Counselling and financial service Good Shepherd, with state and federal government funding, has created the LaunchMe program, a free initiative where eligible individuals and businesses work with a coach to start or rebuild their business

Eligible individuals will have access to fortnightly coaching for up to six months to help their business hit the ground running.

Established small businesses will receive up to three hours of personalised business coaching and a roadmap to recovery.

LaunchMe coach Millie Wall said it was targeted towards businesses in the small, startup space.

"For some people with families or other responsibilities, or those living in remote and rural locations, nine to five work is not possible and starting your own business is the only path to a regular income," she said.

"It's a common feeling to be scared and wonder if an idea is going to work, so we're there as confidence booster to talk them through those steps.

"A lot of people might not know how to start accounts or social media, so I am able to work with people in the region who need that helping hand to start their dream business or rebuild their business during such a challenging time for our region."

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Wangaratta's Lucille Milne runs a women's wellness venture and has appreciated Ms Wall's impartiality.

"I'm a really creative person and have a lot of ideas, but it's really good to have another perspective and Millie has this ability to look at what I was doing and give me business advice which is invaluable," she said.

Kellie Rorison started her Mansfield ice creamery a year ago and joined the program for some guidance with her first business.

"We generally sell ice cream in Mansfield, but Millie is helping me get into the event and wedding industry," she added.

The North East LaunchMe program supports businesses in Wodonga, Wangaratta, Towong, Indigo, Mansfield and Alpine council areas.

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