Wednesday, 31 May 2023

 Jacinta ERMACORA (Western Victoria) (12:59): (219) My constituency question is to the Minister for Small Business. Minister, the Western Victoria Region is home to a great many small businesses, from cafes to aged care and agricultural support. Small businesses sit at the heart of regional Victoria. They are critical to driving jobs. I have had the delight of speaking with many local business owners across the community. I know it can be challenging to be a small business owner, but so many Victorians take up the challenge, and that is why the Andrews government will always put local small businesses at the centre of its economic agenda. The Small Business Bus is a great resource for small businesses throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria. With business advisers on board, the Small Business Bus offers one-on-one sessions, business planning, grant assistance and much more, making it easier to mark up the challenge of running a small business. Can the minister tell me when the Small Business Bus will visit the Western Victoria Region so that I can share this with my local community?