Calling all women in small businesses – you can now receive free training through Business Victoria’s Upskill My Business website to strengthen your business and skills now and into the future.

Upskill My Business is a partnership between the Victorian Government and key industry groups and education providers. It is part of the $1.7-billion Economic Survival Package announced by the government to support Victorian businesses and workers through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Since May 2020, the website has connected more than 40,000 small businesses to more than 130 free courses, webinars and resources.

The website offers flexible options, suitable for all types of small businesses that can be completed at your own pace. Sessions range from hour-long webinars to eight-week courses that can be completed live or on demand. Training is provided by the state’s top universities, industry bodies, technology solution providers and government departments.

Designed to help more regional businesses participate in the digital economy, La Trobe University’s eight-week Primed to Thrive course is now being offered through the platform as a free online course for small businesses across Victoria.

With 20 modules covering topics such as digital strategy planning, analytics and data, search engine optimisation and social media marketing, participants will learn how to successfully make the transition to digital after completing the course.

Other courses on offer cover topics from building resilience to managing cash flow and mental health and wellbeing. There are also courses covering foundational skills such as accounting, marketing and exporting.

With more than 600,000 small businesses across Victoria, business owners are being encouraged to take advantage of the free service and upskill to emerge stronger as restrictions are eased.

To access professional development courses on offer through the Upskill My Business platform, visit: upskill.business.vic.gov.au.