Businesses in line for on-line help

By Bridget Brady
A GOVERNMENT on-line marketing program will be available in April for public use.
Cardinia Shire Council and the Victorian Government are joining forces to host the program in Pakenham to help local home-based, small and medium-sized businesses.
The program will help businesses take advantage of marketing via electronic commerce – known as eCommerce.
Business Development Network (BDN), which has conducted similar programs throughout Victoria for the past 12 years, will present the program.
Topics will include branding, payment, understanding customers’ needs, security and effective web site construction.
Council’s business development officer Philip Jackson said small business was a vital part of the local economy, providing 80 per cent of employment in Victoria.
He said it is crucial to facilitate the growth of this sector.
“Businesses that survive and remain profitable do so because they invest the time to address the key issues facing small business,” Mr Jackson said.
“The BDN program has been specifically designed for the small business owner and manager delivered jargon free, and it addresses key eCommerce issues.”
A free one-hour information session on the program will be held on Tuesday 18 March at The Chapel, corner of Main Street and McGregor Road, Pakenham, starting at 6pm.
To book a place or for more information, contact the Business Development Network on 5332 9844.