A newly expanded Business Concierge service at the City of Melbourne is now available to help small businesses and organisations access support services and important business information.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the Business Concierge service will provide one-on-one advice and support to Melbourne businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19.
“We’ve launched a dedicated phone line so small businesses can call in and find out important information about what support is available and how to access our services,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The newly expanded Business Concierge service is a dedicated team here at the City of Melbourne who can speak with small business owners directly, offer mentoring and help people through the process to apply for support.
“We will also have an outreach program with Business Concierges visiting small businesses. Social distancing measures will be in place while providing in-person support.
“It’s a very challenging time so we’re offering streamlined assistance to help businesses through this difficult period.”
Fees for some permits will be waived and businesses can apply for direct grants to help keep them trading.
Small businesses wishing to speak with a City of Melbourne Business Concierge representative can call 9658 9658 and press 1 for the Business Concierge.
The Business Concierge service within the City of Melbourne is supported by the Victorian Government’s state-wide hotline on 13 22 15.
Chair of the Small Business, Retail and Hospitality portfolio, Councillor Susan Riley said support was essential for small businesses and organisations in affected industries such as retail, hospitality, tourism, arts and entertainment.
“Small businesses make up 80 per cent of Melbourne’s business community and contribute significantly to the city’s economic prosperity. These businesses are the heartbeat of our city and play a vital role in Melbourne’s economic prosperity,” Cr Riley said.
“The social distancing measures put in place to prioritise health and safety are extremely important, but they are also having an effect on our local businesses.
“We have a critical window of opportunity to support local businesses through the next few months so that where possible we can reduce the economic impacts of the virus and prepare Melbourne’s economy for future recovery.”
There are more than 16,500 businesses in the City of Melbourne generating more than 479,000 jobs.
