Minister for Small Business Russell Northe met with Victoria's Small Business Ministerial Advisory Council and community members last Thursday in Halls Gap.
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The meeting was organised to allow Mr Northe the opportunity to discuss initiatives to meet the challenges presented by natural disasters.
Mr Northe said he welcomed the opportunity to hear the challenges the Grampians business sector faced, particularly in the ongoing wake of the Grampians bushfire.
"The Small Business Ministerial Advisory Council met with local business operators, council representatives and business groups to get a comprehensive understanding of how government can best support the local business community," Mr Northe said.
As part of the itinerary for the day, the Advisory Council hosted speed networking events with local business owners, to hear their views on a variety of issues.
The round table discussion focused specifically on:
Penalty rates.
Red tape.
Attracting customers.
Shopping locally.
Generating economic growth.
Succession planning.
Online business including social media.
Disaster preparedness and recovery.
On day two of the Halls Gap visit the Small Business MAC went on a tour of the bushfire affected areas in Wartook Valley and visited some of the local businesses in Laharum to hear their experiences.
"The impacts of a major bushfire event don't just stop when the fire goes out," Mr Northe said.
"It is clear many small businesses are in need of ongoing support and we hope to build on the Coalition Government programs that have been delivered in the area to further support Halls Gap in its recovery."
Mr Northe said the Victorian Government is committed to developing productive and competitive local businesses across the state.
"We are building a more productive Victoria by providing the economic conditions and opportunities for small businesses to grow."