Council’s Business Concierge supports new and existing businesses

Published on 14 October 2021

Council’s Business Concierge is a free service to guide and assist new and existing business operators through the process of starting or expanding in Frankston City.

North East Ward Cr Suzette Tayler said the Business Concierge service both highlights and complements Council’s extensive suite of supports for businesses, adding in the past 12 months the service has:

• Assisted 86 local businesses with support through Council’s Business Mentoring program.
• Assisted with 574 Business Concierge enquiries.
• Liaised with customers and new business operators to assist with the opening of seven hairdressing premises, 16 beauty salons, 11 skin penetration businesses, 19 home based food businesses and 46 commercial food businesses.

Cr Tayler added that the business community has done it hard due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and that’s why Council is offering an extensive range of initiatives and supports including $200,000 to establish a new Frankston Business and Industry Chamber, $120,000 for the Invest Frankston After Dark Activation Grants to boost the Frankston City night economy, introducing a streamlined online process for Council planning applications and activation grants.

Frankston City Council has reaffirmed and underscored its support to COVID-19 recovery initiatives with a $3.86 million investment to help our community to recover from COVID-19 – taking Council’s total support in its Relief and Recovery Package to $9.128 million.

Cr Tayler said the pandemic has created challenges for residents, businesses, sporting and community groups and Council is dedicated to support the community as it recovers from the challenges of COVID-19.

Cr Tayler said business is critical to the economic life of Frankston City – that’s why the Relief and Recovery Package includes $1.352 million in grants and programs.

Council CEO Phil Cantillon said the Business Concierge is the first point of contact for those aiming to open, relocate, activate or expand their business in Frankston City.

“It’s is a free service offered by Council to guide and assist you through the process of starting or expanding your business. We understand navigating through Council can be challenging and businesses may need one or more permits to start operating,” Mr Cantillon said.

You-Group Victoria Director Deb Mulqueen said: “The Business Concierge service has assisted me to develop a bird’s eye perspective of my business and the importance of prioritising correctly in the infancy stage.

“The wealth of knowledge and experience of the mentors is truly inspiring and is a worthwhile investment for any business owner,” Ms Mulqueen said.

You-Group is accredited to deliver a range of training products including Drink and Drug Driving Programs and Mental Health First Aid training.

Mr Cantillon said the Concierge provides information about the permits required and will liaise directly with relevant Council departments to ascertain the details required to apply for those permits.

“The Concierge can provide advice regarding requirements for proposed internal fit outs, building works, signage, food business, health premises registration and more. The Concierge can also provide advice on Council related grants, funding, mentoring and business support opportunities available.

“Further assistance includes advice regarding planning, zoning, signage, food permits, health registration, septic advice, building permits, local laws, kerbside trading and more,” Mr Cantillon said.

For more information, please visit https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Business/Starting-or-Growing-your-Business/Meet-our-Business-Concierge or phone 1300 322 322 and ask to speak to the Business Concierge.