The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) has signed the City of Wodonga to its Small Business Friendly Council (SBFC) initiative, placing them among the first local councils in Victoria to make this important commitment.

In signing the SBFC Charter, City of Wodonga pledges to:

• pay small businesses within 30 days;
• support local businesses in managing the impacts of infrastructure projects;
• streamline the approval process when starting a business; and
• help set up and support local business networks.

Acting Commissioner Schramm said it’s great to see City of Wodonga sign up.

“It shows City of Wodonga is committed to cutting through red tape and providing local businesses with the support they need to run their business,” Acting Commissioner Schramm said.

“We’re working with local councils to deliver this initiative because they are a vital support for small businesses within the local community.” 

The initiative was launched by Minister for Small Business the Hon. Adem Somyurek MP, who said the Victorian Government is committed to making Victoria a small business friendly place and that local governments are an important part of the equation.

“We know that red tape can be a barrier to growth for small business and that is why we are working with local government to improve regulatory processes and reduce the time and money small businesses spend on compliance,” Minister Somyurek said.

City of Wodonga joins Gannawarra Shire Council, Latrobe City Council, Baw Baw Shire Council, City of Yarra, Northern Grampians Shire Council, City of Glen Eira and Corangamite Shire in being among the first to sign up. The VSBC encourages other councils to follow their lead.

For more information and updates on the initiative, visit the VSBC’s website.

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