In a bid to support people from non-English speaking backgrounds in their small business ventures, this week the Andrews Labor government appointed a Multicultural Business Ministerial Council.
The council, which has been appointed for a two-year term, will aim to actively promote Victoria as a culturally-diverse business centre, provide a forum for strategic business networking and support the state’s trade agenda in emerging markets.
“This council will be an important voice to the many thousands of business owners and operators from non-English speaking backgrounds,” said Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis.
“Victoria is the most culturally diverse city in the country and we need to ensure that all businesses have the support they need to grow, which will provide better prosperity and more job opportunities for local communities.”
With more than half a million small businesses across the state, the initiative will provide an essential link between business owners and the government to ensure their voices are being heard.
Chairing the council will be Rohini Kappadath, director of Cross-Border Business at Pitcher Partners, bringing with her more than 25 years of experience.
She has worked with businesses in Australia, South-East Asia, China, Japan, New Zealand and North America.
Among the new council members are Greek Australians Fotini Kypraios, senior associate at Meerkin & Apel Lawyers, and Mike Zafiropoulos, board chair of Channel 31.