VECCI CEO Neil Coulson signs the Charter in the presence of the Executive Director of the Office of Small Business, David Latina.

VECCI CEO Neil Coulson signs the Charter in the presence of the Executive Director of the Office of Small Business, David Latina.

VECCI last week signed a co-operative Charter with the Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD) committing the two organisations to work together in providing information and advice to the State's small businesses.

The partnership will create opportunities for joint information brochures and publications, linked websites and mutual information sessions for new and intending small business operators. Under the Charter, the Office of Small Business and VECCI will also be evaluating the future potential of activities such as jointly branded or sponsored events and co-ordinated training programs. Commenting on the agreement, the Minister for Small Business, Marsha Thomson, acknowledged that VECCI was a valuable source of information for existing and new businesses. She said that the services provided by the Victorian Government to small businesses were among the State's "best-kept secrets", and partnerships with organisations such as VECCI would ensure that more small businesses become aware of the services available. "We welcome this support from VECCI in getting our message out to Victorian businesses, and hope that this will be the start of a more collaborative and effective approach to delivering business information services," she said.

From VECCI's viewpoint, this initial Charter will assist us in more effectively meeting the needs of our members as well as helping to promote the Government's business information services. Watch for developments as the program is rolled out.

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