The Greater Ararat Business Network is committed to supporting businesses across the Ararat region with information and support from trusted and reliable sources. 

One organisation providing assistance to small business organisations is the Melbourne Innovation Centre.  They offer the Business Resilience Program which is specifically designed to assist small businesses suffering the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Support includes free access to four hours of mentoring online, as well as online workshops and resources.  To be eligible to access free mentoring businesses must be a Victorian business, have an Australian Business Number, have less than 20 employees and be a for-profit organisation.

Online mentoring is available in two blocks of two hours each and covers a wide range of subjects including:

• Strategy & Resilience
• Technology for Small Business
• Human Resources
• Customers & Marketing
• Strategy & Resilience
• Diversifying your Small Business
• Transitioning Business Activities Online
• Customers & Marketing
• Human Resources
• Health & Well being

Free workshops conducted through the Digital Solutions Program offered by the Australian Small Business Advisory Service are also available online to support small business operators including:

• How To Keep Customers During Covid-19
• Marketing on Social Media During A Crisis
• Create A Business Continuity Plan for Small Business
• The Digital Pivot: How to Take Your Traditional Business Online

The Digital Solutions Program workshops are only available at no cost and must be completed by the end of September.  More information can be obtained by calling 03 9490 1402 or emailing getsupport@melbourneinnovation.com.au.

To become a member or stay up to date with information about support available to local business, follow  The Greater Ararat Business Network on Facebook @gabiznetwork or visit our website at www.gabn.org.au.