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The Victorian Small Business Commission is working with local councils to deliver this initiative, which is about making it easier to start, run and grow a small business locally.

In signing the initiative’s Charter, Mitchell Shire Council has committed to a range of measures including helping to manage impacts to trade caused by infrastructure works, paying small businesses promptly and working with them to find solutions to concerns.

Commissioner Judy O’Connell, Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green, Mitchell Shire Council Acting CEO Mary Agostino and Mayor Cr David Lowe, and Mitchell Business Network’s Darren Knight recently met in Wallan for the pledge.

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green said that the Andrews Labor Government’s Small Business Charter is just one part of making it easier to do business in regional Victoria – and in turn supporting local jobs. Regional payroll tax will also be dropped to just a quarter of the metropolitan rate by 2022.

“We are about supporting businesses right across Mitchell Shire so they can continue supporting local jobs and economic growth in the region,” Ms Green said.

With over 2,300 businesses in the Shire ranging from manufacturing and construction services to pharmacies and restaurants, Mayor Cr Lowe said signing up is a step forward.

“Small businesses are the cornerstone of our Shire and we’re here to provide the information, tools and assistance they need to succeed and continue strengthening our local economy,” Cr Lowe said.

Commissioner O’Connell said councils were an important support for local businesses and that working together is vital.

“It’s really positive that Mitchell Shire Council is committed to working with us in helping to create a level playing field for local businesses,” Commissioner O’Connell said.

The pledge builds on existing including business mentoring, guidance for entrepreneurs in developing a startup and support for local business networks.