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Support for business

Council has a number of initiatives to support local businesses, led by the Economic Development Department including the City of Whittlesea Business Network, Business Concierge free mentoring sessions and the It’s All Here Campaign.

Calling for Business Advisory Panel member EOIs

Expressions of interest are now open to local business operators interested in being a part of the Business Advisory Panel.

The Business Advisory Panel, launched in 2021 is seeking new members.

Following a successful first year in operation, providing advice, insight and feedback to Council on the outlook of the local economy, industry-specific challenges and opportunities, and the impacts of government policy.

The Panel includes 19 representatives from local businesses, City of Whittlesea Administrators and Council officers.

Membership to the Business Advisory Panel is voluntary. Meetings will be held five times per year for a two-year term.

The Panel will report back to Council twice a year.

Expressions of interest for the City of Whittlesea Business Advisory Panel will be open until 26 October 2023.

EOI Form and Terms of Reference

Download the EOI form and access the Terms of Reference through the links below.

Council support for business

Business support service

Council’s Business Engagement Officer can help connect businesses with a variety of support available from Local, State and Federal Government and across industry. Call 9217 2278 or email business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Mentoring

Free Monthly Business Mentoring

Are you thinking of starting a new business, already involved in an established business or simply want to take the next big step?

The City of Whittlesea in conjunction with Small Business Mentoring Service is offering FREE business mentoring sessions to support businesses situated within the City of Whittlesea.

Business mentors can assist with:

  • Insightful advice on how to work on your business
  • Enhance your marketing and business planning skills
  • Help setting objectives and direction
  • Moral and Mental Health support
  • Help you to boost sales and profits
  • Bring fresh perspectives and ideas to identify new opportunities
  • Help you to link into other organisations
  • Assist you in addressing time management

Small Business Mentoring sessions provide one on one general business information and can assist you in the steps you need to take to overcome an issue or information gap.  Appointments can be carried out over the phone, online or in person as required.

If all sessions are filled please contact the team at business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au to discuss further options.

To book your slot, visit SBMS Upcoming Events

 

Webinars

If you missed our recent webinar series, or would like to learn more about gaining new skills or thinking for your business, you can view all the recordings on Council's YouTube channel. Recorded webinars have covered topics such as; online networking, managing cashflow, mental health, business planning, negotiating rent relief, running a home-based business, applying for grants, moving your business online, business continuity and risk planning.

Watch a Visual Marketing webinar online.

Privacy Statement 

The City of Whittlesea may collect your personal information (PI) to provide you, or a representative of a business located in the municipality, access to economic development information and programs. 

We may use your PI to contact you to advise you about programs and initiatives and discuss economic development opportunities.  We may also conduct analysis of our database to inform our program and activity development. We will not disclose your PI unless you consent to the disclosure or where we are required to by law. 

To access any PI we hold about you or to change your privacy preferences, contact us at business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au. You can also view our full Privacy & Data Protection Policy

Find out more

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