Explore our sites
Whitehorse City Council recognises the importance of working collaboratively with small businesses to manage periods of change.
These periods of change may be scheduled, like streetscape improvements through capital works or unexpected change like natural disasters (fire, flooding, heavy rain) and circumstances in adjoining properties that may impact your business.
Scheduled streetscape improvements often occur across the municipality to increase functionality and modernise the appeal of the precinct as a community space for meeting and shopping. They increase user safety and include improvements of lighting, functionality of seating and landscaping within the public space.
The Investment and Economic Development Unit can assist with connecting businesses and their employees to services from a range of high-quality providers. If you need help or assistance about what kind of support may be right for your business or employees, complete the contact us form.
Resources and Services:
- Small Business Mentoring, vouchers are available.
- Victorian Small Business Commission can assist with advocacy, managing disruption and dispute resolution.
- Whitehorse Business Group for networking opportunities
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources
- Financial Counselling Victoria in relation to a free financial health check
- Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
- Digital Solutions Program which provides digital marketing workshops and resources for you to share information about your business.
Small Business Mentoring
The Small Business Mentoring Service provides business owners access to professional and confidential business coaching sessions with experienced industry professionals.
For businesses located in precincts that are undergoing capital streetscape improvement works, Whitehorse City Council is offering 2 x 90 minute mentoring vouchers to access the service.
Whitehorse Investment & Economic Development Newsletter
Think Local Buy Local
The Think Local Buy Local messaging has been a regular message for a number of years and includes the promotion of the Think Local Buy Local ethos to both the local and business community.
There is currently a webpage on Whitehorse City Council website for consumers to consider how their spending affects the local economy including a Supporting local map.
The Think Local Buy Local webpage on the WBIZ website includes how your business can be involved in Thinking and Buying local.
Victorian Small Business Commission
The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) aims to create a fair and competitive environment for Victorian small business to operate, grow and prosper through its four functions – advocacy, dispute resolution, monitoring and engagement.
Information and fact sheets about resolving business disputes are now available in languages other than English. The VSBC have produced the publication Guide to Managing Disruption
Visit the Victorian Small Business Commission website for more information and resources.
Whitehorse Business Group
The Whitehorse Business Group provides workshops, seminars and opportunities to network with local businesses.
Find out more about the Whitehorse Business Group
Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources
There are a range of Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources available for businesses.
Mental health resources are available in a range of languages.
Financial Counselling Victoria
Financial Counselling Victoria provides free and confidential financial health checks. Advice and counselling sessions are available online or by phone.
Financial Counselling Victoria provides counselling and referrals to a range of government services and are able to assist with services such as grant eligibility and applications as well as simplifying and negotiating options for managing business/ personal debts/ utility bills.
Visit Financial Counselling Victoria's Website
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) provides small business dispute support and has two main functions of advocacy and assistance.
The ASBFEO provides assistance, mediation and alternative dispute resolution as well as legal referrals. There is a My Business Health portal which has comprehensive business health check resources including mental well-being, staffing solutions, accounting and budgeting tips.
Visit the ASBFEO website or phone 1300 650 460.
Australian Energy Foundation
Looking for ways to reduce your business expenses?
There is an opportunity for small businesses located in Whitehorse to par take in the energy efficiency review which can assist in identifying cost savings. This includes a lighting review, energy audit (where possible), plant equipment review and a short summary report.
Participation in this program is free of charge.
For further details please contact Robert Powell Whitehorse City Council on 9262 6045, or Australian Energy Foundation on 1300 236 855.
