Indigo Shire’s small businesses set to benefit from a boost in support

Help for local businesses to do business will be boosted through a new partnership between Indigo Shire Council and the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC).

The partnership has come about through the Small Business Friendly Council initiative, which is being rolled out to all local government areas in Victoria.

Indigo Shire is one of 63 councils to sign up to the initiative, committing to work with the VSBC to:

• help small businesses to keep trading throughout disruptive infrastructure projects
• pay small business suppliers within 14 days – acknowledging how important prompt payments are in managing cashflow
• support local business networks – unique forums for creating connections and enabling communication and collaboration
• work to streamline permit approvals for people looking to start a business in the Shire
• raise local small business issues with the VSBC and work together on solutions
• promote how the VSBC can help resolve commercial disputes at this time.

Mayor Jenny O’Connor says this new partnership demonstrates Council’s commitment to supporting small business and improving its current processes by signing off on the Charter’s reportable measures.

“Our small businesses are the heart and soul of our Shire and are a key economic driver. We’re committed to understanding and responding to their changing needs and supporting them through recovery. We look forward to exploring new ways to help our local businesses to thrive.”

This latest initiative adds to the suite of local support in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) including upskilling and marketing opportunities, the Outdoor Dining Project and the Indigo Business Support Program where local business owners can have input into how the council supports businesses to recover.

“All local small businesses stand to benefit from this new partnership, from farming, health care and tourism to manufacturing,” Cr O’Connor said.

Victorian Small Business Commissioner Lynda McAlary-Smith applauds Indigo Shire Council for making the small business friendly pledge.

“Their commitment will see the Shire’s small businesses benefit in ways that matter – from getting paid on time to being supported in managing disruption. We look forward to working collaboratively to respond to local needs,” Commissioner McAlary-Smith said.

The partnership has also been welcomed by members of Council’s IndigoGrow Advisory Committee, with member Nerida Kerr strongly endorsing Indigo Shire Council signing up to be a Small Business Friendly Council.

“Small business underpins Indigo’s economy and committing to further assist small businesses through the Charter is a positive undertaking by Council. I, along with the other members of IndiGrow Advisory committee, look forward to working with Council to help implement this initiative,” Ms Kerr said.