Additional business resources

Initiatives

Think local first

We want local shoppers to embrace your business. That's why the Think local first initiative promotes the value and experience of shopping locally. You can get involved by:

• displaying the Think local first logo at your business
• use local businesses yourself
• using reward cards for local shoppers
• engage with local schools, clubs and charities
• sponsor a local event.

Associations

HerBusiness
Provides resources and education for women in business as well as aiming to help businesswomen reach their full potential with access to mentors and role models.

Australian Copyright Council
Helps creators and copyright owners protect their rights under Australian law.

Australian Industry Group
Provides workplace solutions, advice, support and representation to members of the manufacturing, construction, engineering and service industries.

Australian Retailers Association Victoria
Provides information and services to retailers and represents their interests.

Australian Venture Capital Association
Represents the venture capital industry’s participants, promotes the industry and encourages investment in growing business enterprises.

Family Business Australia
Provides access to specialist family business services in order to contribute to the sustainability of family businesses.

Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Represents employers in Victoria and provides information and networking opportunities to businesses.

IP Australia
Administers Australia’s IP rights system, specifically patents, trademarks, designs and plant breeder’s rights.

Department of Employment
The Department of Employment is the lead government agency providing national leadership in education and workplace training, transition to work and conditions and values in the workplace.

The Small Business Institute
Includes the Emergency Resource Portal — your one-stop destination for managing all types of emergencies that could affect your business on any day at any time.

Governing bodies

Victorian Small Business Commission

The Victorian Small Business Commission (VBSC) promotes fairness and competition for small business through advocacy, dispute resolution, monitoring and engagement.

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is an independent advocate for small business owners.

Its duties include:

• conducting inquiries and research
• working with government
• promoting good business practice.

Government organisations

Business Victoria

Business Victoria is a key Victorian Government organisation that can help you with a range of things, including:

• starting a new business
• buying or selling an existing business
• marketing your business
• making your business more sustainable
• embracing digital technology
• raising capital
• managing suppliers and staff
• resolving disputes.

LaunchVic

LaunchVic is a Victorian Government-funded agency that helps to develop and support entrepreneurs and startup ventures. They can help you to grow a sustainable business and create great economic and cultural benefits. 

New business assistance with NEIS

New business assistance with NEIS is a Federal Government program that offers training and assistance to help you start a new business.

Starting a business guide

The Federal Government's starting a new business guide gives you a step-by-step approach to starting and running your business.

Independent organisations

Small Business Association of Australia

The Small Business Association of Australia supports and advocates for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). They work with governments and stakeholders to get a better deal for SMEs, and help SMEs to connect with each other.

Small Business Centres Victoria

Small Business Centres Victoria (SBCV) is a network of not-for-profit business centres that help create, retain and develop sustainable business enterprises and local economic development.

Startup Victoria

Startup Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation works with entrepreneurs, industry, community and educators help grow Victorian startups. They can help you find the best resources and people for your startup.