The following organisations can provide you and your business with resources assistance in a variety of fields. You can also find out about the wide range of Government assistance and support by clicking here.

• Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) -  vecci.org.au

VECCI is Victoria's most influential employer group, servicing over 15,000 Victorian businesses per annum. An independent, non-government body, VECCI was started by the business community to represent business.

• Australian Retailers' Association -  www.ara.com.au

The ARA represents the diverse interests of all retailers and is the most effective provider of quality information and services to members, fostering an environment conducive to their business success.

• Australian Industry Group -  www.aigroup.asn.au

The Australian Industry Group (AI Group) is Australia's leading industry organisation representing 10,000 employers in manufacturing, construction, automotive, telecommunications, IT & call centres, transport, labour hire and other industries. They provide comprehensive advice and assistance to help members run their businesses more effectively and to become more competitive on a domestic and international level.

• Home Based Business Australia -  www.hbba.biz

HBBA is a specially developed group aimed at giving home based businesses the reward and recognition they deserve. HBBA provides a voice for the home based business sector, which makes up 67.5% of all businesses in Australia.

• Property Council of Australia -  www.propertyoz.com.au

The Property Council Of Australia is an integral business ally and provides backing to members in the political arena. Members can also benefit from networking opportunities, a wealth of information and a range of professional development courses.

• Chisholm Institute of TAFE, Frankston Campus -  www.chisholm.vic.edu.au

Chisholm Institute provides a range of business courses including administration, accounting, general business, customer contact, legal practice, marketing, public relations, real estate, retail and small business. To find out more click here.

Chisholm also runs the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS), which is a Federal Government program that helps unemployed people to establish their own business. The NEIS program is delivered through Chisholm and is available to Centrelink registered job seekers who are receiving eligible Centrelink allowances. NEIS provides 8 weeks training in all aspects of small business management.