This is a challenging time for our businesses, and we hope you and your loved ones are safe during these difficult Stage 4 restricted times. 

Last week we emailed information on business restrictions, and are updating information on the Hobsons Bay Business website as well as the Hobsons Bay Business Network group on Facebook as it becomes available. Please understand that information is coming out quite quickly so if your business is located in Hobsons Bay, don't forget to join the Hobsons Bay Business Network group on Facebook to keep informed of COVID information that may affect your business and to share ideas with other people from the local business community.

The 'Negotiating Rent Relief' workshop with the Victorian Small Business Commission will be re-run again next month and Council is seeking input from local business owners on what business events and workshops they would like to see delivered through Council's business calendar. 

If you require any further information or have any questions about doing business in Hobsons Bay, please contact Council's Economic Development team on 03 9932 1000 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Calling all entrepreneurs, innovators, startups and aspiring business owners - #StartWest meetups are back!

#StartWest meetups are a great opportunity to hear from speakers from across the startup community, as they share ideas and insights on how they adapted their business to overcome challenges.

Meetups are scheduled for the last Wednesday of the month, so save the date!

Date: Wednesday 26 August
Time: 6pm to 7pm
Location: online
To register: click here
In collaboration with Council, please join the Victorian Small Business Commissioner (VSBC) Judy O'Connell for an informative workshop on negotiating rent relief in Victoria. This 45 minute workshop will cover how the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme applies to your tenancy, the free mediation service offered by the VSBC and the opportunity to ask questions. 

Date: Tuesday 1 September
Time: 3pm to 4pm
Location: online
To register: click here
In these challenging times we are seeking your input on what business programs and events you would like to see delivered over the coming months to help you through your business journey.

To have your say click here
Looking to connect with local businesses? 

Join Hobsons Bay Business Network group moderator Joyce in an online chat on Tuesday mornings. The chats are open to all members of the Hobsons Bay Business Network Facebook group page. 

Date: every Tuesday
Time: 11am to 12pm
To join: link provided in the Hobsons Bay Business Network group page on Facebook

Please note: the Hobsons Bay Business Network Facebook group is only open to businesses that are physically located in Hobsons Bay.

Council has partnered with the state government’s Working for Victoria initiative, receiving $5.9 million in funding that will go directly into our local economy. This will help us to create more than 130 jobs within Hobsons Bay for people who are currently unemployed – whether they have lost their job due to the impacts of Coronavirus or have been without work for a longer period. Once you have signed up to Hobsons Bay’s Working for Victoria initiative through Sidekicker, you can check out lots of benefits such as free online training. If you’re a registered job seeker looking to upskill yourself in an area that is now hiring or likely to be in the future, you can participate in a free online short training unit or a free online TAFE course. For FAQs and details on how to apply, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/WorkingforVictoria

On Tuesday 4 August, Premier Daniel Andrews announced how the Stage 4 restrictions will impact business. Further information about these restrictions can be found here and the Premier's statement is here. Under the Stage 4 'Stay at Home' restrictions workplaces in metropolitan Melbourne will be closed unless the workplace is part of a permitted industry as set out on the Business Victoria website.
COVID Safe Plan
All businesses that are able to operate during this restriction must have a COVID Safe plan in place. Information and templates to prepare your workplace are available here.

Permitted worker scheme
Under these restrictions, permits will need to be issued by business owners to all workers travelling for work. This permit can be presented to authorities, to justify the reason for leaving home. Templates for permits can be found here. Penalties apply if your worker(s) do not have a permit in place.

Guidelines and signage in other languages
Translated coronavirus fact sheets, posters and signs for your business in languages other than English are available here.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted everyone in many different ways. If you are experiencing financial hardship you can apply for financial assistance. Council has updated the Financial Hardship Policy and developed a COVID-19 Financial Assistance Policy. For more details and to apply online, please visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/financialassistance

Residents wanting assistance in their first language can call Council’s Language Line on 9932 1212 and ask to speak with an interpreter.
This year has been tough for small businesses and now, more than ever it's important for local businesses to support each other as much as possible and Shop Hobsons Bay. For ideas on how to support local businesses during this time click here

To add your business to Council's Amended Services Directory click here

Looking for a product and service that you can't find locally? Contact business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au and we will do our best to find a local supplier.
The federal government has announced the extension of the JobKeeper Payment until 28 March 2021 and targeting support to those businesses and not-for-profits which continue to be significantly impacted by the Coronavirus. The existing JobKeeper program ends on 27 September. The new program will start on 29 September and will have changes to the eligibility and payment amounts. 

For business eligibility and more information click here
The federal government is calling on start-ups and small-to-medium sized businesses to submit proposals to develop innovative solutions to national environmental challenges. Up to $100,000 to conduct a feasibility study,  and if successful, up to $1 million to develop a proof of concept.

For more details click here
The vision for the Altona Beach Precinct is now open for public comment.

There are three concept designs proposed and Council welcomes feedback from the community on all ideas. To view the concept options and provide feedback click here. Feedback closes 23 August 2020.