If you were in the Young or Harden CBD through the week, you may have noticed a small blue bus parked in the street.
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The Business Connect bus travels around the state and provides face-to-face advice to small business owners on a range of areas from starting a business, to growing and innovating into the future.
It’s staffed by trained consultants from the Business Enterprise Centre or BEC who can assist with personalised support.
If you missed the bus this week, jump online to find out when it will be in the area next, or to make an appointment with an advisor.
Just Google ‘business connect bus’.
Another useful resource Hilltops small businesses may not know about is the Australian Small Business & Family Enterprise Ombudsman or ASBFEO.
The ASBFEO provides assistance to businesses who may find themselves involved in a business dispute, but want to avoid costly litigation to resolve it.
I certainly encourage small businesses in the area to make use of both of these resources.
Our small businesses are so important to the health of the local economy; they provide jobs, they keep our communities vibrant and they attract visitors to our towns.
Speaking of luring visitors, a handful of our local businesses have been profiled in the latest issue of ‘Her Canberra’.
‘Her Canberra’ is a glossy magazine featuring fashion and food trends.
The Winter edition profiles some local accommodation, eateries and attractions in what is an impressive spread featuring some lovely photography.
I may be biased, but looking at it, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were reading about inner-city Sydney cafés, or trendy Melbourne coffee shops.
Entitled ‘Head for the Hill(tops)’ I’d recommend readers go online (www.hercanberra.com.au) and take a look at the article that showcases our region to a city audience who surely won’t be able to resist the temptation to visit, and who knows, maybe even relocate!
Our local businesses are certainly second to none, but we can’t rely on visitors to the area to boost their trade.
We must ensure we all support our region’s economy and shop local when we can; we’re so lucky to have so many (not so) hidden treasures on our door step.