It’s official! The Network is now an independent, incorporated business association. On Thursday, 19 April, over 50 people attended the launch of the Network. Guests included representatives from Bendigo Bank, Eltham and Diamond Creek Rotary Clubs, Hurstbridge Traders Association and Eltham Chamber of Commerce.
The Network was launched by the Hon. Fran Bailey and the Mayor of Nillumbik, Councillor Warwick Leeson. Council has provided financial and officer support for the establishment of a home-based business network since July 2004. The federal government through a Regional Partnerships grant has provided financial support for the 18 months till December 2007.
Councillor Leeson spoke about the importance of home-based businesses to the economic and social life of Nillumbik, and Fran Bailey, the federal minister for Tourism and Small Business, talked about the importance of small businesses to local economies.
The launch was very much a celebration of the Network having reached a significant milestone in its development. As much as this development has been achieved through Council and other government support, it would not exist if not for the members, and in particular, those members who have volunteered their expertise, time and energy over the last 3 years to keep the Network running. We want to acknowledge the extremely important role that these people have played in making the Network what it is today
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