PEOPLE looking to expand their business, hire new employees or simply pick up tips from local leaders can do so at a breakfast hosted by Mitchell Business Network at Wallan’s Hogan’s Hotel on Thursday.
Network chairman Darren Knight said the breakfast, from 7am to 8.30am, was free for anyone wishing to attend and would include a recruitment specialist as a guest speaker, as well as representatives from the local business community, Mitchell Shire Council and Bendigo Bank.
He said the breakfast was about rekindling business relationships in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The whole idea is to get businesses together and talking, because in the past few years that hasn’t been happening,” he said.
“We’re getting back to basics and to grassroots small businesses, and trying to help them out.
“We plan on doing at least two other events, probably in Seymour and Kilmore, on different topics.”
Mr Knight said the network was planning a future event giving people advice on how to manage their finances while recovering from the pandemic.
“I’ve had several meetings with staff at Bendigo Bank and they’re finding that people are trying to borrow more money to keep going even though they’re already buried in debt,” he said.
“That’ll be the next theme – how to manage your debt and see light at the end of the tunnel.”
Mr Knight encouraged anyone who owned a business or was considering starting one to come along.
“This is just to kickstart things and get people talking,” he said.
“We want to support small businesses, we want to encourage businesses to come to the area and we want to be a point of reference.
“If people are having trouble or want advice on planning permits or expanding, come and talk to us. There are a bunch of people who have years of experience in business.”
People can call Hogan’s Hotel on 5783 1251 for more information.
