By Callum Ludwig
Running a business can easily run you off your feet, and entrepreneurs across the Upper Yarra could certainly feel as though they have a million things to contend with at once.
The Warburton Valley Community Economic Development Association (WVCEDA) is welcoming any and all providers of goods and services spanning the Warburton Highway to join the group, helping each other network and problem-solve.
President of WVCEDA Cleo Silva said they have an inaugural business expo coming up in Warburton in May and want to connect, promote, develop and strengthen local businesses.
“Warburton Valley CEDA is really trying to bring local businesses together because we can be a little isolated just working on our businesses all the time, and we all have a lot of similar and different experiences so it’s a great chance to connect,” she said.
“We also hold a business networking event for members at a different business every quarter, and people just come together, we’re really trying to get the message out there that we’re working towards creating a vibrant business community.”
WVCEDA has been operating since 2014 and has now reached 90 members who actively help advocate for the interests of local businesses in the Upper Yarra, including providing input and feedback to local, state and federal government agencies. Recently, WVCEDA has been involved in advocacy meetings regarding road closures and the management of towns in the region as visitor destinations.
Ms Silva said it’s not just about tourism businesses either as they are pushing to have more services and tradespeople involved as well.
“We really want more of our local tradies and services involved who perhaps don’t otherwise get to connect with businesses on site, because it’s an opportunity for them to provide their service to group members as well,” she said.
“Whether it be construction or people in payroll services and accounting, we’re all using the same kind of services, so you can get recommendations and references to local businesses for support and information as well as see what other businesses are doing, the successes they’ve had or how they troubleshoot problems.”
The group regularly has guest speakers on business matters and social media engagement, as well as hosting workshops on things like grant writing.
Ms Silva said by being a WVCEDA member, you also have access to information firsthand a greater opportunity to put your voice out there.
“We feed back to Yarra Rangers Council, we feed back to State Government, we feed back to key stakeholders like Parks Victoria or the Department of Transport,” she said.
“As a sole business, your voice can be quite small but we’ve got quite a loud voice and if we need to advocate or communicate on behalf of our businesses, that’s what we can do.”
The new 2023 Warburton Valley CEDA Committee consists of:
• President: Cleo Silva (Silva Coffee Roasters)
• Vice President: Alison Fitzgerald (Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centre)
• Secretary: Monica Blanchfield (Bulong Estate)
• Treasurer: Dale Feim (Dalcorp Accounting)
• Sam Maddock (Warburton Adventure Co)
• Lindy Schneider (Lindy Schneider – Writer)
• Jacqui Harvey (Yarra Valley Gourmet Foods)
• Christine Birch (Oscar’s on the Yarra)
Any enquiries or requests to join can be sent to Info@warburtonvalley.org.
