Member for Ripon and Minister for Small Business, Joe Helper, is encouraging small and medium sized businesses to get involved in the Brumby Government's Energise Enterprise 08 Small Business Festival.

Mr Helper said as part of the festival, the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) will run a `Managing Your Staff' Regional Seminar tomorrow in Stawell. It will commence at 12 noon at the Magdala Motor Lodge.

``As part of Energise Enterprise 08, the Brumby Government through Small Business Victoria is sponsoring 20 regional workshops across Victoria, including Stawell,'' Mr Helper said.

``The `Managing Your Staff' Regional Seminar will provide a valuable opportunity for local businesses to access a range of advice and assistance on issues such as the skills shortage and employing and retaining staff.

``I'd encourage those interested to come along and participate in what should be a very worthwhile and informative event.''

Head of Workplace Relations at VECCI and seminar presenter, David Gregory, said the skills crisis has been hitting regional businesses hard.

``As a result, the `Managing Your Staff' seminars have been designed to provide regional employers with advice on how to overcome the challenges of employing and retaining staff,'' Mr Gregory said.

Mr Helper said the Brumby Government was proud to support small and medium sized businesses in Stawell.

``Through initiatives such as Energise Enterprise 08 we are providing local businesses with the tools and resources they need to continue to prosper and grow,'' he said.

Mr Helper said this year's four-week festival will cover an extensive range of topics including, business start-up, intellectual property protection, management of cash flow, marketing for small business, risk management and innovation.

``Energise Enterprise 08 has something to offer anyone wanting to start, build or diversify any type of small to medium business anywhere in Victoria,'' he said.

``We're working co-operatively with a wide range of business organisations to assist small businesses, because they create jobs and income for Victorians.''

For bookings to attend, for Energise Enterprise 08 updates or to request an Event Guide please ring 13 22 15 or visit business.vic.gov.au/energise.