Small business scene set to flourish in Shepparton

RMIT University vice-president Professor Julie Cogin said the program used culturally sensitive approaches to teach participants to develop their business ideas into resilient local enterprises that have the capacity to reach national and international markets.

“We are thrilled that we were able to deliver this pilot program in Shepparton, an important and growing business hub for Victoria,” she said.

Studies by the program's lead academics found that recent migrants turned to entrepreneurship due to a lack of formal education and job opportunities, however many who managed to start their own business did not have the necessary skills to expand it.

According to the most recent census, 609 people in the Greater Shepparton area were born in Africa.

Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp attended Saturday's the ceremony to congratulate the graduates.

“It’s fantastic that we can support the business ambitions of the African community in Shepparton - together we can build an inclusive economy that benefits everyone and builds jobs across the community,” Mr Gepp said.

In the Greater Shepparton area, 97 per cent of its more than 6300 businesses are small businesses.

Small Business Minister Adem Somyurek congratulated graduates, saying it was an exiting time to turn business ideas into a reality.

“We’re committed to creating an inclusive economy which benefits all Victorians and small businesses are at the heart of this because they create local jobs and know best the needs of their communities,” he said.

Small Business Victoria runs low-cost workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions for small business owners in Shepparton, in partnership with the local council. For details, go to www.business.vic.gov.au/events