Business tools

If you're looking to expand your business, or if you have a new business idea, you can use the Small Business Self-Assessment Tool to see which permits you might need to apply for as part of getting your idea off the ground.

Once you've got a list of the permit applications needed for your business expansion or new business idea, you can apply for these in our Small Business Combined Permit Application Form.

Business Victoria is a great source of information for businesses in Mitchell Shire.

Visit the Business Victoria website to access tools such as:

• how to set up a business
• how to market better
• what you need to know when hiring staff

plus many more.

Business Email Compromise (BEC) is an online scam where a cybercriminal impersonates a business representative to trick you, an employee, customer or vendor into transferring money or sensitive information to the scammer.

These scams don't use malicious links or attachments, so they can get past anti-virus programs and spam filters.

Protect your business from BEC by making sure your staff know how to spot this type of scam.

Visit the Australian Government: Stay Smart Online website for more information.

Networking is vital for all businesses. Networking includes business-to-business (B2B) networking, connecting with a local chamber of commerce, discovering news customers, connecting with local government or other organisations.

Visit the Victorian Small Business Commission website to access their building business networks guide.

If you're looking to enter into a lease agreement, there are some important facts that you should know first.

Visit the Victorian Small Business Commission website and view their retail leasing information brochure for a checklist and more information.

The Victorian Small Business Commission provides an efficient and low cost small business dispute resolution service.

Visit the Victorian Small Business Commission website for more information on dispute resolution.

To better manage your business through disruptive infrastructure projects, visit the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) website to read about supporting businesses through infrastructure disruption.

• Download the Victorian Small Business Engagement Guidelines
  This guide is a tool the VSBC has developed for project managers to support constructive engagement between local small businesses and organisations undertaking disruptive infrastructure projects.
  
• Download the Guide to Managing Disruption.
  This guide is a tool the VSBC has developed to help small businesses manage the impacts of disruptive infrastructure projects.
  
  

Mitchell Shire Council and Nexus Primary Health together with a number of partnering organisations have developed a Good Access is Good Business toolkit to assist business owners to make their business and premises more accessible.

You can obtain a copy using any of the following methods:

• download Good Access is Good Business (PDF 8.16MB)
• pick up a copy at any of our Customer and Library Service Centres
• contact our Community Development department on 03 5734 6200 or community.development@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au.

You can also request a free business visit to work through the toolkit.

Statistically 1 in 5 people have a disability including difficulties with mobility, sight and hearing. There are also many non-physical, less visible disabilities that make up this substantial figure. For business owners, this means 20% of their potential customer base could be lost through not offering an accessible premises or services.

Working through relevant compliance regulation can be challenging, particularly in a tenancy setting where extensive building works may not be feasible. However, there are many minor and low-cost changes that can make a significant difference.

Below are just a few of the simple steps businesses can take to improve their accessibility for all members of the community:

• clear aisle space
• considered placement of fixtures, furniture and EFTPOS terminals
• appropriate lighting
• low volume background music
• clear, plain language menus.

Mitchell Shire Council offers hire of accessibility ramps and threshold wedges to businesses and community groups within our municipality.

This is offered free of charge as a part of the Age-Friendly Communities project and Good Access = Good Business initiative.

These ramps are a removable solution for customers and community members using:

• wheelchairs
• mobility scooters
• walking frames and/or sticks
• people with limited mobility
• prams and strollers.