A new drought business transitioning program will help small businesses in regional Victoria to manage new climate change issues, says VECCI.

"Climate related issues such as drought often mean that businesses in regional Victoria have to make ongoing decisions in order to sustain their businesses or transition from one industry to another", says VECCI Chief Executive Officer Wayne Kayler-Thomson.

"The decision to remain or leave a particular business can be difficult. Many businesses need external assistance to help them assess their situation and develop strategies to manage change in their existing business or move into a new business.

"In partnership with Regional Development Victoria (RDV), VECCI is offering regional Victorian businesses the opportunity to attend information seminars, receive an individual review of their business and be provided with advice for the future of their business from specially selected business advisors", says Mr Kayler-Thomson.

The Drought Business Transition Program is funded by RDV and is available free for non-farm business owners (with an ABN) in regional Victoria.

The information sessions will commence in January and run until late May. Sessions will be held at over 30 locations throughout regional Victoria. Participants will have the option to register for a follow-on half day Individual Business Viability Review. Depending on the outcome of the review, participants can then register for a further two half-day Individual Planning Sessions to complete the program.

For registration enquiries please call the information hotline on 03 8662 5191 or visit http://www.vecci.org.au/.