15 May 2025

We’re celebrating 15 years of the Small Business Bus. In that time, over 48,000 small businesses have used the bus. Find out how the bus can help your business.

From small beginnings to bus-tling numbers.

Back in 2010, Business Victoria had a bright idea: to bring business advice straight to the people who need it. That’s how the Small Business Bus hit the road, offering free, expert support to entrepreneurs and small business owners across Victoria.

What started as a single bus travelling across Victoria has grown into two Small Business Buses.

From Mildura to Melbourne CBD and beyond; 15 years on the road

Over the past 15 years, the Small Business Bus has covered serious ground, providing crucial support to thousands of small businesses.

Along the way, it's hit some impressive milestones:

  • Supported more than 48,000 small businesses
  • Visited 3,350 locations across Victoria
  • Reached businesses in 79 local government areas

That’s 15 years of conversations, advice, and connections (on the road, online, and in person) from inner-city suburbs to remote towns throughout the state – like Cann River!

The Bus continues to reflect the diversity of Victoria’s business community, with nearly one-third of advice recipients from multicultural backgrounds, and more than 60% of business owners supported identifying as women.

A special stop: Parliament House

To mark its 15th anniversary, the Small Business Bus made a special stop at Parliament House on Tuesday 13 May 2025. The bus was joined by the Minister for Small Business and Employment, Natalie Suleyman and small businesses that have used the bus service over the last 15 years.

It was a unique chance for business owners to share their stories of success and how the Small Business Bus supported them in driving change within their own businesses.

To top off the celebration, a birthday cake in the shape of the bus was created by Rockbank's own Michelle Hargreaves from Where’s The Party At — a sweet reminder of the Bus’s impact and the talent within Victoria’s small business community. For more on Where's The Party At?, visit their website.

Also joining the celebration was Coffee On Cue (because you can’t have cake without coffee), a Yarraville-based coffee cart business known for its ethical coffee sourcing and sustainable practices. With 7 staff members, they’ve brewed up a storm in the local community. For more on Coffee On Cue, visit their website.

Join the Small Business Bus on its next stop

The bus offers free, one-on-one business advice to small businesses on how to navigate challenges, plan for growth, and access government support.

Standard bus bookings are 45 minutes. Small business owners must book in advance. On the day, you’ll receive business advice from an expert as well as a Business Action Plan.

You can also find the Small Business Bus at expos and events throughout Victoria. These events offer a 20-minute business advice session and some will be walk-in only.