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| July 2019 |
| Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works newsletter |
We have an exciting business calendar to mark the beginning of the financial year. Nominations for the 2019 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards close 5pm on 19 July so don't miss the opportunity to nominate your business. ASBAS will deliver a workshop assisting businesses with digital marketing essentials, and the line-up for the highly anticipated #StartWest Festival dedicated to entrepreneurs in Melbourne's West has finally been announced! If you're starting out in business or looking to grow your business, book a free and confidential one-on-one business session with an experienced business counsellor from the BEC@Kangan on Tuesday, 13 August 2019. 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. |
| Events, networking, workshops and more |
| Small Business Bus - Spotswood - Monday 8 July |
Operated by Business Victoria, the Small Business Bus is a 'travelling office on wheels' offering free business mentoring from an experienced professional. Whether you're planning, starting or growing your business, the Victorian Government's Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities. The bus will be visiting Spotswood on Monday 8 July - sessions are limited so advance bookings are required. Time: 10am to 4pm Location: Outside Angel Nails and Beauty, 79 Hudsons Road, Spotswood 3015 To register: Please click here |
| ASBAS Series: Digital Marketing Essentials - Wednesday 24 July | |
Marketing is one of the most important ways to drive new business and communicate your value proposition. Delivered as part of the ASBAS Digital Solutions Program. this interactive workshop will give you the skills, tools and practical advice you need to create and execute an effective marketing strategy and drive sales for your small business. Time: 5.30pm to 8.30pm |
| DYOB Coffee Connect Business Networking - Wednesday 7 August | |
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 |
| BEC@Kangan Small Business Consultations - Tuesday 13 August |
Book in for a free one-on-one session with an experienced business counsellor from the Business Enterprise Centre at Kangan Institute (BEC@Kangan). These consultations are available to new and existing businesses and are a chance for you to discuss any issues you have in regards to commencing your business or improving the performance and operation of your existing business. Time: 9am to 12pm |
| Spotlight |
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| Nominate your business in the 2019 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards |
The 2019 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards provide the opportunity for businesses of all sizes and across all sectors, to be recognised for their achievements, innovation or leading work practices and to highlight the important contribution of their staff. This is a great way to put your business "on the map" in Hobsons Bay and gain valuable exposure across the local community. The Business Excellence awards are supported by a panel of volunteer judges with a broad range of knowledge and experience. Without giving too much away, this year we have representatives from Western Melbourne Tourism, Visit Victoria, Australian Retailers Association and e~West. Don't miss out on the opportunity to showcase your business. Entries close 5pm on Friday 19 July. For more details, please visit www.hobsonsbaybusiness.com.au/awards. |
| EOI for show bag products for Gala Dinner |
After their popularity at the 2017 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards, the 'Logie style' show bags will make a return to the gala dinner this year. We invite local businesses to contribute products such as local manufactured goods, vouchers to local hospitality venues, vouchers to local attractions etc. for distribution in these free show bags on the night. We are expecting up to 380 people to be in attendance at the 2019 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards. Most attendees will comprise owners/directors of local businesses, however, there will also be significant representation from government and regional partners. Star Weekly is the official media partner and this event is expected to receive a lot of local and regional promotion. Please contact the Economic Development team at 9932 1000 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au by Friday 4 October if you have some products you would like to donate for the show bags. |
| Don't miss the #StartWest Festival on Wednesday 24 July | |
Calling all innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs, the #StartWest festival's stellar line-up has finally been announced. The keynote speaker is Dr Amantha Imber, an innovation psychologist, best-selling author and founder of Australia’s leading innovation consultancy Inventium. Breakout sessions will be facilitated by leading experts Rohit Bhargava (Facebook Advertising & Content Marketing), Mia De Leo (Funding 101) and Michael Fearne who will provide his expert opinion on Creativity & Innovation in your Business using LEGO® Serious Play®. Limited tickets available, so book now! Time: 12pm to 8pm (including meetup from 6pm to 8pm) |
| Business news |
| Register your business/update your details and you can win a $200 gift card |
Update your business information by completing this short form by COB Wednesday 31 July and you can go into the draw to win a $200 gift card. Three winners will be selected at random on 1 August at 115 Civic Parade, Altona and will be notified in writing and announced on Council's LinkedIn page. |
| Thinking of Exporting? Speak to an expert |
Many countries require their import documents to include a Certificate of Origin. They may also require supporting documentation such as commercial invoices or other documents that must be endorsed by a chamber or commerce. The Victorian Chamber is authorised to issue Certificates of Origin on behalf of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is acknowledged by the Australia Customs Service and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This means that the documentation of goods that are handled by the Victorian Chamber will more likely be streamlined through the export process, saving your business valuable time and money. For more information on the Victorian Chamber’s export documentation services, phone 8662 5325, email cofoinfo@victorianchamber.com.au or visit https://www.victorianchamber.com.au/services/international-services |
| Are you ready for Single Touch Payroll (STP)? | |
From 1 July 2019 small businesses (under 19 employees) and micro businesses (1-4 employees) can report tax and super information electronically to the ATO via Single Touch Payroll (STP) For more information please click here. |
| Lodge online and get more time |
Most small businesses are eligible for an extra two weeks to lodge and pay their activity statement by lodging online. For more details click here. |
| Property update |
| For sale or lease | |
83-85 Ferguson Street, Williamstown - For Lease 49 Mason Street, Newport - For Lease G7 & G8, 445-467 Grieve Parade, Altona North - For Lease 40-52 McArthurs Road, Altona North - For Sale 7/50 Hudsons Road, Spotswood - For Lease 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 want to submit a business or commercial premise for inclusion in e-Works, please email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. |
| In the last month |
| Coffee Connect at Cheeky Chewies Cafe | |
Our Discover Your Own Backyard program aims to help the community meet and connect with other like-minded professionals. We had a great turnout at last month's Coffee Connect in Laverton. |
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| #StartWest Meetup in June | |
Last month's #Startwest meetup attracted a full house and shone a spotlight on the healthcare industry. The panel of speakers comprised Nicolas Strybosch, Dr Addie Wootten and Fiona White who are doing path-breaking work towards building a solid future for health. They provided their insights into what the future holds in terms of health. If you're entrepreneurially inclined, don't miss the #StartWest Festival on July 24 - register now. |
| Grants and assistance programs |
| Design2Thrive - Transform your business with up to $85,000 support | |
Design2Thrive is a revolutionary Victorian Government initiative for Victorian businesses and Not-For-Profit organisations that are keen to drive profitable and sustainable growth. An interactive 12 month immersion in design-led thinking across strategy, culture, marketing and product design, Design2Thrive uses world’s best practice to educate and empower owners, senior managers and teams to realise their vision, aspirations and successfully achieve their company’s full potential. To find out ore click here. |
| Sustainability |
| Retailers advised to prepare for state-wide plastic bag ban |
The ARA (Australian Retail Association) urges retail outlets including supermarkets, fashion boutiques, fast food outlets, convenience stores and service stations to get prepared ahead of a state-wide ban in Victoria on lightweight plastic shopping bags which will come into effect from 1 November 2019. All single-use plastic shopping bags with a thickness of 35 microns or less will be banned, including bags made from degradable, biodegradable and compostable plastic. For more information on the ban, visit www.environment.vic.gov.au |
| Energy Efficiency for Business | |
Find out how your business can cut costs and boost productivity by saving energy and materials, reducing and better managing waste. Click here for more information. |
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