Business and commercial matters

Business and commercial matters
We don’t give information or advice about businesses or commercial matters.
However, we can give you some information or advice if:
- you are dividing your property as a result of separation and a business is involved
- you have a consumer complaint about a business.
If either of these apply to you:
- Get help over the phone
- Speak to us in your language
- Get help for people with hearing or speech difficulties.
If neither apply to you, there are other organisations that can help:
Other organisations that can help
Law Institute of Victoria
You can also find a private lawyer near you through the Law Institute of Victoria’s Legal Referral Service. All law firms included in the Legal Referral Service provide a free 30-minute interview. You can use this interview to understand more about the legal issue and discuss the available options and how much they will cost. Note that the free interview is not 30 minutes of free legal advice.
Business Victoria
Business Victoria has information and resources for businesses, including information about specific industry-related issues, such as the permits, licences and regulations that apply to businesses.
Victorian Small Business Commission
The Victorian Small Business Commission has information on a range of small business issues.
It also offers a dispute resolution service for businesses in dispute with other businesses or with government, often at no cost to either party. Businesses with certain disputes (for example, over retail leases) may be required to use this service before they can go to court.
Small Business Mentoring Service
The Small Business Mentoring Service is a not-for-profit association providing small business operators with the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors. All mentors are volunteers, and have either owned their own small business or worked in an organisation with strong links to small business.
Consumer Affairs Victoria
Consumer Affairs Victoria has information for businesses about fair trading, business licensing, registration and conduct.