Small business operators in the Dandenong area will be able to access free mentoring, support and government business services when the Small Business Bus visits on Wednesday, 15 March 2017.

The Andrews Labor Government doubled its mobile support for small business in 2015, with a second Small Business Bus delivering valuable advice to towns and suburbs across Victoria for the past two years.

The bus service provides advice from small business mentoring specialists skilled in marketing, finance, human resources and sales. These experts have extensive experience in operating small businesses and in senior business management roles.

In 2015-16 more than 1,500 small businesses accessed free on-board mentoring, while a further 6,200 received assistance from information officers.

This year’s enhanced touring program will take more information and services to more towns across the state than ever before, benefiting businesses that may not have the time or resources to otherwise access the available support.

The two vehicles also play a vital role in providing business recovery support to communities in times of crisis, such as those that have been affected by bushfires or the dairy crisis.

The increased capacity of the program now enables greater flexibility and faster response times when assistance is required.

The Small Business Bus will be located at Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, VIC 3175 from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday, 15 March 2017.

Free mentoring sessions on board the bus are limited and bookings are essential. For more information or to book a session, visit business.vic.gov.au/sbb or call Small Business Victoria on 13 22 15.