Small business operators in the Craigieburn area will be able to access free mentoring, support and government business services when the Small Business Bus visits on Thursday 1 October 2015.

Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis said this year the Andrews Labor Government had doubled its mobile support for small business with a second Small Business Bus now delivering valuable advice to towns and suburbs across Victoria.

The bus service provides advice from small business mentoring specialists skilled in marketing, finance, human resources and sales. These experts have extensive experience in operating a small business and in senior business management roles, offering free advice to local businesses.

There are more than 532,000 small businesses in Victoria, representing 96 per cent of the state’s businesses, and more than 28 per cent of those are based in regional areas.

This year’s enhanced touring program will take more information and services to more towns across the state than ever before, benefiting businesses that may not have the time or resources to otherwise access the available support.

The two vehicles also play a vital role in providing business recovery support to communities in times of crisis, such as those affected by bushfires. The increased capacity of the program now enables greater flexibility and faster response times when assistance is required.

The Small Business Bus will be located at Central Square, Windrock Avenue, Craigieburn Central, Craigieburn VIC 3064 from 10am to 4pm on Thursday 1 October 2015.

Free mentoring sessions on board the bus are limited and bookings are essential. For more information or to book a session, visit business.vic.gov.au/sbb or call Small Business Victoria on 13 22 15.