Related Business and Rural Development Links
Business Related
- Austrade
Level 21, CO Weekly Times Tower 40 City Road Southbank VIC 3006
Ph: 132 878
Fax: 9284 3100
Austrade is the Australian Government agency that helps Australian companies win overseas business for their products and services by reducing the time, cost and risk involved in selecting, entering and developing international markets. Austrade aims to contribute to community wealth by helping more Australians succeed in export and international business.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics
6th Floor Commercial Union Tower
485 LaTrobe Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Postal Address: GPO Box 2796Y Melbourne VIC 3001
ABS' National Information and Referral Service (NIRS):
Ph: 1300 135 070 International: [+61 2] 9268 4909
Fax: 1300 135 211
E-mail: client.services@abs.gov.au
For Census information contact: census2001@abs.gov.au
ABS assist and encourage informed decision making by providing a large range of statistical information relevant to business - primarily on a user pays basis. Information includes census information, business surveys on demographics, business trends, broad economic indicators such as CPI, labour force etc.
- Australian Customs Service
Ground Floor Customs House 414 LaTrobe Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Postal Address:
PO Box 2809AA Melbourne VIC 3001
Ph: 1300 363 263
Fax: 9244 8200
Email: information@customs.gov.au
Customs manages the security and integrity of Australia's borders. It works closely with other government and international agencies, particularly the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs and the Department of Defence, to detect and deter unlawful movement of goods and people across the border. New exporters/importers can access the website for information e.g. prohibited or restricted imports.
- Australian Government Export Finance and Insurance Corporation
Level 10, Export House, 22 Pitt Street, SYDNEY, 2000
Ph: 1800 887 588
F: 9251 3851
Email : info@efic.gov.au
EFIC provides a range of financing options to assist Australian companies exporting and investing overseas. As an export credit agency, EFIC's products and services are typically focused in the ‘market gap', where because of country or industry risk there is insufficient commercial market capacity. EFIC structures transactions to provide flexible and innovative financing solutions and tailors finance and insurance packages to fit your needs.
- Australian Industry Group
20 Queens Road, Melbourne Vic 3004
Postal Address: PO Box 7622, Melbourne, VIC 8004
Ph: 9867 0111
Fax: 9867 0199
Free call: 1800 136 103
Telephone Advisory Service
Ph: 9867 0100 Fax: 9867 0199 inappropriate to give these numbers as the service is for members only
The AIG is Australia's leading multi-industry employer organisation, representing companies in manufacturing, construction, automotive, telecommunications, IT & call centres, transport, labour hire and other industries.
ALSO in Geelong:
”La Cabine”
1 Yarra Street,
Geelong 3220
Ph: [03] 5222 3144/5222 3287 Fax: [03] 5221 2914
Email: tonyd@aigroup.asn.au OR jillm@aigroup.asn.au
- Australian Institute of Export (VIC) Ltd
53 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Ph: 9620 0033
Fax: 9620 9933
Email: aiexvic@aiex.com.au
The Australian Institute of Export is a non-profit private sector organisation, which assists Australian exporters and export service providers by providing export education and training. The Institute operates in all States of Australia, and is a member of the International Association of Trade Training Organisations.
- Australian Industrial Relations Commission www.airc.gov.au
Level 42, Nauru House, 80 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000
GPO Box 1994,
Melbourne Vic 3001
Out of hours emergency no: 0419 960 157
Ph: 8661 7777
Fax: 9655 0401
Email: melbourne@air.gov.au
The functions of the Commission include facilitating agreements between employers and employees relating to wages and conditions of employment, prevent ing and settl ing of industrial disputes [including hearing Wage Fixing Principles and related issues], hearing and determining unfair dismissal applications and registration and coverage of unions and employer organisations.
- Australian Retailers Association Victoria
Association House, Level 2 104 Franklin Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Ph: 9321 5000
Fax: 9321 5001
Email: info@vic.ara.com.au
A member based association which seeks to promote and develop the retail industry through the provision of information and support to members. ARAV are the leading retail employer organisation in Victoria.
- Australian Small Business Support Line (SBSL)
The Small Business Support Line is NOW OPEN!
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (Australian Daylight Savings Time). The Support Line will be closed on Australian National Public Holidays.
Complementing existing services to small businesses, the Small Business Support Line has been established in response to the global recession.
The Small Business Support Line will provide an initial 'single' point of contact to access information and referral services that assist small businesses including:
Finance and cash flow management (including loan and banking products)
- Marketing and promotion, including research and statistics
- Business planning and diagnostic services
- Legal, accounting and taxation services
- Personal stress and hardship counselling
- Registration and licenc
- E-Business and online assistance
- Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
- Government initiatives, grants and assistance
- Employing staff
- Home-based business
- Importing and exporting
- Tenders and contracts
- Intellectual property
- Franchising
- Insurances
- Retail leasing guidance
- Government regulation
- Human resource manageme
Contacts: sbsl@innovation.gov.au
- Business Licence Information Service [BLIS]
Victorian Business Line
Ph: 13 22 15
The Business Channel website provides information on selecting a business structure and registering a business name, employing staff, taxation, local Government building and planning controls. BLIS will help identify the state, local and federal licences, permits and registrations required for operation of your business in Victoria.
- Business Victoria
Business Victoria is a comprehensive online resource designed to help you start, run and grow your business.
- Consumer Affairs Victoria www.consumer.vic.gov.au
Level 2, 452 Flinders Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Postal Address: GPO Box 123A Melbourne 3001
General Enquiries and Information Line: 1300 558 181
Email: consumer@justice.vic.gov.au
ALSO at Geelong 5 th Floor, State Government Offices, 30-38 Little Malop Street
Visit the Consumer Affairs Victoria website for information about business names , ways to register [including online] and a facility to search your proposed business name against existing business names. The site also includes information on Associations, Co-operatives and Limited Partnerships.
- Department Of Industry, Tourism and Resources
Postal Address: GPO Box 85A, Melbourne VIC 3001
Ph: 9268 7555
Fax: 9268 7599
The Department develops and administers programs and services designed to advance Australia's innovation and technology capabilities in manufacturing, resources and service industries. AusIndustry, the Australian Government's business unit within the Department, provides business assistance to support innovation, investment and international competitiveness.
- Department Of Primary Industries
Welcome to the Information Notes Series. Here you will find easy to read "Information Sheets" on a range of topics relating to Agriculture, Fisheries & Aquaculture, Flora and Fauna, Forests, Landcare, Land for Wildlife, and Minerals.
- Economic Indicators & Regional Economic Performance
The Geelong Economic Indicators Bulletin monitors the annual performance of the Geelong Regional economy. Upward or downward movements in key economic indicators such as building trends, unemployment, population growth, median house prices, trade through the Port, school enrolments and peak overnight population in tourist areas are monitored. In addition to standard data, the Bulletin also includes special feature tables. The feature tables included in each addition are outlined in the link above.
- Family Business Australia www.fambiz.com.au
National Office Level 2, 568 St Kilda Road Melbourne VIC 3004
Ph: 9529 6177
Fax: 9529 6744
Free call: 1800 249 357
A national member-based not-for-profit organisation formed to improve the effectiveness of Australian families in business.
- Federal Government Business Assistance
This Department offers you simple and convenient access to all the government information, transactions and services you need. It's a whole-of-government service providing essential information on planning, starting and running your business. What to do when you are... Thinking of starting a business Are you ready? Need help with planning, raising finance or writing your business plan? These guides and templates can help. Starting a business Ready to start? Here's information on starting a new business, a home-based business and buying a business or franchise. Exiting a business Closing or selling your business? Find out about succession planning, bankruptcy, deregistering your business and employee payments. Essential business information: E-business Employing people Fair trading Grants & assistance Home-based business Importing & exporting Insurance Intellectual property Market research & statistics Occupational health & safety Registration & licences Taxation Tenders & contracts.
- The Geelong Chamber of Commerce www.geelongchamber.com.au
Victorian Business Centre
69 -71 Moorabool Street Geelong 3220
Ph: 03 5222 2234
Fax: 03 5222 2235
Email: admin@geelongchamber.com.au
Geelong ’s only independent business voice. A member based organisation which provides opportunit ies for business people to network at frequent Chamber functions. Members’ details are included on the Chamber’s website and linked to members’ websites.
- Ground Cover
Ground Cover is a free bi-monthly newspaper published by the Grains Research and Development Corporation. It provides technical information for grain growers, including updates on research, trials, new varieties, farmer activities and case studies.
- Industry Capability Network (ICN)
Level 4, 10 Queens Road Melbourne VIC 3004
PO Box 7492 Melbourne VIC 8004
Ph: 9866 6155
Fax: 9866 6304
Email: info@icnvic.org.au
The aim of the Victorian Industry Capability Network (ICN) is to promote Victorian and Australian industry through import replacement and opportunities for participation in overseas projects. The ICN performs a technical role providing purchasers with a free sourcing service to identify Australian manufacturers capable of supplying those items that would otherwise be imported.
- Innovic [Victorian Innovation Centre Limited]
Level 1/257 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Postal Address: PO Box 245 Flinders Street Melbourne VIC 8009
Ph: 9650 4733
Fax: 9650 6755
Email: info@innovic.com.au
INNOVIC is Victoria's leading provider of services to innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs and small to medium enterprises who are in the early stages of getting their ideas to work. It is an independent, not for profit organisation, established in 1986 under a joint Federal and State initiative.
- Information Victoria
356 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Ph: 1300 366 356 Fax: 9603 9920
Online Bookshop: http://www.bookshop.vic.gov.au
Information Victoria's bookshop is a one stop shop for Victorian and Federal legislation, government reports, maps and specialist Victorian publications, is the authorised agent for the sale of publications produced by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and has a range of other excellent general publications on topics like history, gardening, cooking, genealogy, aboriginal heritage, biography and autobiography. The bookshop is also one of the most highly regarded specialist stockists of Victorian local and community histories.
- New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS)
A free training program for eligible Centrelink clients, who have a viable business idea and are keen to start their own businesses. For details in the Geelong area, contact Australian Business Development Centre on 5223 2677 OR BRACE on 1800 101 808.
- Open Source Victoria (OSV)
An industry cluster which provide
services and technology related to Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).
OSV is backed by Multimedia Victoria (MMV), an arm of the Victorian
Government. OSV provides free information and referral services to
Victorian business about business software. All the software OSV
recommends is available at no cost.
Contact Details:
Level 4, 10 Queen Street, Melbourne, Vic 3000
Phone: 9621 2377 Fax: 03 9621 2477
Contact:
Con Zymaris (Convenor, Open Source Victoria)
Email: conz@cybersource.com.au
Contact: Arik Gershoni (Special Projects Officer)
Email: arik@cybersource.com.au
- Regional Matters - An Atlas of Regional Victoria
Regional Matters: An Atlas of Regional Victoria (the Atlas) aims to highlight issues of concern to those interested in the impact of change on regional areas. It is intended to enhance our understanding of these changes as well as generate debate, both within regional and metropolitan communities. From such debate can emerge a greater awareness of issues and the development of strategies which ensure the ongoing development and prosperity of Regional Victoria, and thus Victoria as a whole.
- Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS)
SBMS Head Office
Suite 5, 303 Maroondah Hwy Ringwood, Victoria 3134
If you have a specific question about SBMS itself you can email us directly at david.gregory@sbms.org.au or call our CEO,
David Gregory
Phone: 03 9879 4476
Fax: 03 9879 4486
The SBMS is an independent non-profit organisation providing experienced volunteer business counsellors, mentors and coaches to Victorian businesses. Accessible through the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development - Office of Small Business, the SBCS aims to improve the employment potential, sales and profits of Victorian small businesses.
- Trade Fairs and Trade Missions Multimedia Victoria
Level 20, 80 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000
GPO Box 2797Y
Ph: 9655 1054
Email: tradefairs@mmv.vic.gov.au
Multimedia Victoria's ICT Trade Events and Exports Assistance Program provides financial (grant) assistance for export-ready Victorian information and communications technology (ICT) companies to attend recognised overseas trade fairs and missions. The program was established by the Victorian Government to encourage Victorian companies to take their products to the world. The site provides a listing of upcoming trade fairs and missions.
- Tradegate ECA
Level 6, 131 York Street, SYDNEY, 2000
Ph: [02] 9823 1144
F: [02] 9823 3900
Email: tradegate@tradegate.org.au
Tradegate ECA is a unique, not-for-profit, non-government, user organisation, headquartered in Sydney. . Its foremost role is to facilitate the use of electronic commerce techniques for the exchange of information between customers and their suppliers. It does this by bringing together all of the different types of organisations involved in each supply chain so that a common agreed strategy can be developed and implemented using the relevant international standards
- Victorian Business Line (VBL)
For all queries regarding setting up or running a business in Victoria call the VBL on
Local call (within Australia): 13 22 15 International call: (+61 3) 9651 8100.
To find contact details for all regional Victorian Business Centres check on the above website.
- Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry [VECCI]
Head Office Industry House, 486 Albert Street Melbourne Victoria 3002
Phone: 8662 5333
Fax: 8662 5462
Email: vecci@vecci.org.au
Geelong
20 Little Ryrie Street, Geelong Victoria 3220
Telephone: 03 5222 4666
Facsimile: 03 5222 4845
Email: geelong@vecci.org.au
The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is a member-based organisation which represents the interests of businesses in Victoria and nationally. VECCI provides networking opportunities, international trade services, workplace and business training, workplace consulting and business briefings and networking.
- Welcome to the Business Consultation website
Are you an Australian business owner, association or interested in business? Register on this website to be consulted on proposed or existing business regulations.
Be part of the process: The Australian Government's new Business Consultation website allows businesses, industry associations and people interested in business to register to be consulted on regulatory areas that may affect them. Registered agencies and government departments can then request a list of businesses that match their consultation requirements.
- Work Choices - A New Workforce Relations System
An introduction to our plan for changes in the workplace relations system. Our plan for a modern workplace Introducing our plan for a modern workplace relations system which will give Australia a flexible labour market, allowing economic growth and employment opportunities. A new workplace relations system The Government will continue to pursue its election commitments and to pursue stalled legislative measures. WorkChoices news For employees Information on how WorkChoices applies to employees. Information on how WorkChoices applies to employers. Information on how WorkChoices applies to small business. https://www.workchoices.gov.au/ Contact us If you have a general question or need help to understand your pay and conditions of employment in Australia, you can contact us via email by completing the form below. Please note that responses to emails can take up to five working days. To speak to an adviser directly you can call the WorkChoices Info line on 1300 363 264. People with a hearing impairment can contact the National Relay Service on 133 677 or free call 1800 555 677. Non-English speakers can contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450
- State Government Call Centre
Our experienced telephone staff will either answer your query directly or connect you to the right person within State Government for your specific needs. You can also purchase our bookshop publications over the phone. (All major credit cards accepted)
Find out more about the Government Programs currently running through the Call Centre.
Phone 1300 366 356 for the cost of a local call, anywhere in Australia. TTY +61 3 9603 8806
Operating Hours 8.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
Level 42, The Tower 360 Elizabeth Street Melbourne VIC 3000
GPO Box 520, Melbourne VIC 3001
Ph: 9690 1444
Fax: 9690 1457
The ACCC is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Trade Practices Act and the provision of the Conduct Code for administering the Prices Surveillance Act. The ACCC promotes competition and fair trading for the benefit of consumers, business and the community.
- Australian Securities & Investment Commission
Level 17 CGU Tower 485 Latrobe Street Melbourne VIC 3000
GPO Box 9854 Melbourne Vic 3001
Ph: 9820 3500
Fax: 9820 3550
Info Line: 1300 300 630
Email infoline@asic.gov.au
Enforces and regulates company and financial services laws to protect consumers, investors and creditors. Provides an information service relating to starting up, running and closing down a company; policy and procedures on fundraising, licensing, disclosure and takeovers; and lodging company documents. NOTE: The Geelong office is now closed permanently.
- Australian Taxation Office
Victorian Business Centre, 69-71 Moorabool Street,
Geelong VIC 3220
Ph: 5229 0641 [appointments]
Existing business owners and new starters can access information relating to Australian taxation, including superannuation, business activity statements, record keeping and taxation information. Free tax seminars for new small businesses are held throughout the year.
- Law Institute of Victoria
470 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Postal Address: GPO Box 263C Melbourne VIC 3001 DX 350 Melbourne
Ph: 9607 9311
Fax 9602 5270
Email: lawinst@liv.asn.au
The Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) is the pro
fessional association for Victorian solicitors, which represents its members' interests and works to improve the law so that it better serves a changing society. Online help to find a lawyer in your area, research links, bookshop, public events. The business law topics covered include those relating to e-commerce, partnerships, purchasing or setting up and selling a small business.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics www.abs.gov.au
5th Floor Commercial Union Tower
485 LaTrobe Street Melbourne VIC 3000
GPO Box 2796Y Melbourne VIC 3001
ABS' National Information and Referral Service (NIRS)
Ph: 1300 135 070
Fax: 1300 135 211
E-mail: client.services@abs.gov.au
ABS assists and encourages informed decision making, research and discussion within governments and the community, by leading a high quality, objective and responsive national statistical service.
- Anglesea Tourism and Traders Association
PO Box 119, ANGLESEA 3230
- Lorne Business and Tourism Association
P O Box 225 LORNE 3232
- Winchelsea Tourism and Traders Association
PO Box 43 WINCHELSEA 3241
- Aireys Inlet Tourism
PO Box 263 AIREYS INLET 3231
- Torquay Commerce and Tourism
PO Box 270 TORQUAY 3228
- Standards Australia/Quality Assurance Services
19- 25 Raglan Street South Melbourne VIC 3205
Ph: 9693 3555
Fax: 9696 1319
Email: assurance@sai-global.com
A market leader in providing assessment and certification services that offer confidence in business transactions and to consumers. The organisation also helps customers manage their risk and compliance processes by providing independent certification.
- Council of Adult Education
21 Degraves Street , Melbourne VIC 3000
Ph: 9652 0611
Fax: 9654 7840
CAE exists to provide learning to the Victorian community via a wide range of programs and services. CAE receives government funding, which supports delivery of accredited courses designed to help adults complete their secondary education and begin or change their career direction. It is primarily a city-based organisation with a strong focus in arts, languages and adult secondary education.
- Gordon Institute of TAFE – Geelong www.gordontafe.edu.au
Private Bag 1
Geelong Mail Centre Victoria 3221
Phone (03) 5225 0500
Fax (03) 5225 0505
Course enquiries Ph: (03) 5225 0800 or email enquiries to courinfo@gordontafe.edu.au
The Gordon Institute of TAFE has been meeting the Geelong region's education and training needs since 1887. Today the national training provider delivers more than 400 full-time, part-time and specialist courses across five campuses, while apprenticeships, traineeships and customised industry training programs are delivered in workplaces around Australia.
Nationally accredited training at certificate, diploma, advanced diploma and degree levels is offered through seven teaching schools of: Art, Design and ICT; Building and Construction; Business and Management; Life Sciences; Manufacturing; Social Sciences and Tourism, Hospitality and Cookery
- Centrelink Employment Services - www.centrelink.gov.au
Ph: 13 10 21 [appointments]
Centrelink, a Federal Government agency delivering a range of Commonwealth services to the Australian community, is structured so people can get more of the help they need in one place. Their website contains information about their services, together with a large number of publications available for download. Provides payments of Youth Training Allowance, Pensions etc. They also have Job Vacancies listed on modern, touch-screen computers.
- CRS Australia
Ph: 1800 624 824
183 Little Malop Street, GEELONG, 3220
Ph: 5225 9700
Fax: 5225 9722
TTY: (03) 5225 9704
CRS Australia delivers vocational rehabilitation services to Australian citizens or residents, who have an injury, disability or health condition, to get a job or return to their job. This service is free to people receiving income support payments from Centrelink. They also provide Occupational Health and Safety consultancy services to employers
- Job Network
Ph: 13 17 15
Job Network is a national network of private and community organisations dedicated to finding jobs for unemployed people, particularly the long term unemployed. Whether you are a job seeker or employer, this site provides information about how Job Network members can help you.
More information - Job seekers: 13 62 68 - Employers: 13 17 15.
