Government and Community-Based Support and Assistance (VCE SSCE Business Management): Revision Notes
Government and community-based support and assistance
Introduction to business support services
Australia has approximately 2.5 million small businesses that employ nearly 5 million people. Because small businesses are vital to the economy, the government has a strong interest in helping them succeed. When small businesses thrive, the entire economy benefits. To support this, the three levels of Australian government—federal, state, and local—provide a wide range of services and assistance programs, most of which are available at little or no cost to business owners.
This comprehensive network of support helps new businesses navigate the challenges of starting up, while also assisting established businesses to grow and adapt. The support ranges from financial grants to expert advice, from online information resources to face-to-face mentoring. Understanding what support is available and how to access it can significantly improve a business's chances of success.
Federal and state government assistance
Government grants and the Entrepreneurs' Programme
Both federal and state governments recognise that innovative businesses need financial support to develop and grow. They offer grants to successful applicants who can demonstrate they are running new and innovative businesses. While the application process can be lengthy and requires detailed documentation, businesses that secure a grant gain valuable funding that can accelerate their development and increase their potential for success.
The Australian Government's Entrepreneurs' Programme is a flagship initiative that demonstrates this commitment. Since 2014, over $400 million has been allocated to this programme, which has helped establish almost 500 innovative businesses across Australia. The programme is structured around four key elements that address different aspects of business development:
The Four Key Elements of the Entrepreneurs' Programme:
Understanding these four elements is essential for businesses seeking government support and maximising their growth potential.
1. Accelerating commercialisation helps businesses bring their products, services, and processes to market more quickly. This element provides expert advice and funding to move from the development stage to actual sales and revenue generation.
2. Business management connects businesses with experienced advisers from the private sector. These specialists review all aspects of business operations, including strategy, direction, growth opportunities, and supply chain management. This comprehensive review helps businesses identify weaknesses and capitalise on strengths.
3. Incubator support assists both new and existing business incubators to improve their effectiveness. By strengthening incubators, the programme indirectly helps Australian start-ups achieve international commercial success through better support systems.
4. Innovation connections brings experienced facilitators into businesses to identify knowledge gaps. These gaps might prevent the business from growing or reaching its full potential. The facilitator produces a detailed report with recommendations for addressing these gaps.
Small Business Victoria
The Victorian state government established Small Business Victoria as a dedicated agency to provide information and expert business advice specifically for Victorian businesses. This state-level support complements federal programmes and addresses the particular needs of Victorian entrepreneurs. Small Business Victoria offers several distinctive services:
The Small Business Bus is an innovative mobile service that brings expert advice directly to business owners across the state. This travelling office visits both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, offering 45-minute appointments with experienced business mentors.
A mentor is a person who offers their knowledge, wisdom and advice to someone with less experience. The bus makes business advice accessible to entrepreneurs who might not be able to easily travel to government offices.
Workshops and events cover essential topics that new and growing businesses need to understand. These include business planning fundamentals, how to develop effective digital strategies, marketing techniques, and financial management. The workshops provide practical, hands-on learning in a supportive environment.
The Annual Small Business Festival held each August is a major celebration and learning opportunity for Victorian businesses. Comprising over 500 events across Melbourne and regional Victoria, the festival brings together business owners, experts, and support services. It provides networking opportunities, educational sessions, and inspiration for business development.
Online resources
Both federal and state governments maintain comprehensive websites that provide essential information for businesses at all stages of development. These online resources are available 24/7, allowing business owners to access information when it suits them. The websites cover everything from initial planning to ongoing compliance requirements.
Accessing Government Support Online
The following websites represent the most comprehensive sources of business support information available to Australian entrepreneurs. Bookmark these resources for quick access to critical business information, regulatory requirements, and support services.
| Government organisation or area of interest | Website content |
|---|---|
| business.vic.gov.au (Victorian based) | Offers information on topics relating to small business, including setting up, marketing, hiring and managing staff. All new government initiatives appear on this site first. |
| business.gov.au (Commonwealth Government) | Provides comprehensive tools, tips and information to plan and establish a small business. Business owners can access all government information, services and transactions here. This includes acquiring an Australian Business Number (ABN) and downloading government forms. The site covers business assistance, start-up procedures, employment regulations, taxation, importing and exporting, superannuation obligations, and occupational health and safety requirements. |
| www.vsbc.vic.gov.au Victorian Small Business Commission | A Victorian Government website dedicated to creating a competitive and fair operating environment for small business. The Commission performs four main functions: advocacy for small business interests, dispute resolution services, monitoring business conditions, and engagement with the business community. This is the first port of call for independent guidance on business disputes, providing access to quick, effective, neutral and low-cost mediation services. |
| www.austrade.gov.au Austrade | Provides export and investment services specifically for Australian companies. Austrade helps businesses understand and navigate international markets, supporting Australian capability in a changing global environment. |
| ipaustralia.gov.au IP Australia – Patents | Patents are essential for protecting intellectual property (IP) for any device, substance, method, or process that is new and innovative. This site provides detailed information about the patent process and handles patent applications. |
| www.abs.gov.au Australian Bureau of Statistics | An excellent source of business data, statistics and advice on how to use statistical information effectively. This data helps businesses understand market trends and make informed decisions. |
| https://ablis.business.gov.au Australian Business License and Information Service (ABLIS) | A comprehensive one-stop tool that helps businesses find the specific local, state and federal permits, licences and registrations they need. This simplifies the often confusing process of ensuring legal compliance. |
| www.auda.org.au .au Domain Name Administrator | The policy and industry self-regulated authority for the internet.au domain space. This is essential for businesses establishing an online presence. |
| www.ato.gov.au Australian Taxation Office | The government website that provides taxation information for individuals and businesses of all sizes. Understanding tax obligations is crucial for business compliance. |
| www.scamwatch.gov.au Scamwatch | Provides advice on and awareness of frauds specifically targeting small businesses. This helps businesses protect themselves from scams and financial crime. |
| www.accc.gov.au ACCC – Australian Competition and Consumer Commission | The main responsibility of the ACCC is to ensure businesses comply with fair trading and consumer protection laws. This protects both businesses and their customers. |
Local government assistance
Understanding local government's role
Local government plays a particularly important role in supporting businesses because it has direct responsibility for regulating many business activities within its geographical area. Each local council understands the specific challenges and opportunities facing businesses in its region, making it well-positioned to provide targeted support.
As part of their strategic planning process, local councils create an economic development plan. This plan strategically sets the economic direction for the local area over a five-year period. The plan identifies priorities for business support, infrastructure development, and economic growth. By understanding the local economic development plan, businesses can align their strategies with council priorities and access relevant support.
Local governments oversee various programmes specifically designed to assist and support businesses within their boundaries. This usually includes facilitating business networks where operators can connect with each other, share experiences, and learn from fellow entrepreneurs. These networks create a sense of community among local businesses and provide valuable peer support.
Economic development units
Many councils operate local economic development units that aim to improve business opportunities within their local government area. These specialised units work closely with the business community to understand needs and deliver targeted support.
Economic development units run projects and initiatives specifically aimed at local businesses. These might include:
- Educational seminars on current business topics
- Practical workshops on skills like digital marketing or financial management
- Networking events that bring the business community together
Most economic development units publish a regular newsletter, which can be accessed via the local government website. These newsletters keep businesses informed about upcoming events, new regulations, funding opportunities, and success stories.
Local business awards programmes are another common feature of economic development units. These awards recognise excellence and innovation in the local business community, providing valuable publicity for winners while inspiring other businesses to aim higher. Economic development units also provide information about government grants and help businesses navigate the application process.
The Macedon Ranges Shire Council example illustrates how local government connects with various industry groups and networks. The council acts as a central hub linking major employers and business leaders with specialised groups like the Macedon Ranges Accommodation Association, tourism bodies, the viticulture industry, agribusiness forums, employment networks, real estate agents, and general business networking groups. This comprehensive approach ensures businesses in different sectors receive relevant support.
Community-based support services
Business Enterprise Centres
Business Enterprise Centres are a national network of centres that serve as a first point of contact for business owners seeking business information, advice and guidance. With over 30 member centres across all states and territories, most can be identified by the distinctive BEC logo. Some centres receive partial funding from the federal government, making their services highly affordable for small businesses.
BECs provide a crucial service by conducting viability assessments when someone is considering starting a business. This assessment examines the business idea from multiple angles, alerting potential business owners to issues that might influence the business proposition. By identifying problems early, BECs help people avoid negative financial damage that could result from pursuing an unviable business idea.
Beyond initial assessment, BECs offer ongoing support through mentoring services, comprehensive business information, and training programmes. These services continue to support business owners as they navigate the challenges of running and growing their enterprise.
BEC Workshop Topics
BEC network members provide a wide range of workshops that address current and relevant business topics. These workshops help businesses stay informed and competitive. Common workshop topics include:
- Understanding changes to state and federal legislation that might affect business operations
- Learning about changes to local zoning, development and traffic regulations
- Discovering how to use social media effectively for business benefit
- Improving human resource management skills
Business incubators
A business incubator is an organisation that supports new businesses by making available business premises, office/secretarial services, advice, consultancy and training at minimal cost, until that business is established. Business incubators provide a selective programme that supports a start-up business throughout the course of its early years when the business is most vulnerable.
Many incubator programmes provide access to a coworking space—a shared space that is designed for diverse groups of professionals, sole traders and small businesses to work independently in a communal setting. In these spaces, start-up founders can access professional office space, business equipment and technology without the high costs of setting up their own premises. This significantly reduces the initial capital required to start a business.
Beyond physical space, incubators provide essential services including:
- Office and secretarial support
- Expert advice on business challenges
- Consultancy services from specialists in various fields
- Training programmes to develop business skills
The incubator manager typically acts as a mentor or provides introductions to other experienced mentors who can guide the new business owner.
Business incubators have proven remarkably successful at creating employment opportunities, helping to commercialise new technologies, and contributing to the development of local economies. By providing comprehensive support during the critical early years, business incubators can significantly reduce the likelihood of business failure.
Case Study: Melbourne Innovation Centre and Mentorship
The Melbourne Innovation Centre (MIC) provides an excellent example of how business incubators support business development and create economic value. Established in 1998, the MIC aims to provide an environment and mentorship that contributes to business growth and employment creation in Melbourne's north. With offices in Alphington, Northcote and Greensborough, the MIC has established a strong presence in the region.
The MIC's Approach:
The MIC provides start-ups and small business owners with low-cost, high-quality advisory services within a coworking space environment. This combination of affordable physical space and expert guidance creates an ideal environment for business development. Advisers and mentors with diverse business skills and experience across various industries work with fledgling businesses, bringing real-world understanding of the challenges small businesses face.
Key Programmes:
The MIC has delivered several high-impact programmes including:
- Digital Solutions, which helps businesses develop their online presence
- Kitchen and Food Incubator, which supports food-based businesses with specialised equipment and expertise
The centre has provided training and mentoring to over 3,500 businesses, including home-based enterprises. Additionally, the MIC has supported the establishment and growth of over 100 Indigenous-owned enterprises through its Indigenous Business Incubator programme, demonstrating its commitment to inclusive economic development.
In response to changing conditions, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, the MIC added the Business Recovery Advisory Service and Partners in Wellbeing Helpline to its offerings, showing how business support services adapt to meet emerging needs.
Impact and Results:
The impact of the MIC since 1998 has been substantial. The centre has:
- Incubated over 400 start-up and scale-up businesses
- Directly created over 1,500 jobs within Melbourne's north
- Generated businesses that contribute over $66 million annually to the Victorian economy
This demonstrates the significant economic multiplier effect of effective business incubation.
Success Story: Farmwall Urban Farming
One notable success story is Farmwall Urban Farming, a community-oriented social enterprise that has added a new dimension to the concept of 'home grown' produce for cafes and restaurants. Farmwall provides custom design, installation and maintenance of vertical gardens that allow restaurants and cafes to grow fresh produce on-site. This innovative approach:
- Reduces food miles
- Minimises food waste
- Eliminates pesticide and herbicide usage
- Decreases water and energy costs
- Helps prevent deforestation
Cofounder Geert Hendrix explained the motivation: "It is possible to combine food production, design and nature through innovative science and technologies. If we grow our food in coherence with natural ecosystems and implement this mindset in designing our living spaces we create a beautiful, healthier environment for ourselves, as well as solving major issues that cause climate change and pollution."
After joining the coworking community at MIC, Farmwall participated in the Two Feet Programme, an acceleration programme that helped the business design a solid business model and deepen their value proposition, intent and customer desirability. This programme helps entrepreneurs understand the critical elements needed to build a sustainable business, demonstrating how structured support can accelerate business development.
Community-based networks
Small Business Centres Victoria (SBCV) is a network of community-based, not-for-profit business centres providing a range of business services throughout Victoria. Each SBCV is incorporated and run locally under a public/private partnership model. This structure combines government support with private sector expertise, creating a sustainable and effective support network.
These centres are located in both metropolitan and regional areas, ensuring that business support is accessible across the state. Each SBCV is staffed by business development managers who are specialists in business and industry, bringing deep expertise to their advisory roles. These centres offer comprehensive advice, mentoring services, and business incubation programmes to business owners at all stages of development.
Through successful partnerships with governments, private enterprise and local communities, SBCVs can facilitate practical and confidential business advice. Because SBCVs are locally based, staff members have a thorough understanding of the specific issues facing their particular area. This local knowledge means they can tailor their advice to the specific needs of a new business in that region, addressing challenges that might be unique to the local market or regulatory environment.
Business mentors
State and local governments facilitate numerous local business groups and create mentoring arrangements that assist businesses by providing opportunities to share experiences with others. These peer-to-peer learning opportunities are invaluable for business owners who may feel isolated or uncertain. Governments provide various programmes to promote and support business networks while offering mentoring services that connect experienced business people with those who need guidance.
The Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS) is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation supported by the Victorian Government and Small Business Victoria. This low-cost programme offers access to approximately 130 experienced business people who volunteer their time as mentors. These mentors bring deep experience, relevant qualifications and diverse skills across a broad range of disciplines and industries.
What an SBMS Mentor Can Help With:
An SBMS mentor can assist with multiple aspects of business development including:
- Starting a new business from scratch
- Writing comprehensive business plans
- Developing effective marketing strategies
- Increasing sales and improving profitability
- Understanding and managing finances
- Improving management skills
- Identifying new opportunities for growth or diversification
Case Study: Small Business Mentoring Service and Altegra
The experience of Altegra demonstrates how business mentoring can help a company navigate crisis and identify new opportunities. Simon Braunthal runs Altegra, which has sold premium custom-made and branded marquees and gazebos since 2004. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Australians were told to stay at home and avoid large gatherings, Altegra's sales plummeted by 75 per cent.
The Crisis:
Outdoor crowds had been Simon's livelihood, but most markets closed, sporting events were postponed, schools moved online, and outdoor events were cancelled. The situation was potentially disastrous for a business that had been "ticking away just nicely" before the pandemic.
The Mentoring Solution:
Rather than accepting defeat, Simon worked with SBMS CEO David Gregory to brainstorm new ways to market his portable marquees and gazebos, which are known for their strength and durability. The mentoring relationship helped Simon think creatively about new product ideas and markets as COVID-19 restrictions gradually eased.
New Opportunities Identified:
- Hand sanitiser stations for schools using branded gazebos to create recognisable locations
- Outdoor kitchen and serving stations for wineries and restaurants facing capacity restrictions
- Customised gazebo packages for fairs, markets and outdoor events with creative messages and photos
- Festival-themed marquees matching specific events (such as Ferrari red marquees at the Italian Festival)
- Tourism applications where groups of businesses could use gazebos for consistent branding across joint ventures
Digital Transformation:
Simon also reconsidered how he operated his business. He had preferred selling face to face and customers had liked visiting his Knoxfield showroom to feel and touch the products. Post-COVID-19, however, more customers preferred to shop online. With guidance from SBMS mentors, Simon explored digital opportunities that aligned with his business model.
As Simon reflected: "It's almost like starting again. We're having to change our thinking. We're having to invest more on our website and YouTube. It's exciting in some ways. It's a bit of a reset not just for Australia but for the whole world."
Adapting Support Services:
The SBMS itself adapted to the new normal by:
- Moving mentoring online via Zoom
- Establishing a COVID-19 support page on its website
- Addressing crucial issues such as accessing government support and strategies for surviving challenging times
David Gregory emphasised the importance of rethinking business direction: "The road ahead is not the same road. While so many businesses have been impacted, the response should be how can they redefine their business, their direction, their products/services and align them to the new road."
This case demonstrates how expert mentoring can help businesses not just survive crises, but identify new opportunities and emerge stronger.
Key Points to Remember:
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Government support exists at three levels—federal, state and local—each offering different but complementary services to help businesses succeed.
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The Entrepreneurs' Programme provides four key support elements: accelerating commercialisation, business management advice, incubator support, and innovation connections to identify knowledge gaps.
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Online government resources provide 24/7 access to essential information on topics ranging from business registration to taxation compliance and consumer protection.
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Business incubators significantly reduce the likelihood of business failure by providing coworking space, equipment, expert advice and mentoring at minimal cost during the critical early years.
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Community-based services like Business Enterprise Centres, SBCV and SBMS connect business owners with experienced mentors and advisers who provide practical, confidential guidance tailored to local conditions.
Key Terms:
- Mentor: person who offers their knowledge, wisdom and advice to someone with less experience
- Business incubator: organisation supporting new businesses with premises, services, advice and training at minimal cost
- Coworking space: shared space for professionals and small businesses to work independently in a communal setting
- Business Enterprise Centres: national network serving as first point of contact for business advice
- Economic development plan: five-year strategic plan setting economic direction for a local area