Business Support & Networks
Business migrants are expected to make a significant economic contribution to Victoria. The Victorian Government's Skilled and Business Migration Program provides a range of free services to help business migrants so that they can make that contribution.
Business migrant seminars are offered to help migrants settle into life and work in Victoria.
We also work with other government departments, and organisations such as economic development agencies and migration agents, to link business migrants to commercial opportunities, and help them to settle in Victoria. For more information, see Services We Offer.
Business Victoria
Recent business migrants can also access information and support through Business Victoria. The Business Victoria website is an valuable resource for business owners, with step-by-step guides, contacts, licence information, events and training, and information about grants and other assistance. In particular, you might want to look at the information about:
- starting a business
- programs, grants and assistance
- workshops and seminars
Victorian Business Centres
You can also telephone the Victorian Business Line within Australia on 13 22 15 or international on +61 3 9651 8100. Alternatively, you can visit one of the 12 Victorian Business Centres (VBCs) in Melbourne and across regional Victoria that offer support to small businesses. These centres offer over-the-counter advice on the following services:
- starting a business, including licensing and registration
- buying an existing business
- referrals to other government and business providers
- organising and distributing local business and economic growth programs
- workshops and seminars on business topics
To find your nearest VBC, visit the Business Victoria website.
Small Business Counselling Service
Another source of support and information is the Small Business Counselling Service (SBCS), a non-profit, independent organisation that provides business counselling and mentoring to small and medium business operators across Victoria. SBCS counsellors are experienced business people with proven track records in a diverse range of industries. For a small fee, they give advice about most aspects of business management.
Other assistance
Other assistance is available from local government, migration agents, accountants and legal firms as well as community and employer groups.
For more information about support available to business migrants, please contact us.
Victoria
Migration tools
Last updated: August 2009
State Government of Victoria