Sound advice gave business start-up the spark it needed

Small businesses across the region that are struggling to get off the ground will now have the boost they need with the launch of Business Local this month.

With the need for a new model of service delivery better suited to the Great Southern, the State Government has provided $3.5 worth of funding per year delivered through the Small Business Development Corporation to assist small businesses.

Establishing his own business in Katanning about a year ago with the help of the SBDC, Frobeez Electrical owner Andrew Froby said his company had been operating for about a year and starting the business was the biggest challenge.

"Taking a business off the ground is a struggle in any region, but SBDC through their mentoring, helping with business plans, lifted a huge weight off my shoulders," he said.

"It's about getting that ball rolling, creating a client base, a matter of building our name out there and without that help we would have struggled."

SBDC commissioner David Eaton said Business Local would provide a range of advisory services and guidance designed to empower small business owners to better manage and grow their business.