A number of small businesses in Albany have benefited from our Business Local service, including nine winners from the ACCI Business Awards.

The impact of our improved Business Local outreach advisory service was on display at the recent Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Business Awards.

The ACCI Business Awards provided the perfect opportunity to highlight the positive effect of this State Government-funded service.

Of the 13 category winners, nine had sought relevant information and advice from a Business Local adviser. The Business Local service which is an initiative of the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) aims to empower small business owners to make better decisions in regards to managing and growing their business.

Business Local service is delivered throughout the State by experienced providers such as Business Great Southern (BGS) and business adviser Vicki Brown said Business Local was a free service for new and existing businesses funded through the SBDC.

“We provide free, confidential and practical assistance on a wide range of business-related issues, from business planning to human resource management to exit strategies – and everything in-between,” Ms Brown said.

Small Business Commissioner David Eaton said while the Business Local outreach service had been operating successfully in the Great Southern since 2015, recent changes to the program have ensured service providers have greater flexibility to respond to small business needs.

“We’re delighted that Business Great Southern (formerly Small Business Centre Great Southern) is successfully assisting people to start, develop, and grow their small businesses,” Mr Eaton said.

Ms Brown said Business Local was available to anyone within the local business community – whether they were considering starting a business or had an established business.

“We help clients identify areas of need and from there provide the relevant information and action plans to help them overcome their challenges,” she said.

“We offer the business community, including those entering business awards, the opportunity to up-skill themselves and ensure they’re on top of current trends.”

Ms Brown encourages business owners who need help, or local residents interested in starting a business, to contact their Business Local provider and make use of this free service.

More information

Find out more about our business advisory service, including our Business Local service.

 

Photo: Great Southern Business Local Manager Vicki Brown, ACCI Business of the Year winner Jane Barslund, and Business Local Advisers Richard Keeler and Tracey Bridges.

SBDC news
08 October 2018