Business resource guide

The program enables short-term commercial agreements. This is done by connecting property owners and real estate agents with local start-ups, social enterprises, artists or not-for-profit organisations. the program aims to reduce the number of vacant retail spaces in shopping precincts around the municipality.

Find out more about Vacant to Vibrant 

Are you thinking about starting your own business? Maybe you already run a business but have questions about how to expand, what permits you need and which regulations apply to your operation. For these situations and more, our business concierge service is the ideal place to start for advice, support and connections. Call 03 9217 2170 or email business.concierge@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.

Representing more than 400 food, beverage and fibre manufacturers operating in northern Melbourne, this network gives members access to a range of services including:

• assistance with government grants
• trade shows and buyer visits
• training and skills development workshops
• a buying group
• a manufacturer and service delivery directory
• networking events.

Find out more about Melbourne's North Food Group

Small Business Victoria helps small business owners and operators plan, start and grow their business. Find helpful tools, including a range of business plan templates, as well as information on how to register your business and how to choose the best location. It can even assist you in calculating the costs behind your business idea.

Visit Small Business Victoria

The City of Whittlesea uses VendorPanel to manage its procurement process. If your business is interested in supplying Council with products or services it is free to register.

Register as a City of Whittlesea supplier

Businesses looking for staff can visit Jobs Victoria. There you'll find free recruitment support to connect businesses and employers with new staff. They also provide wage subsidies of up to $20,000 to support new staff and grow your business.

As part of the Strong Local Economy Strategy we want to work with business on local initiatives to ensure workforce skills are matched to industry needs now and into the future. This includes developing an Economic Participation Plan in 2023-26.

Read about our Strong Local Economy Strategy

We create the Exolore Whittlesea site to showcase our region's tourism, events and hospitality industries to visitors and locals alike. We invite local businesses to connect with us to have their business featured on the site and on social media channels.

Visit the Explore Whittlesea site

Our monthly Business eNewsletter features a round-up of the news, opportunities and events for local businesses.

Find out more about the Business e-newsletter

For insights to help with your market research and business planning, delve into City of Whittlesea population, demographic and economic profiles and forecasts.

See local population and economic data