This is the final edition of the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works for 2018 and we would like to thank the many local businesses that have been involved in our programs this year, supporting its strong themes of networking and innovation. From the Hobsons Bay Business Breakfast in March, our monthly DYOB Coffee Connect ,  the launch of the #StartWest program, the Art & Industry and VCCI Industry Speed Networking event and everything in between, our team has been kept very busy.

As we head into the festive season, Council would like to encourage you all to shop local and support Hobsons Bay businesses. Don't forget to vote for your favorite shop windows in the Shops on Show campaign, for your chance to win a great prize!

From our team to yours, we wish you and your families a safe and happy festive season. See you all in 2019!

If you would like any further information, or have any questions about doing business in Hobsons Bay, please contact the Economic Development team on 03 9932 1654 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. 

Calling all Australian Manufacturing SMEs to a FutureMap learning event. Presented by Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, learn how 'futuremap^TM' can help your business sector and identify areas of focus and potential investment to transform and future-proof your business.

Time: 9am to 12.30pm
Location: Hobsons Bay Civic Centre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona
Cost: Free
To register: To register your attendance, click here.

Woods Street Art Space in Laverton was abuzz on Wednesday 21 November with Industry Speed Networking. Delivered in partnership with Art & Industry and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (VCCI), the event was a great opportunity to make new connections and meet a range of potential leads. Over 50 businesses were represented on the morning from a variety of industries.

If you missed out on this one, head over to VCCI's next Fast Forward Speed Networking event in March. For more details, click here.

There was a great energy from the crowd at the last  #StartWest meetup of the year on Wednesday 28 November, at Two Birds Brewery. Local businesses Williamstown Roasters and Two Birds Brewing were on the panel alongside Vinomofo to talk about innovation and starting up in business. These monthly meetups are a great way for innovators and entrepreneurs to come together and meet like-minded individuals and industry experts and explore new ways to collaborate. 

The next meetup will be in January 2019. For more details please click here. 

This section takes a look at our local business heroes. 

Two local businesses were awarded winners and finalists at the recent RACV Victorian Tourism Awards recently. Council is proud to see Autopia Tours winning the Tour & Transport Operators Awards, with fellow local business Gourmet Pawprints recognised as a finalist. 

Winners for a second time, Autopia Tours is a recognised global leader in small group adventure tours throughout Melbourne, Victoria and beyond. Offering inspiring Australian adventures, they are committed to responsible and ethical tourism with a philosophy of experiencing real moments with real people. For more information on Autopia Tours, please click here.

The Victorian Tourism Awards showcase and recognise the state's leaders in tourism excellence. The awards play an integral role in rewarding business excellence, innovation, industry professionalism, collaboration and initiative. To see all the finalists, click here. 

Book your end of year function at one of the many quality restaurants, cafés and pubs ,or treat your staff, family or friends to a gift from one of the many tourism and retail offerings from our shopping precincts in Hobsons Bay this festive season. Shop local. Support local.

If you are interested in running a roadside business, the tender for Stationary Roadside Vendor permits is now open. Click here for more details. 

Hobsons Bay City Council will soon be launching the Experience Hobsons Bay website and where there is the opportunity to have a photograph displayed on the website, it is timely for us to update our image library. Please click here to upload files if interested. Photos must be horizontal only.

To find out more, contact Emma Ciolli, Retail and Tourism Development Officer at eciolli@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or call 9932 1619.

The internet helps Australian businesses connect with customers and makes it easier for customers to find and contact your business.

Every month, in Australia, Google search drives millions of direct connections between businesses and their customers including calls, online reservations and direction requests. To see four simple tips to boost your business online, click here. 

The Victorian Small Business Engagement Guidelines were created by the Victorian Small Business Commission to provide a tool for constructive engagement between small businesses and organisations undertaking disruptive infrastructure projects. 

Click here to watch the Australian Retailers Association talk about how the Small Business Engagement Guidelines will help retailers during disruptive infrastructure projects. A copy of the guildelines are also available here. Council encourages you to share this link with your networks.

38-40 Aylesbury Drive, Altona - For Sale
Contact Ricardo Cappelletti on 0421 837 421

31 Cabot Drive, Altona North - For Sale
Contact Lachlan May on 0410 575 473

9/50 Hudsons Road, Spotswood - For Lease
Contact Nadine Pia on 0413 307 688

49 Mason Street, Newport - For Lease
Contact Tristan Russell on 0499 700 971

15 Kimpton Way, Altona - For Lease
Contact Drew Williams on 0408 013 968

Looking for office space? 

Laverton Hub is seeking Expressions of Interest for businesses looking for office space in the West. To find out more click here.

Through its Economic Development team, Council takes a proactive approach to attracting and facilitating investment across the municipality. This includes assisting with site identification and selection. If you are looking for a commercial or industrial site in Hobsons Bay or to submit a business or commercial premises for inclusion in e-Works, please email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.

Local business Austab Labels, located in Altona North, has signed up to install a 69kW solar power system through Council’s Energy$mart program.

This will provide the business with an estimated $16,500 in cost savings per annum and a payback period of less than four years!

This is the 30^th project to be implemented as part of the Energy$mart program. The program has delivered over $305,000 in annual savings for Hobsons Bay businesses. The savings have been achieved through the installation of nearly 2000 solar panels and 3,500 lights.

Don’t miss out – click here to access trusted providers, subsidies and funding options to provide positive cash flow from day one!

Calling all businesses and people who love golf, are committed to the community they do business in, don’t mind a spot of networking, competitive fun and being outdoors!  

The annual Hobsons Bay Community Fund Golf Day is back on Friday 22 March 2019 at Kooringal Golf Club, Wilga Avenue, Altona.

Support your local community and connect with other local businesses at this competitive but fun day, proudly supported by Budget Car Rentals. For more information or to register, please click here.

If you would like more information about the Hobsons Bay Community Fund please click here.