Business Resources
Business Resources
Running an agribusiness requires a wealth of knowledge across a wide range of areas.
Below is a list of useful business resources that we have complied to assist you in running the best business you can.
Agriculture Victoria Planning and Advisory Service
The Advisory Service consists of a small team of advisors with specialist knowledge of Victorian agricultural farming systems and planning regulation to assist council planners and landholders to navigate the planning permit application process for agricultural developments.
The Advisory Service provides advice on agriculture land use planning for developments across major agricultural sectors including pigs, goats, dairy (cattle, sheep, goat and camel), feedlots (cattle, sheep and goat), poultry (meat, eggs and hatchery), horticulture and grains. It can also provide advice on related land uses, including rural industry and rural workers accommodation.
Rural Financial Counselling Service- Victoria West
The Rural Financial Counselling Service has been a trusted community partner in business support since 1986.
Rural Financial Counselling Service provides support through:
Financial Counselling: Help assess your financial position, identify opportunities and weigh up options.
Help with succession planning, negotiating with banks, applying for grants.
Small Business Support: A range of services for small business owners operating through challenging times.
Help with formulating a business plan, identifying solutions for cash flow, and consolidating loans.
Wellbeing Support: The wellbeing team helps clients deal with the stresses of financial challenges.
Agriculture Victoria
Agriculture Victoria works in partnership with farmers, industries, communities and other government agencies to grow and secure agriculture in Victoria.
Agriculture Victoria delivers tools, calculators, newsletters, grants, networks, programs and services for farmers and producers.
Commerce Ballarat
Commerce Ballarat is the largest independent business group in Ballarat, creating a united voice for all business sectors.
The group was established in 2002 following an amalgamation between the Ballarat Retail Board and Ballarat Chamber of Commerce. We currently have over 650 members from all industries covering private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
Their purpose is bettering business in greater Ballarat by:
Creating and driving business activity
Providing leadership and advocacy
Collaborating with key stakeholders to advance business
Facilitating knowledge and skills development for business
Greater Ararat Business Network
The Greater Ararat Business Network (GABN) is a membership based Chamber of Commerce consisting of progressive forward thinking, supportive and welcoming business men and women with experience with a diverse range of industries and backgrounds from across the Ararat regional area. As business owners and operators, they are invested in ensuring the success of business in the region, with the mantra of “providing opportunity for like-minded businesses to Network, Share and Learn”.
Members have regular access to a range of discounted advertising packages, free or discounted attendance to networking events, the opportunity to host an event, participate in training and development and attendance at business breakfasts.
Central Highlands Growers and Producers Hub Development Opportunities
Central Highlands Growers and Producers Hub members gain access to a number of development opportunities throughout the year, either free or at a discounted rate.
The latest opportunities are listed on the Development page.