Small business help in Victoria
Victoria has the Victorian Small Business Commission for disputes and Business Victoria for general support. The Partners in Wellbeing small business service closed on 30 June 2025. Until 31 October 2026, free small business financial counselling is available if the summer 2026 bushfires affected your business: Business Victoria (13 22 15) can tell you which local provider to call. Otherwise, call the Small Business Debt Helpline (1800 413 828).
VIC Small Business Commissioner
- Victorian Small Business Commission
- Free
- $300 half-day / $600 full-day per party; $195 per party for farm debt mediation
- B2B, B2G, retail leases, franchising, owner-driver, gig (gig-worker fee waiver ended 1 July 2024)
Important for crisis routing
When the state SBC isn't the right fit
Where to send your matter next.
Business Victoria
small business
Energy & Water Ombudsman Victoria (EWOV)
energy water
National services that do most of the work
For tax debt, financial counselling, mental health, and formal insolvency, national services are the right call regardless of state.
Small Business Debt Helpline
Free, confidential, specialist financial counselling for sole traders and small business owners — tax debt, BAS, supplier pressure, insolvency options.
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Beyond Blue NewAccess for Small Business Owners
Free six-session mental health coaching for small business owners under stress. Coaches have small business backgrounds. No GP referral required.
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Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
Federal statutory ombudsman for small business. Free assistance with disputes against other businesses or government, plus a Tax Concierge for ATO matters.
Free assistance. A $100 first-hour co-payment applies for the Small Business Dispute Help legal-advice service and for the Tax Concierge Service.
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MATES in Construction
24/7 helpline and on-site suicide prevention for construction workers and small construction-business owners, with peer support on sites. A case example in the World Health Organization's 2021 suicide prevention guide.
Free
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Support Act Wellbeing Helpline
24/7 free, confidential phone counselling for anyone working in Australian music or the arts. Crisis Relief grants are for people who work in music.
Free
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Lifeline Australia
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. Phone, text, or chat. Free, confidential.
Free
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