victorian small businesses.
“Last year the Mobile Business Centre visited over 70 locations across Victoria and provided more than 750 mentoring sessions to small businesses.”
The Mobile Business Centre will be located at 324 High Street (median strip car park, opposite Prentice Street), Nagambie, on Tuesday 5 June 2012 from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
For other Mobile Business Centre locations and information on how to book a mentoring session, visit www.business.vic.gov.au/mbc or call Small Business Victoria on 13 22 15.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today called for high-achievers in north east Victoria to be nominated for the 2012 Regional Achievement and Community Awards.
Dr Sykes said the Benalla Electorate boasted a diverse and innovative range of businesses, a highly skilled workforce and proactive community groups that would be worthy nominees in this year’s Regional Achievement and Community Awards.
“Beginning in 2002, these awards have built a prestigious reputation over the past 10 years and I would strongly encourage people to consider nominating for one of the eight award categories on offer this year,” he said.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is especially pleased to provide $78,500 to sponsor five of the eight awards on offer this year.
“The Coalition Government is sponsoring a range of awards that recognise regional businesses, individuals or community groups that make significant contributions to their communities or lead the way in sustainability and water efficiency,” he said.
The Coalition Government, through Regional Development Victoria, Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment is providing $15,500 for each of the five awards.
Dr Sykes said the Coalition Government was committed to driving development across the state and ensuring regional Victoria remained a key contributor to future growth and prosperity.
“The Coalition Government’s centerpiece for regional and rural Victoria is the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund (RGF) which is being used for strategic initiatives to accelerate population and business growth outside of Melbourne,” he said.
“We recently provided $3 million from the RGF to fund the first ever Regional Victoria Living Expo to provide further encouragement to the one in ten Melburnians who are already considering a move to regional Victoria.
“This is being backed by the Coalition Government’s Good Move Campaign which promotes all the benefits a regional lifestyle offers,” he said.
The 2012 Regional Achievement & Community Awards will be presented in Bendigo on 13 October.
The full list of award categories is below:
• Regional Development Victoria Business Achievement Award
• Regional Development Victoria Trade and Career Achievement Award
• Parks Victoria Regional Achiever Award
• Parks Victoria Environment and Sustainability Award
• Medibank Healthy Participation Award
• Bluescope Distribution Leadership and Innovation Award
• Department of Sustainability and Environment Water Efficiency Improvements Award
• Prime Super Community Group of the Year Award

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes encourages people to either nominate or enter the 2012 Telstra Business Women’s Awards.
Dr Sykes said, “We have some impressive businesswomen in the Benalla Electorate.
“Inspirational women are all around us such as Janelle Boynton who was a recent finalist for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Award as part of the Rural Women’s Awards and Loretta Carroll who is a successful recipient of the Victorian Women’s Governance Scholarship program, to name but two.
“In the 18 years the Telstra Business Women’s Awards have been running thousands of women from a diverse range of professions and walks of life have been recognised through the awards and gone on to be mentors to others in the attainment of their life goals,” Dr Sykes said.
The Awards are an opportunity to reward inspirational business women throughout north east Victoria who have had a positive impact on the local community.
Finalist and winners will be recognised for their achievements and share in more than $200,000 in cash and prizes.
The three categories in the 2012 Telstra Business Women’s Awards are:
• Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award
• Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award; and
• White Pages Community and Government Award.
There are also two specialist categories: Nokia Business Innovation Award and marie Claire Young Business Womens’ Award.
To nominate or enter complete the form available at www.womensawards.com or pick up a nomination form from Bill Sykes’ office at 2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla.
The Telstra Victorian Business Women’s Awards Gala will be held on 20 September 2012.

Small businesses in the Myrtleford area will be able to access relevant, reliable and affordable information on business planning thanks to a forthcoming seminar announced today by Member for Benalla Bill Sykes
Dr Sykes said the Business Planning Basics seminar, supported by the Coalition Government, would be held at Myrtleford Council Chamber at 6pm on Wednesday 30 May.
Dr Sykes said, “A number of these seminars have now been offered throughout the Benalla Electorate including Bright, Myrtleford and Mansfield. They have been well received and attended by small business operators as they provide an opportunity to receive relevant and up to date information on business management, staffing, finance and planning.
“Small businesses are often caught up in the day to day running of their operations and it can be difficult to make the time to update and review business practices.
“The opportunity to have this information readily accessible on a local level is a good initiative.”
Last year more than 3,000 businesses throughout the state participated in Small Business Victoria’s workshops and seminars. Through the program, businesses and prospective business owners are provided with the facts and advice needed to make informed decisions and create a platform for ongoing success.
Popular topics in the program include starting up, financial management, employing people and marketing.
All workshops and seminars are delivered by private sector business specialists who are well-qualified and experienced in small business.
Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister Louise Asher said the Coalition Government recognised the vital role Victoria’s 495,000 small businesses played in the economy of the state.
“We are committed to encouraging small business and individual initiative, and to creating an environment that rewards those who work hard, save, invest and create employment,” Ms Asher said.
For more information about other workshops and seminars that are available please go to: www.business.vic.gov.au/workshops

The Victorian Government is supporting economic development in Benalla Rural City with funding of $75,000 announced today by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes requested funding support for the appointment of a business development officer in Parliament this week.
Dr Sykes said Benalla Rural City Council would use the funding to employ a Business Development Officer to work within the council’s Economic Development unit over the next two years to help develop and strengthen local businesses.
“Benalla’s Economic Development Unit is not fully equipped to deal with the range of issues and opportunities and its budget does not currently allow for the appointment of an additional full-time resource,” Dr Sykes said.
“As a result, the council cannot fully capitalize and deliver on a range of initiatives that could drive economic development activity.”
Dr Sykes said, “I am pleased that the Minister has provided this funding so that Benalla has the resources to encourage existing businesses to grow and create more jobs and also to attract new businesses to the area.”
He said, “The Business Development Officer is a great acquisition. They could support the existing efforts of people such as CEO Tony McIIroy, Jeanie Hall, Justin Finlayson, Veronica Schilling and all of the staff at Benalla Rural City Council and the broader community.
“I should make the point that our community is not just sitting back and asking for help. This month we have a program in place called 31 Jobs in 31 Days. That is about encouraging local businesses to create 31 jobs in our area, and it also about encouraging young people and job seekers to enhance their skills through such means as conducting mock interviews and developing their CV’s.”
Mr Ryan said, “Engaging a Business Development Officer will enhance the capability of the council to deliver better economic development outcomes.
“The officer will enable Benalla Rural City to attract investment, retain existing business and undertake promotional activities to grow the municipality.
“Tourism is a major sector that this project could capitalise on, with the Winton Wetlands project gathering momentum.”
Mr Ryan said employing the officer would also help the council conduct a Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) Program and implement the findings to assist local business operators.
“The officer will help develop closer relationships with education providers to support business training and skills development,” Mr Ryan said.
“They will also deliver support to the Benalla Business Network and represent the Council in regional workforce development initiatives.”
He said the two-year appointment of the officer was expected to take effect from May 2012.

Damian Drum, the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, accompanied by local Member of Parliament Bill Sykes met with councils and businesses in north east Victoria this week.
At Euroa, Mr Drum and Dr Sykes were presented with some exciting information on development projects for Strathbogie Shire.
For example discussions are in progress to upgrade Mangalore Airport and opportunities for intensive agricultural industries are also being explored.
Strathbogie Shire has committed a lot of their Regional Growth Fund money to road and bridge maintenance and upgrades.
“This will accelerate the reduction of the infrastructure maintenance gap so that it should be eliminated by 2017.
“This use of Regional Growth Fund money on roads and bridges is in addition to another $4 million over four years for road and bridge maintenance.”
The Avenel Recreational Reserve was recently allocated $300,000 plus $100,000 from the shire for infrastructure upgrades and a similar project is in the pipeline for Memorial Oval at Euroa.
Dr Sykes concluded, “The Coalition Government’s commitment of $1 billion over eight years through the Regional Growth Fund to regional Victoria and $160 million over four years for roads and bridges to smaller rural councils is really helping local government close the infrastructure maintenance gap and provide local communities with improved services and quality of life.”

Damian Drum, the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, accompanied by local Member of Parliament Bill Sykes met with councils and businesses in north east Victoria this week.
At Mansfield, Mr Drum and Dr Sykes were impressed by the ‘can do’ approach of Mansfield Shire councillors and staff.
Mansfield based projects which have benefitted from the Regional Growth Fund include the upgrading of the Mansfield Recreational Reserve and surrounding infrastructure and the development of a strategic community plan.
Other State Government grants have recently been allocated to resurface the Mansfield netball courts and security lighting at the recreational reserve and playground.
In each case there have also been substantial local government and community contributions.
Smaller communities have also benefitted from recent State Government funding including the Tolmie Tea Rooms and Maindample Community Park.
Mr Drum said, “Mansfield has fantastic natural assets such as the high country and Lake Eildon. In addition Mansfield is fortunate to have capable councillors and staff to maximise the advantage of these assets by attracting tourists whilst protecting prime agricultural land and the lifestyle of local residents and the absentee property owners.”
Dr Sykes concluded, “The Coalition Government’s commitment of $1 billion over eight years through the Regional Growth Fund to regional Victoria and $160 million over four years for roads and bridges to smaller rural councils is really helping local government close the infrastructure maintenance gap and provide local communities with improved services and quality of life.”

Damian Drum, the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, accompanied by local Member of Parliament Bill Sykes met with councils and businesses in north east Victoria this week.
At Bright, Mr Drum and Dr Sykes met with Alpine Shire mayor Peter Roper and CEO Ian Nicholls who highlighted the natural beauty of the Alpine Shire as well as the challenges including a small rate payer base and in recent times and a series of flood and fires.
Alpine Shire have used much of their Regional Growth Fund money to upgrade key roads such as the Stanley Road, Island Street, Myrtleford Hoop Trail bridges and Gundowring Road.
Mr Drum and Dr Sykes also visited the Bright Art Gallery and met with president Ian Cheyne, secretary Heather Kelly and treasurer Brian Kelly.
The art gallery have lodged an application for a grant through the Putting Locals First program of $300,000 to extend the art gallery which is full to the brim with paintings at the moment.
Mr Drum indicated the support for cultural projects such as the art gallery was very consistent with Regional Growth funding priorities as the presence of assets such as the art gallery enhances the lifestyle for locals as well as attracting visitors.
Dr Sykes concluded, “The Coalition Government’s commitment of $1 billion over eight years through the Regional Growth Fund to regional Victoria and $160 million over four years for roads and bridges to smaller rural councils is really helping local government close the infrastructure maintenance gap and provide local communities with improved services and quality of life.”

Damian Drum, the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, accompanied by local Member of Parliament Bill Sykes met with councils and businesses in north east Victoria this week.
At Benalla, Mr Drum and Dr Sykes inspected Thales Munitions Factory. Both were impressed by the commercial ‘can do’ focus of management and staff and the impressive on-site safety record.
Mr Drum said, “Thales employs around 250 people at the Benalla site and several hundred more at Bendigo, Mulwala/Yarrawonga, and in their Melbourne offices. Thales’ contribution to the local economy and general community well-being is very significant and the Coalition Government are keen to support businesses such as Thales.”
Mr Trevor Gunn, General Manager Manufacturing Operations Benalla said, “Thales has made significant investments in equipment and up skilling our workforce at Benalla and we are proud to be delivering a key strategic capability to Australia’s armed forces from regional Victoria.”
Dr Sykes said, “Over my ten years as the local member I have observed the evolution of ADI, now Thales, into a very professional, commercially driven business.
“Thales have also been very community minded, in particular they have donated well over 100 computers for my office to distribute free to local community groups.”
Mr Drum and Dr Sykes also met with Benalla Rural City council representatives and learnt how the council was utilising the $4 million roads and bridges grant and over $3 million for local infrastructure and community projects.
Councillor Suzy Martin said, “The $4 million over four years to spend on roads and bridges has greatly helped the infrastructure maintenance program.
“What is really good is that council, not State Government, decides how to spend the money. Of course we must provide proof of responsible use of the money.”
Dr Sykes concluded, “The Coalition Government’s commitment of $1 billion over eight years through the Regional Growth Fund to regional Victoria and $160 million over four years to smaller rural councils for roads and bridges is really helping local government close the infrastructure maintenance gap and provide local communities with improved services and quality of life.”

Small businesses in the Mansfield area will be able to access relevant, reliable and affordable information on employing staff thanks to a forthcoming seminar announced today by Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

Dr Sykes said the Keeping The Right Staff seminar, supported by the Coalition Government, would be held at Mansfield Shire Council Chambers at 6pm on Thursday 19 April.

“Small businesses in tourist areas such as Mansfield have to deal with the challenge of finding and keeping the right staff which can often be difficult due to the relatively small population and the seasonal nature of much of the work.

“I encourage small businesses in the Mansfield area to make the time to attend this seminar.”

Last year more than 3,000 businesses throughout the state participated in Small Business Victoria’s workshops and seminars. Through the program, businesses and prospective business owners are provided with the facts and advice needed to make informed decisions and create a platform for ongoing success.

Popular topics in the program include starting up, financial management, employing people and marketing.

All workshops and seminars are delivered by private sector business specialists who are well-qualified and experienced in small business.

Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister Louise Asher said the Coalition Government recognised the vital role Victoria’s 495,000 small businesses played in the economy of the state.

“We are committed to encouraging small business and individual initiative, and to creating an environment that rewards those who work hard, save, invest and create employment,” Ms Asher said.

For more information about other workshops and seminars that are available please go to: www.business.vic.gov.au/businessevents