The three initial local authorities have begun the SBDC Small Business Friendly Approvals program to create better working conditions for small-sized local companies.
This Program, SBDC’s Small-Business Friendly Approvals, has begun. The Small Business Commissioner David Eaton is meeting with Melville, Rockingham, and Wanneroo representatives to thank them for the local government’s decision to participate in the programs.
The Approvals Program aims to speed up getting trade permits and business licenses from local authorities. The Program forms part of a set of initiatives designed to speed up the process of reforming regulations to aid in economic recovery after the impacts of COVID-19. COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to determine reform options to help small-scale businesses start and grow within their local communities. Through the process, the SBDC will be working closely with the municipal government’s group to map the current approval process and pinpoint areas that could be improved.
The Program was piloted successfully with Stirling and Canning. Canning and Stirling, in the latter half of 2023, make changes to shorten the time needed to grant an approval, increase the access of business customers to timely information and advice and provide better customer service, and create internal efficiencies within local government. Based on the success of the pilot as well as the success of the pilot, Approvals Program was subsequently approved. The approvals Program was financed to facilitate the involvement of twenty local authorities for the next two years.
Melville, Rockingham, and Wanneroo cities were selected as the first to be part of the Program following a competitive expression of interest. The three local government regions are home to over 28,000 small businesses. Construction; Transport, Postal, and Warehousing; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Rental, Hiring, and Real Estate Services; Financial and Insurance Services and Health Care and Social Assistance are the most significant industry clusterings in the three areas.
The Small Business Commissioner sat together with the City of Melville Mayor, Hon George Gear JP; City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels City of Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts and CEO Daniel Simms to celebrate the start of this vital work.
Mr. Eaton stated, “I congratulate these three leading local government organizations on being selected as the first group to participate in this program.”
“The process of identifying and implementing reforms that each local government will follow through the Approvals Program requires a significant investment of time and effort from teams across their organizations and a commitment from their leadership to support this intensive process.”
“Improving the operating environment for businesses and removing barriers to their success will solidify these area’s reputations as places where businesses are supported to succeed.”
“The SBDC is looking forward to working closely and productively with each authority to identify ways to streamline the approvals process for small businesses — ultimately saving both the LGA and business owners time, effort, and money and making it easier to start, operate, and grow a thriving business in each area.”
