Australian Bureau of Statistics can assist small business operators with market research, profiling customers and can help you to understand more about your community. ABS can provide Census data specific to your industry. ABS data, training, consultancy services and other useful information can assist you in understanding factors that may affect your business. ABS data can be used for the purpose of business or franchise planning. The ABS has a range of publications containing data specifically catering to the needs of small business owners.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the peak council of Australian business associations. The role of ACCI is to represent the interests of business at a national level as well as internationally. ACCI operates at a national and international level, making sure the concerns of business are represented to government at the federal level, and to the community at large.

Business Victoria is a comprehensive online resource designed to help you start, run and grow your business. Access information about key business issues, access information about specific industry sectors; identify the government licences and regulations that apply to your business. This Business Victoria website is published by the State Government of Victoria, Australia and is managed by the Department of Business and Innovation (DBI).

The Grants Link directory has information about federal, state and local government funding programs that can help you. Find government grants and assistance for individuals, businesses and communities.

The Australian Txation Office provides a range of services associated with small business, such as registering for an ABN. The ATO's Small Business Support page provides information to assist small business owners in meeting their tax obligations.

Business.gov.au is a Federal Government initiative that provides essential information on planning, starting and running a business.

Consumer Affairs Victoria is responsible for advising and educating traders and landlords on their rights, registering and licensing businesses; conciliating disputes between consumers and traders. They also provide advice and assistance on matters of renting, estate agents, building, shopping, and trading. They also license or register and regulate conveyances, estate agents, introduction agents, motor car traders, owner's corporation managers, prostitution service providers, travel agents, second-hand dealers, and pawnbrokers.

Enterprise Connect is a Federal Government initiative in the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. With a national network of industry innovation centres, Enterprise Connect provides access to specialist expertise and quality, technical and business resources to help transform your business.

Intellectual Property Australia is the Australian Government agency that administers intellectual property (IP) rights and legislation relating to patents, trademarks, designs and plant breeder's rights.

INNOVIC is a not for profit organisation assisting over 1,800 innovators each year, helping to turn new ideas, inventions and innovations into viable products and new businesses. INNOVIC offer a wide range of services, free seminars and innovation resources to help your business idea, invention or innovation through all stages of commercialisation.

Our Community is a world leading social enterprise that provides advice, tools and training for Australia's community groups and practical links between the community sector and the general public, business and government.

The Small Business Commissioner of Victoria is dedicated to promoting a competitive and fair operating environment for small business.

The Small Business Mentoring Service is an independent not-for-profit organisation that offers a range of programs for businesses that want to improve and grow. The programs are flexible and are suitable for both established businesses and start-ups. The SBMS provides mentoring in marketing, sales, finance, manufacturing, retailing, franchising, tourism and other fields.

WorkSafe Victoria provides assistance to small business and the community to deliver outstanding workplace safety, together with quality care and insurance protection to workers and employers.

AusIndustry is the Australian Government's primary source of business program delivery in the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. AusIndustry aims to deliver business services that build on innovation, investment and international competitiveness.

The Australian Institute of Export is a national, not-for-profit, membership based organisation. AIEx provides practical export education and training, a wide range of exporter services and acts as a conduit between industry and government and exporter recognition events.

Australian Made research shows that 65% of Australian shoppers have a strong preference for buying locally made products and produce - but many find it difficult to identify truly Australian goods. The Australian Made, Australian Grown logo is recognised by 94% of local shoppers and trusted over any other Australian identifier by 85% of shoppers, making it the obvious choice for businesses who want to communicate effectively with the hundreds of thousands of consumers who are looking for Australian goods. The logo is available to businesses of all sizes and licensees receive a number of benefits in addition to the right to use the logo on products and in marketing material. Registered products are promoted in the online directory and the businesses behind them have access to a wide range of merchandise.

Austrade is the Australian Government's trade and investment development agency, operating as a statutory agency of the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio.

Export Victoria - How do you know that you're ready to export? Where is the best market for your product? And what's the first step on the road to global success? It all starts with making sure your business is export-ready and thinking about the best way of taking your product or service to market. The Victorian Government offers grants and assistance to potential and current exporters and their industry groups.

Australian Retailers Association is Australia's leading retail body, promoting and protecting the sector by creating value for members and the retail industry through advocacy, advice, education and member services.

CommonGround Energy Foundation Ltd is an independent not-for-profit organisation. It was established to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the municipality of CommonGround, in the inner-northern suburbs of Melbourne. Zero Carbon CommonGround (a community action program run by MEFL), can assist businesses to reduce carbon emissions and save money.

Grow Me the Money is an initiative to help small business become more sustainable, and save money on resource usage by following a 12 step program. It's an introductory environmental management system focussed on monitoring, reporting and reducing resource consumption. Grow Me the Money is best suited to businesses that have access to their energy and water bills and have been operating for at least 12 months.

Destination Melbourne is the Regional Tourism Organisation for Melbourne. Destination Melbourne work with business; community and government to help grow Melbourne as an outstanding global visitor experience. Destination Melbourne specialise in: co-operative marketing and visitor publications, industry leadership with a particular focus on the visitor experience, industry development including training programs, networking events and forums.

Tourism Victoria provide a foundation for industry growth, with strong research, policy, strategy and aviation platforms. Tourism Victoria share their resources and deep industry knowledge to grow businesses.

Apprenticeship Plus is a not for profit company established 1982 by the local governments of the north, to assist in providing apprentices and trainees across more than fifty vocations while supporting the apprentice or trainee and the employer for the duration of the training period.

Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the State. VECCI's focus is on leading business into the future. VECCI provides leadership, information, representation and networking opportunities to businesses across the State.

Further information:
Economic Development Unit
Phone 9999 1111
Email business@CommonGround.vic.gov.au