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Local businesses plan for their futureThirty clever thinking local businesses have recently completed a State Government funded business program resulting in each business having an up-to-date, individual action plan. By Latrobe City Council - 9th July 2003 - Back to News What became known as the One-on-One Project commenced in September last year and involved 30 businesses from across Moe, Morwell, Traralgon and Churchill.
Invest Latrobe’s Investment Manager, Leo Billington said that the businesses worked closely with a consultant to produce their own action plan.
"Each plan is individually tailored to meet the specific needs of each participant, establishing a pathway to expansion and growth," Mr Billington said.
"Each action plan is a combination of business and market planning, presented in hard copy format to become a useful, working document. It is like a formal job list with priority tasks for the next two to three years," Mr Billington explained.
"The sorts of issues that might be incorporated within an individual’s plan are target dates for having introduced a new software upgrade, or having undertaken an IT course; or a date by which a new delivery truck might be procured, an advertising campaign undertaken or all quotations followed up. They are practical self-set targets designed to induce action, enhancing business growth.
"This fully funded project has set a new benchmark in small business assistance. The formative mix of mentoring, discussions and provision of advice has resulted in an agreement to write down, in plain English, the action plan," Mr Billington said.
Mr Billington said that the One-on-One Project was one of six small business assistance projects funded by the State Government Ministerial Taskforce.
"Using this funding, the Latrobe City Small Business Network was created to co-ordinate the separate projects. Latrobe City’s Invest Latrobe business unit managed the projects which also included the formation of business networks in tourism and micro and home based businesses," Mr Billington explained.
Latrobe City Mayor added that the project period had produced some amazing results.
"Extensive networking has now commenced which improves communication between our small business sectors. Furthermore, Latrobe’s small business community is seriously considering the viability of their business activities and is enthusiastic to learn more," Cr Middlemiss continued.
"In fact, the small business part of our local economy is a real gold-mine of experience, business skill and expertise from which many others can be inspired to achieve," Cr Middlemiss said.
Each of the 30 participating businesses received a framed certificate to acknowledge the professionalism with which the action plans were completed.
Cr Middlemiss added that the One-on-One Program had successfully attracted Federal government funding for the forthcoming year therefore allowing more detailed work to take place with small businesses.
For further information, please contact Leo Billington on 1300 367 700.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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