Whitehorse City Council is proud to have signed the Victorian Small Business Commission’s Small Business Friendly Council Charter.

The Charter represents a partnership between Council, the Victorian Small Business Commission and the thousands of small businesses that shape our economy and bring life to Whitehorse.

Small businesses make up 98 per cent of all businesses in Whitehorse, contributing to local jobs, community life, innovation and the character of our neighbourhoods. They are our cafes and retailers, our start ups and creative makers, our tradies, our professional services and our neighbourhood essentials. They work hard, invest locally and help keep Whitehorse vibrant.

Our Commitments to Local Business

Through the Charter, Whitehorse City Council has committed to six key actions that make it easier to start, run and grow a business in our municipality. 

1. Minimise disruption to small business from infrastructure projects 

This means that Council will do its best to:

• refer to the VSBC’s Small Business Engagement Guidelines when planning major works, and
• request that external project managers do the same
• provide small businesses with the VSBC’s Guide for Small Businesses on Managing Disruption

2. Support the creation of small business networks

The VSBC and Council will:

• distribute the VSBC’s Guide to building stronger networks as needed
• actively engage with small business networks and identify new opportunities for development
• include representatives of local associations in conversations concerning small businesses

3. Streamlined permit approvals processes for small businesses

Council will work towards improving permit approvals processes for new small businesses.

This may include:

• an ongoing commitment to consolidating processes; or
• implementing new strategies to streamline permit approvals processes for small businesses

Learn about our new Business Permit Support Service designed to make opening or expanding a business simpler and far less stressful.

4. Prompt payment to local small businesses

Council will work towards ensuring invoices from small businesses are paid within 14 days.

5. Easy to read, easy to understand information for Victorian small businesses

Council will:

• source and provide access to resources available at business.vic.gov.au and VSBC
• work with VSBC to develop new resources for small businesses

6 .Open channels of communication between the VSBC and local councils

The VSBC and Council will:

• advocate on behalf of small business and work with relevant agencies to progress matters of concern
• provide access to commercial disputes resolution mechanisms as appropriate.

For more information contact the Investment and Economic Development Team on (03) 9262 6333 or email business@whitehorse.vic.gov.au