The Andrews Labor Government is helping local small businesses to grow, providing $30,000 in funding to Commerce Ballarat’s B31 Ballarat Business Festival.

The funding is double the amount provided in 2018 and will support the running of the month-long festival, which will take place in August this year.

Commerce Ballarat provides networking and advocacy services to businesses in the greater Ballarat area.

The funding is part of the Labor Government’s drive to provide small businesses with localised support and access to tools and information that will help them grow and prosper.

By supporting small businesses in Ballarat and around Victoria, the Government is helping to create more jobs and boost local economies.

There are more than 600,000 small businesses operating across the state, representing approximately 98 per cent of all Victorian businesses.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business Adem Somyurek

“By supporting the B31 Ballarat Business Festival, we’re creating a more supportive business environment so that small businesses in the region have access to development and networking opportunities.”

“Victoria’s future depends on our small business sector growing and the activities in this month-long festival will help Ballarat small businesses and their communities thrive.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Small business is the heart of Ballarat’s economy and I am proud to support B31: Ballarat Business Month. By providing support and opportunities for local businesses to grow and prosper, more jobs will be created for the Ballarat community.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“I want to thank the Minister for announcing this $30,000 investment in the Ballarat Business Community.”

“The sponsoring of this important event by the Andrews government gives local business’s a chance to network, develop strategies, and most importantly grow. We are a government that is taking care of business.”​