Welcome to the first e-Works newsletter for 2019. 

This month we are pleased to announce the launch of the new Hobsons Bay Business website. The new website provides a one-stop shop for anyone doing business or investing in Hobsons Bay. This is where you will be able to access upcoming events, advice and support on running your business and also the new Hobsons Bay Business Directory.

Discover Your Own Backyard (DYOB) Coffee Connect networking series are back this year on the first Wednesday of the month. Mark the dates in your calendar and join local business professionals for a coffee and the opportunity to promote your business. 

For those who commute to the city for work, the St Kilda Ferry is trialling a new commuter service, starting this month. This may be a new way to get to work so try it out! For more information or to purchase tickets (which are just $7 per journey during the trial period) visit www.stkildaferry.com.au.

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

Hobsons Bay City Council, in partnership with Maribyrnong City Council and the Melbourne Innovation Centre, will be delivering the Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) Digital Solutions Program in 2019. This three year program, funded by the Federal Government, is a low cost, high quality advisory service available to participants via workshops and online collateral. Participating businesses will have access to support and resources to improve their digital presence and take their business to the next level.

Topics covered include digital marketing strategies, website creation, social media for business, online security and much more. 

The one-off membership fee of $55 gives you access to the Digital Solutions portal, where you can register for workshops and mentoring and access online learning materials and webinars. Register today to access this opportunity! Click here for more information. 

Want better results from your business in 2019?

Let Brad Regan of Real Edge in Business give you practical tips and proven strategies to refresh your business. 

This workshop is ideal for business owners who have operated their business for at least 2 years. Content material will be supplied with templates that can be used from the get go. 

Time: 5.00pm to 7.30pm
Location: The Substation, 1 Market Street, Newport
Cost: $26.50
To register: To register your attendance, please click here.

Join us for the second #StartWest meetup of 2019. 

Calling all entrepreneurs, innovators, startups and aspiring business owners!! Want to get inspired and start something new? Join other start-ups from across Melbourne's west on the last Wednesday of the month. 

#StartWest is a joint multi-council and LaunchVic initiative to support the west's booming start-up sector. 

Click here for upcoming event details.

Does your business have a plan and if so is it being tracked and monitored? A good business plan should be no more than one page. It should set your strategy for the year ahead and outline opportunities to grow your business, keeping you accountable along the way.

Presented by Modoras, this workshop will provide you with the key information and tools required to gain focus and direction for your business, as well as the opportunity to practically apply the strategies.

Date: Monday 4 March
Time: 6pm to 7.30pm
Location: Modoras Melbourne, 39 Cabot Drive, Altona North
To register: please click here

Discover Your Own Backyard (DYOB) Coffee Connect is back this year and it is kicking off next month in Altona. 

Hobsons Bay City Council invites business professionals from across Hobsons Bay to come together for business networking on the first Wednesday of the month. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a coffee, promote your business and share ideas, while meeting business owners from a range of different industries. 

Time: 7.30am to 8.30am
Location: Orange Hat Cafe, 16 Harrington Square, Altona
Cost: Free
To register: To register your attendance, click here. 

There was a great turn out at the first #StartWest meetup on Wednesday 30 January, at Western BACE. Entrepreneurs, innovators and aspiring business owners came together to hear from a panel of speakers with backgrounds in manufacturing, hardware and aerospace engineering. 

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. 

For more details about the #StartWest program please click here. 

This section takes a look at our local business heroes. 

Modscape designs & builds modular homes and commercial buildings that are innovative, sustainable and beautiful.

Managing Director Jan Gyrn says the business, founded in 2006, was formed by people who value design, innovation and sustainability.

"The owners combine their extensive experience in the design, development and construction industries to create modular homes - or masterpieces, as we're happy to describe them," he says. "The span of our projects begins at tiny, off-the-grid homes and small bars though to multi-storey residential projects and education facilities. And we oversee projects, from design right through to installation." 

JUDGES' COMMENTS:

"An innovative business bringing architectural style and design to Hobsons Bay and reaching across Australia. A market leader in pre-built technology and on an impressive growth trajectory supported by their ability to attract qualified and highly motivated staff to Brooklyn and the west. The words innovation and innovators kept coming up, and also notes is their staff care and their drive to give back to their design community. Just impressive all round."

For more information on Modscape, click here.

The new Hobsons Bay Business Directory is now live! The Business Directory allows local business owners to build and maintain an online listing for their business.

Through the new system, you will have the ability to review, update and delete your listing as required. Listing on the Business Directory is free. If you are operating a business in Hobsons Bay and would like your business listing in the new directory, please click here to set up an account and create your listing. 

Hobsons Bay City Council is currently seeking Expressions of Interest for sponsoring the 2019 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards.

Since 2009, the Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards has recognised local businesses that have contributed to making Hobsons Bay a great place to do business. From home-based businesses and start-ups, to manufacturers and logistics companies, the awards bring together people from across the business community, and celebrate their successes and achievements.

Sponsorship is available to businesses and organisations from across Hobsons Bay and all surrounding areas. For more information click here or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au to receive an information pack. 

Inaccessibility has a negative effect upon business and the economy when customers who could be accessing goods and services, may not do so if faced with accessibility barriers, be they physical, communicational or attitudinal.

Not providing access to your premises and services may be unlawful under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth). 

Use this self-assessment tool to see how your business is currently performing and to identify areas where you can improve accessibility. 

Save the date and join us as we celebrate Women in Hobsons Bay as part of International Womens Day. 

As part of International Women's Day this year, we will be profiling the achievements of local business women. If you are female, own or operate a business in Hobsons Bay and would like to be a part of this exciting campaign, please email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au with your name, business name and contact details by COB 13 February. 

- Cyber Security Small Business Program, open
- Accelerating Commercialisation, open
- Australian Trusted Trader, open
- Employment Assistance Fund, open

Warehouse 21/ 38-40 Aylesbury Drive, Altona - For Sale
Contact Fergus Pragnell on 0410 681 492

68 Hudson Road, Spotswood - For Sale
Contact Shaun Venables on 0411 860 865

29a Vernon Street, South Kingsville - For Sale
Contact Metka McDonald on 0418 393 972

290-330 Millers Road, Altona North - For Lease
Contact Chris Parry on 0420 304 185

84-86 Douglas Parade, Williamstown - For Lease
Contact Tino Parisi on 0425 755 655

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.

Council is currently trialling a temporary closure to vehicles of the Esplanade in Altona between Bent and Pier Streets until Friday 1 March. 

The well received trial is activating sections of the Altona foreshore and provides a space for market stalls, beach pop ups and outdoor dining. 

For more information, please click here. 

The St Kilda Ferry is trialling a new commuter timetable starting this February for commute between Williamstown and Port Melbourne. Enjoy a fast, enjoyable and scenic option for travelling to and from work.

For those working in the city, you can catch the 109 tram from Port Melbourne and arrive at the Casino in just 8 minutes, or Spring Street in 22 minutes! There's no better way to travel into the city from Williamstown than directly across the bay. 

To view the trial timetable please click here.

Volunteer West is offering a FREE Training & Mentoring Program for volunteer managers from 24 small not-for-profit organisations based in Melbourne’s western suburbs. This opportunity is for volunteer managers who are volunteers themselves or those that have very limited access to training.

Upon completion of the training, you will be able to:
1. Attract and retain more volunteers
2. Provide better supervision and support to your volunteers
3. Provide a more fulfilling experience to your invaluable volunteers
On completion you will receive Volunteer Management Training certification from Way2Go!

For more details, please click here.