Business Enterprise Centre


What is a Business Enterprise Centre (BEC)?

 

Business Enterprise Centres (BECs) are community-based organisations that are owned and supported by locally managed corporations. They are designed to facilitate the creation, retention and development of sustainable business enterprises and foster local economic development.

 

BECs provide practical, confidential business assistance through successful partnerships with governments, private enterprise and local communities across Australia.

 

Over 130 BECs across Australia

 

BEC Australia has more than 130 members and associate members throughout Australia. Each is an independent organisation which enjoys the benefits of membership to BEC Australia.

 

Each BEC has access to the talents and resources of all BECs in the Australian network (plus many partner resources) to provide quality business assistance. These vital partnerships give access to professional services and programs in addition to government programs. The strength of the BEC network is that it provides independent, confidential and competent business counselling. Initial consultations are free in most cases; however there may be nominal charges for workbooks, software and further services.

 

BECs support small and micro businesses throughout their development – from commencement to operation and growth, through to succession planning and implementation.

 

Box Hill BEC provides: 
 

  • business mentoring and counselling
    We provide small business mentoring and counselling services. We can help, whether you are starting, existing or looking for the next growth opportunity. Our basic package of four sessions costs only $250. Contact us to arrange your initial free appointment. 
      
  • training
    Whether you are just starting out or have been in business for some time the Certificate IV in Business (Small Business Management) allows you to gain or update your skills in managing your business. The certificate has been designed to meet your needs as a small business owner/operator. All topics have a strong small business emphasis, and classes are scheduled to suit the needs of small business operators.
      
  • small business networking
    The Box Hill BEC Business Network allows small business operators to network regularly with other businesses. Meetings include a guest speaker who talks on a topic relevant to small business. The network meets on the first Wednesday of each month (except for January) at 6.30pm with the guest speaker presenting at 7.00pm.  Refreshments are also provided. The cost is $20 per meeting.

 

Federally funded Business Advisory Services


From 1 July 2008, Box Hill BEC was one of 36 BECs in Australia (and the only one in Melbourne) funded by AusIndustry to provide free or low-cost business advisory services including:

 

  • support for new business: provision of advisory service meetings and networking opportunities for new small businesses
  • planning: assessment of individual small businesses, followed by better business planning advice. The BEC assists with networking opportunities, writing better business plans, assessing and improving supply-chain management, e-commerce take-up, information technology and broadband, succession planning and creating security for the business over leased premises or intellectual property.
  • loans and banking products: BEC staff or consultants provide independent information and guidance on banking and finance products for small and micro-businesses.
  • marketing: BEC staff or consultants prepare simple marketing plans for small businesses on promotional opportunities and advertising options in their local area
  • legal and accounting services: access to free or low-cost legal and accounting advice and for established home-based/micro businesses to obtain advice on issues such as retail tenancy, intellectual property, credit management. Accounting advice is provided from independent accountants in public practice on Wednesdays and legal advice from solicitors on Thursdays.  Phone 8892 2008 to make an appointment
  • leasing guidance: the BEC provides small businesses with information and guidance on leasing terms and conditions during negotiations with prospective landlords
  • government regulations: the BEC provides advice on regulatory compliance at all tiers of government.
  • national referrals: if a BEC client is considering conducting business interstate or intrastate, the BEC will refer the client to the most appropriate BEC for assistance. Where appropriate, the BEC will refer clients for industry-specific assistance to another BEC. Phone 8892 2008 to arrange an appointment.

 

Partners


Box Hill BEC is pleased to acknowledge our current national alliance partners:

 

  • Hewlett-Packard (HP)
    Ask how our partnership with HP can assist you with great deals on HP small business products.   
  • National Australia Bank (NAB)
    Have you been in business for more than three months and can’t get a business loan? Ask us about the NAB Microenterprise Start loan, only available through BEC Australia members.
  • Oracle Telecom
    Need a 1300/1800 number?  As well as meeting all your communications needs (including landline, mobile, internet, wireless, web hosting and PABX) at less than what Telstra, Optus, Vodaphone and others charge, Oracle provides our clients with a 1300 or 1800 number line rental free.  Ask for a referral.
  • The Australian Tax Office (ATO)
    Ask about the ATO’s Small Business Program.

 

More information
For more information on Box Hill BEC call 1300 BOX HILL.
 
The services provided by Box Hill BEC are partially funded by the Australian Government.