Business Concierge

Our Business Concierge can provide free advice to help local businesses navigate the Council approval process.

If you're starting a business or thinking of expanding an existing one, our team is here to help guide you through each step of the process.

We recommend completing the Business Navigation Form and seeking the correct advice before signing a lease or purchasing a property. 

Steps in the process

Let’s walk through the steps a business takes to get regulatory approvals with Council. 

Business Permit Navigation Form

By completing the form and providing us with information about your business at the start, we can assist with getting information from the regulatory teams. Following the completion of this form, the Business Concierge will make contact with you to provide information on the process and what permits or approvals may be required to operate.

Complete the Business Permit Navigation Form

Pre-application meetings (if required)

Depending on the complexity of your business, you may be invited to meet with Council officers in a business pre-application meeting. Officers from each of the relevant regulatory areas will help you determine if the proposed address allows for the intended business use and which approvals you will need for your business. This is a good time to ask questions about the information you have gathered and which order you should lodge your applications.

Apply

The Business Concierge provides links to the business to complete the application process for the relevant permits. The business pays applicable fees and lodges the application/s.

Assessment

Once an application(s) is received, Council will begin their assessment. Council teams may request further information (RFI). The Business Concierge may help assist the business by clarifying any questions about the RFI, noting an efficient response can help avoid delays. If public advertising is required, additional fees will be incurred. Applications may also need to be referred to external regulatory authorities, which may take up to an additional 28 days.

Outcome

Council, or the relevant authority will assess the application/s and make a decision. If approved, the permit or registration certificate will be issued. It may have conditions that need to be met. The business must read, understand and adhere to these conditions. In some instances, a final inspection may be scheduled before a business can commence trading. 

Ongoing support

Businesses are encouraged to remain connected with Council to access ongoing support, or to coordinate the annual renewals for food registration or footpath trading permits. The Business Concierge sits within the Economic Development team who will provide you with any opportunities to support your business moving forward.

Want to know more?

Contact our Economic Development team at business@hepburn.vic.gov.au or (03) 5348 2306.