The Small Business sector is one of the City of Greater Geelong's major growth areas.
The City through its Economic Development Unit encourages the development of Small Businesses through supporting the following training programs and assistance offered by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.
For a full list of services and programs offered please access 
EE08 Programs and Services Guide (PDF-1886KB)
____________________________________________
Small Business Training and Development Grants
Small business grants provided by the City of Greater Geelong are now available to undertake business training and development with the Gordon Institute's Enterprising Futures.
The grants fund half the costs to participate in one of the following two Enterprising Futures programs:
- Explore Your Business Idea - for people who want to start a business.
- Focus on Your Business - for existing small business owners looking to improve an area of their business.
For more information please view the following flyer:
How to Apply for a Grant
Contact Enterprising Futures on 5225 0664 or efutures@gordontafe.edu.au to register your interest and request an application form. Places are limited and some eligibility criteria apply.
____________________________________________
Seminar - Practical Sales Skills to Increase Your Sales and Distribution
Trainex Systems presenter Alan Marion will expand your skills during an informative evening covering topics such as 'Effective Prospecting', 'Closing the Sale', 'Planning for Presentations' plus much more. For details please view the following document:
WHEN: Monday 13 October 2008 (6pm - 9pm)
WHERE: City Hall, Council Chamber, Cnr Gheringhap and Lt Malop Streets, Geelong (please enter via Lt Malop Street).
COST: $77.00 per person
TO REGISTER: Phone Trainex Systems on 9816 4681
____________________________________________
Are staff shortages stopping you from growing your business?
Small Business Victoria - My Business, My People Managing the skills shortage.
The Victorian Government is investing $10.6 million to assist small and medium sized businesses to avoid skills shortages and attract and retain a skilled workforce. Assistance includes:
- FREE on-site assistance from workforce planning specialists
- Help from independent specialists to identify planning and skill needs
- Subsidised management programs for business owners and managers
- Access to an online resource toolkit
As a business owner or manager do you:
- Have difficulty finding skilled staff?
- Have trouble keeping your best staff?
- Know what skills your staff will need in the future?
My Business My People (PDF-1318KB)
For assistance please phone Criag Hill from Sed Consulting on 0408 390 930 or visit www.business.vic.gov.au/mybusinessmypeople Help is available now!
_____________________________________________
Australian Industry Productivity Centres. Helping Your Business Grow!
The Australian Industry Productivity Centres are a $352 million Australian Government Initiative held over 10 years to help thousands of small and medium enterprises enhance their productivity and performances.
WHAT WILL THEY DO?
- The centres offer practical and tailored business advice and services to help your firm grow.
- Conduct a Business Review free of charge
- Help you implement change through a Tailored Advisory Service by providing upto $20,000 to fund one or more projects.
WHO IS IT FOR?
- Establishments who;
- Possess an Australian Company Number.
- Turned over more than $2 million and under $100 million in the previous financial year.
- Are solvent.
- Have traded for the last thee years.
- Trade exposed.
- Have not received assistance from other Australian, state, territory or local government programs within the last three years.
CONTACT DETAILS
To obtain additional information visit www.productivitycentres.gov.au or phone 131 791.
