Small Business

As the state’s leading employer organisation, VECCI takes representation of small business seriously. Victorian business is primarily made up of small businesses across all industry types with some 99 per cent having less than 200 employees and 95 per cent employing fewer than 20 people.   

We are implementing a number of initiatives to ensure the voice of Victorian small business remains loud and clear to policy makers and the broader community. To get involved, or find out more, contact policy@vecci.org.au 

VECCI Small Business Council  

The VSBC is facilitated by VECCI and comprises a group of small business leaders, keen to champion small business views about tax, red tape, access to finance, export issues, tax rebates, government grants and more.   

VSBC Members

• David Richardson, Chief Executive Officer, Strategem Financial Group (Chair)
• David Abela, Managing Director, 3 Degrees Marketing
• Mark Answerth, Managing Director, Credit Collect
• Will Bateman, Director, BBS Flooring Products
• Lynda Bertoli, Managing Director, Sage Technology
• John Breen, Professor, Victoria University
• Kizanne Davies, Owner, Elysium Day Spa
• Martin Dieleman, Managing Director, Lamp Technology International
• Dan Feldman, Partner, HR Legal
• Ray Keefe, Managing Director, Successful Endeavours Pty Ltd
• Geoff Kelly, Kelly Strategic Influence
• Kurt Hoffman, Managing Director, KHS Pacific
• Stephen Mardling, Partner, Fidelis Design Associates
• James McGarvey, Director, The Agenda Group
• Jodie Vogt, Manager, Century Inn

For more information about the VSBC, contact the policy team on 8662 5453 or email to policy@vecci.org.au

Small Business Sustainability Ambassadors

 The Small Business Sustainability Ambassadors are owners/managers of Victorian businesses and leaders in adopting sustainable practices in their own business.

• Ralph Plarre, owner of Fergusson Plarre Bakehouses recovered 100% of the costs in setting up an energy efficient bakery in the first year. 
• Ricardo Krauskopf, owner of Alto Hotel on Bourke added a competitive, sustainable edge to attract corporate and government visitors seeking ‘green’ accommodation. Alto is saving some $50,000 per year through energy, water and waste initiatives implemented a little or no cost.
• Rob Nugent, commercial manager of Vega Colour Group saved money through sustainability actions including reducing material to landfill by 50%, meaning they no longer pay a contractor for removal.

Chambers of Commerce

VECCI also champions business interests by supporting Chambers of Commerce.

• Kinaway Victorian Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce

Supporting East Timor

VECCI is working with the Timorese business community and Government to establish the Timor Leste (East Timor) Chamber of Commerce.