Small Business in Victoria

Overview

Small business contributes greatly to the health of the Victorian economy and creates a significant number of jobs, goods and services. The number of new small businesses – businesses that employ less than 20 people - has grown every year since 2001.

More than 43 percent of people employed in Victoria’s private sector work in small businesses – and small businesses account for 96 percent of all Victorian businesses, according to the Victorian Government’s 2006 Small Business Strategy.

Small businesses can be found in almost every industry and sector. Industries that commonly include large numbers of small businesses include:

  • property and business services
  • retail
  • construction
  • agriculture, forestry and fishing
  • manufacturing
  • finance and insurance.

Industry size

In 2006, more than 300,000 Victorian-based businesses employed less than 20 staff.

Occupations

If you’re interested in setting up, buying or taking over a small business in Victoria, you may be eligible for visa sponsorship by the Victorian Government.

Industry contacts

The Victorian Government strongly supports small business. The Business Victoria website is a good source of information about setting up and running a small business.

Victoria also has a Small Business Commissioner, who is responsible for promoting a competitive and fair operating environment for small business.

For more information about the support available to small businesses, see Business Startup.

Last updated: 20 July 2009

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State Government of Victoria