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Business planning program to boost local businessesLatrobe City Council and the Victorian State government are joining forces to support the growth of local small and medium sized businesses by hosting a subsidised business planning program during August. By Latrobe City Council - 25th July 2006 - Back to News The program will be conducted by SED Consulting, which has run similar programs throughout Victoria over recent years. Many businesses that have participated in the program are experiencing significant increases in turnover and profitability and have greater confidence about their future.
Leo Billington, Latrobe City senior economic development officer says that small business is a vital part of the economy, providing 60 per cent of all employment in Victoria and believes that business planning is crucial to facilitate the on-going growth of this sector.
"Some businesses survive by reducing staff and overheads, and the consequences for a local economy can be disastrous. This is a short-term solution that often does not address the keys issues facing small business," said Mr Billington.
"Problems tend to arise because many small business owners are too busy with the day-to-day running of the company to develop management methods capable of delivering profitable and sustainable growth".
"Most can keep their head above water in good times but find it difficult to manage staff, delegate work, cope with increasing workloads and manage the cashflow all at the same time. The most effective way to help is to provide expert support to the businesses, to assist with long term planning and management as well as succession planning," explained Mr Billington.
A workshop program has been specifically designed for the management of small and medium businesses. It is also designed to give the owner more skills to develop and plan a better work/life balance.
Program participants will attend two consecutive days of workshop followed by a practical one-on-one coaching sessions with a SED consultant to complete a business plan specifically tailored for their business.
"The cost of producing a business plan can often be an expensive exercise, but with the support of the state government and Latrobe City, the cost for businesses to participate in the program is only $539 including GST," said Mr Billington.
The workshops are scheduled for Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 August and will be held at the Latrobe City Function Room, Kay Street, Traralgon.
To book for the workshops or to obtain more information, please contact Leo Billington on 0407 541 258.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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