Who we are
The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) aims to create a fair and competitive environment for Victorian small business to operate, grow and prosper through its four functions – advocacy, dispute resolution, monitoring and engagement.
About the process
Helping and supporting small business by:
– advocating on their behalf
– providing tools and information to minimise disputes
– providing low cost mechanisms to resolve disputes
– monitoring the potential impact of market trends and change
Who we can assist
If you have dispute with another business, a not-for-profit, or a local or state government entity, the VSBC can help you to find a resolution. There are five main areas of dispute that we provide assistance with:
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1. General
Small BusinessThe VSBC helps small businesses to resolve disputes – allowing you to get on with the job of running your business.
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2. Retail Tenants
& LandlordsThe VSBC is the first port of call for dispute resolution services between retail tenants and landlords.
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3. Owner drivers or forestry
contractors & hirersDo you have a dispute with your hirer? If so, the VSBC can help.
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4. Farmers &
farm creditorsBefore legal proceedings regarding a farm debt default can be initiated, mediation must be offered to farmers by creditors.
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5. Taxi Drivers
& OperatorsAs part of reforms to the taxi industry, the VSBC has a new dispute resolution role.
Real-life examples
Small business
Addressing the supply of problem equipment
The situation: A sporting services business operator has paid more than $100,000 for a ball management system. The system has not worked…
View Case Study
Small business
Missing out on a tender process
The situation: The applicant had a cleaning contract with the respondent to clean a number of suburban buildings. After a number of years,…
View Case Study
Retail Tenants and Landlords
Negotiating a new lease
The situation: A tenant runs a business with a substantial turnover on a very large land area. There has been no lease…
View Case Study
Retail Tenants and Landlords
Repairing the relationship between tenant and landlord
The situation: The tenant has leased premises to produce cakes and bakery products, and has done so for a number of years. The…
View Case Study
Retail Tenants and Landlords
Refusing to consent to an assignment of a lease
The situation: The current tenant, a private company, sells its business on the condition that the lease is transferred to the purchaser…
View Case Study
Small business
Mediating a shareholder dispute
The situation: There was a major falling out between one of the shareholders of a private company (the shareholder) and the other…
View Case Study
Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors
Seeking a claim on a terminated contract
The situation: An owner driver’s contract was terminated by the hirer on the grounds of breach of contract and serious and willful…
View Case Study
Small business
Addressing wholesale supply issues
The situation: The applicant is a business that provides a range of complete products to the building and home renovation sector. These products utilise components…
View Case Study
Retail Tenants and Landlords
Thinking outside the square when negotiating rent
Read how a tenant running an accounting firm and her landlord avoided a stalemate and agreed on a new rent. A tenant…
View Case Study
Getting Started
If you’d like to speak to someone about how the VSBC can help, call us on 13 VSBC (13 8722). If you have a dispute, refer it to the VSBC using the online application forms.
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Australian Supplier Payment Code The Australian Supplier Payment Code is a voluntary national code of fair payment from businesses to their small business suppliers.
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Creating a Mentally Healthy Small Business Being in small business can be a rewarding experience. However, it’s not always an easy journey.
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Submit an application Make an application for dispute resolution or download a form.
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News &
Publications The latest VSBC news and upcoming events, as well as articles and publications of interest.