Our Services
The Western Business Enterprise Centre (WBEC) delivers high quality training, consultancy and advice to the small and micro business sector. Specialising in business management and business planning, our services include the development of individual training plans, business training, networking and, from time to time, mentor services funded by Commonwealth Government projects.
Training in small business management is offered through daytime and evening courses or via flexible delivery. Several groups will commence at various points throughout the year. This represents around 300 individual businesses/students. The centre focus of this training is the development of a business plan.
The WBEC provides informal training and commercial opportunities for many local businesses. Currently WBEC training is delivered at sites in King St, Werribee, Melton and Footscray.
Our People
The WBEC fosters a learning culture and continuous improvement principles. The core staff are well qualified and experienced. Current qualifications held by staff include the Diploma in Business Facilitation, the Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, Degrees in Business and Masters in Education.
Our Achievements
The Western Business Enterprise Centre at Victoria University was established in 1992 and has now become the focal point for a range of small business initiatives within the Western Region of Melbourne.
For 5 years the WBEC delivered Business Counselling Services and at times has been engaged specifically to deliver business counselling services to the Vietnamese community. On occasions the WBEC hosts information sessions for Austrade for first time Exporters.
During the introduction of the GST, the WBEC conducted training sessions for the ATO with sessions tailored for the Vietnamese business community.
The WBEC has also:
- developed information packs for first time exporters
- provided over the counter information for new starters in business
- provided open access for businesses to access the internet with one-on-one coaching on the use of the internet
- developed a business network which is now know as the Greater Western Chamber of Commerce
- provided one-on-one business training to fruit and vegetable retailers for the Melbourne Market Authority
- delivered small business training to key toy retailers in partnership with the Australian Toy Association
- delivered training to community based aged care providers in small business operations and tender preparation
- auspiced arrangements for a marketing workshop for the State Government Business Growth Program
- sponsored the Young Achievement Australia Program for youth in small business
- auspiced arrangements for VET-accredited small business programs for secondary schools within the region
- provided mentoring programs to Women in Business, Artists in Business and Growth businesses
- provided training for Business Facilitators through the Diploma in Business Facilitation, which is now delivered Australia wide through the Business Enterprise Network and the Australian Institute of Management
Our Customers
The WBEC's customers include existing small businesses and those interested in starting or developing their business ideas.
Our Facilities
The WBEC is located in a shop front within the business centre of Footscray and provides open access and over-the-counter service to its small business clients. Training sessions utilise quality training facilities at King St, Melton, Werribee and Footscray. All participants have open access to IT and internet and individual learning plans are devised for each participant combining class lessons, tutorial and one-on-one coaching.
