The Small Business Bus has been supporting Victorian entrepreneurs for more than 16 years, delivering free business advice to metropolitan and regional Victorian communities.

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

The Bus is a critical resource for Victorian small business owners. It also plays a key role in disaster recovery, supporting businesses affected by bushfires, floods, and droughts with recovery strategies, mental health support, and connections to recovery resources.

Since 2010, the Bus has:

• supported more than 48,000 small businesses
• visited 3,400 locations across Victoria
• reached businesses in all 79 local government areas.

In the past 12 months alone, the Small Business Bus has visited 55 regional locations across Victoria, providing 135 business advice sessions.

To keep delivering support to small businesses across the state, a new Small Business Bus has replaced the previous end-of-life diesel vehicle used for regional outreach.

The bus has been custom fitted by VanScope Fitouts, a small business in Coburg North, transforming it from an empty vehicle into a modern mobile advice centre.

The purpose-built fit-out creates a comfortable and practical space where business advisers can meet with entrepreneurs and small business owners in their local communities, providing expert one-on-one guidance and advice across Victoria.

For VanScope Fitouts founder Tim, refitting the Bus was a proud milestone for his small business, which began with a passion for helping people turn their travel dreams into reality.

‘I started the business from a genuine love and passion for building quality campervans,’ Tim said. ‘I wanted to create custom vans that are practical, reliable and built to a high standard, to meet the unique needs of different customers.’

Tim is proud his team played a role in helping the Small Business Bus continue its work supporting Victorian businesses.

‘The Small Business Bus gives small business owners access to practical advice and support, which can make a real difference when you’re starting out or looking to grow your business.’

As a small business owner himself, Tim understands the challenges that come with building a business from the ground up. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take the first step. ‘Just get started,’ he says.

‘You won’t have all the answers on day one, and that’s okay. You’ll learn as you go. Stay focused, keep improving, be prepared to work hard and always look after your customers.’

With its new fit-out complete, the Small Business Bus is back on the road, helping Victorian small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed.

To find out when the Small Business Bus is visiting your area, visit Workshops & Small Business Bus.