Red tape reduction is the City of Cockburn’s goal as it participates in a Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) program to streamline license and trading permit processes with local small business operators.
The SBDC will invest $100,000 in the City to conduct the Small Business Friendly Approvals Program, with 19 other local governments also due to complete the program throughout 2021 and 2022.
A working group of eight Cockburn City officers will attend a series of 10 workshops to help improve critical business approval issues and deliver reforms under the State Government’s Streamline WA initiative.
City of Cockburn Business Engagement Officer Sarah Kahle said more than 8,500 businesses were registered in the City, with 96 per cent having fewer than 20 employees, officially classifying them as small businesses.
“The cost of regulation to small businesses is considerable,” Ms Kahle said.
“If the City can reduce approval timeframes this could result in savings of hundreds and thousands of dollars for our local small businesses, meaning small business owners can spend more time and money on their business and in the community.”
Small Business Commissioner, David Eaton congratulated the City of Cockburn on its selection to participate in the program.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Cockburn has shown strong leadership and support to its small business community of more than 8,000 businesses,” Mr Eaton said.
“Now with the opportunity to participate in our intensive Approvals Program, the City has an opportunity to focus on the experience of small to medium businesses opening new enterprises or expanding within its boundaries.
“Through the program, the SBDC will work closely with the City to analyse and streamline its approvals process — saving small business owners time and money and ultimately making it easier to start, operate and grow a business in Cockburn.
“I applaud the City for its commitment to the success of local businesses and look forward to seeing the impact of this regulatory reform on the success and growth of Cockburn’s small business community.”
The five-week program will begin on 26 October with the working group gathering input from the Cockburn businesses community.
Caption, l-r: City of Cockburn Business Engagement Officer Sarah Kahle, Small Business Commissioner David Eaton, Annette Fusari from Hamilton Hill florist Flower Station, Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett and Cockburn CEO Tony Brun.