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Mentoring Program To Provide Boost For Local BusinessLatrobe 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 By Latrobe City Council - 16th February 2007 - Back to News development and mentoring program during March and April.
The program will be conducted by Business Development Network (BDN), which has run similar programs throughout Victoria for the past seven years. Many businesses that have participated in the program are experiencing significant increases in turnover and profitability and have greater confidence about their future.
A free information session will be held next week in the Latrobe City Traralgon office for people wanting more information about the program and its success with other businesses.
Leo Billington, Latrobe City Investment Manager 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," Mr Billington said.
"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 cash-flow 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," Mr Billington explained.
The BDN 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 a better work/life balance.
Program participants will attend two days of workshop with additional practical one-on-one coaching sessions with a BDN 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 Regional development Victoria and Latrobe City, the cost for businesses to participate in the program is only $550 including GST", said Mr Billington.
The free information session will be held on Tuesday 20 February 2007 in the Function Room, Latrobe City offices, Kay Street, Traralgon commencing at 6pm.
The workshops will commence on Wednesday 7 March 2007 and the subsequent coaching sessions with each participating business will be scheduled throughout April and May.
To book a place or obtain more information, please contact Leo Billington on 0407 541 258 or the Business Development Network on (03) 5332 9844.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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