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| March 2019 |
| Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works newsletter |
March is shaping up to be a big month for business in Hobsons Bay, with a range of programs and events happening across the municipality. From the DYOB Coffee Connect series that launched this month to the #StartWest meetup at the end of the month, there are many events to enjoy, including of course our annual Hobsons Bay Business Breakfast. Read on for more information. We are pleased to announce that the draft Experience Hobsons Bay Tourism Strategy is now out for public consultation. Aimed at achieving a long-term vision for Hobsons Bay, the strategy reflects Council’s commitment to ensuring Hobsons Bay is a place that people are proud to call home and recognised widely for its rich experiences and visitor offering. To view the strategy and have your say, please click here. Council is finalising sponsors for the 2019 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards. If you would like to be a sponsor and have not contacted us yet, please do so as soon as possible. If you would like 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. |
| Draft Experience Hobsons Bay Tourism Strategy | |
Did you know that the visitor economy in Hobsons Bay is worth $294 million and supports more than 1,300 jobs locally? Tourism is identified as one of Australia's five super growth sectors by the federal government with growth of 4 per cent per annum expected up to 2033. The draft Experience Hobsons Bay Tourism Strategy 2019-24 outlines the key themes and objectives that will guide Council's work in supporting the sustainable growth of the local visitor economy. Its four themes include recognising the visitor economy, the importance of city image and presentation, the significance of investment and enriching the visitor experience. Be sure to have your say and tell us what's important to you. To view the strategy and have your say, please click here. |
| Events, networking, workshops and more |
| Hobsons Bay Business Breakfast - Friday 29 March |
Join Hobsons Bay Mayor, Cr Jonathon Marsden for the 2019 Hobsons Bay Business Networking morning. This popular business event, held in the spectacular surrounds of The Substation, is an opportunity to meet with other business leaders and influencers from across Hobsons Bay and beyond. Keynote speaker will be Justin Giddings, CEO, Avalon Airport. Proudly sponsored by Deakin University and Avalon Airport. Time: 7am to 9am |
| #StartWest meetup - Wednesday 27 March | |
Calling all entrepreneurs, innovators, startups and aspiring business owners! Join LaunchVic entrepreneur-in-residence (EIR) Viki Forrest as she chats to #StartWest EIR Phil Ore. Viki Forrest is one of the most well-connected Australians working in Silicon Valley today. As the CEO of ANZA Technology Network based in San Fransisco, Viki has showcased over 200 Australian and New Zealand companies in Silicon Valley and is credited with bringing 70 Australian companies to the US. Hear all about Phil and Viki's experiences in the startup sector while networking with startups from across the western region. For more information, about the #StartWest program and to join the conversation, click here. Time: 6pm to 8pm |
| DYOB Coffee Connect Business Networking - Wednesday 3 April | |
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 |
| Social Media Marketing 101 - Thursday 4 April (ASBAS Series) |
Delivered as part of the Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) Digital Solutions Program, learn which social media platforms are best for finding your target audience, the intricacies of each channel for business, and how to increase brand loyalty and boost web traffic. Learn about the various social media platforms, create a content distribution strategy and improve the online reach of your small business. Date: Thursday 4 April |
| Energy Transitions Forum - Wednesday 10 April |
Energy transition is happening at an exponential rate! Join other businesses to tease out the trends and gain an understanding of this rapidly evolving sector. Businesses will have an opportunity to network with service providers who may be able to assist on matters such as energy efficiency. For more information, click here. Date: Wednesday 10 April |
| Spotlight |
This section takes a look at our local business heroes. |
| 2017 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards Winner - Transport and Warehousing | |
IFC Global Logistics has become the largest privately owned forwarding company in Australia. The company manages close to 1 million kilograms in imports/exports, and 320,000 warehouse dispatches from Altona each year. IFC's Freight forwarding division provides multi-modal international freight services to some of Australia's biggest retail brands, while the warehouse division provides pick, pack, and distribution services through the country. Established in 1991, CEO Renzo Bevinetto says the business entered the business awards to shine light on the team's achievements developing cutting-edge industry solutions. "Our team developed the world's first web-based freight-tracking system, and provides enterprise-level solutions for the logistics industry. We also aim to gain organic certification for our Altona warehouse, which would make it one of only a few organic-certified facilities in Australia." JUDGES' COMMENTS: "IFC's strong focus on quality assurance and compliance ensures that customers can be confident of smooth and efficient movement of their goods to final destinations. It is noted as an impressive business, responsive to change, and noted in discussion was their certification for organic goods as a point of difference and underpinning their export potential." For more information on IFC Global Logistics, click here. |
| 2018 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards - Winner - Autopia Tours |
Congratulations to Williamstown business Autopia Tours who were awarded Bronze for a second year in the recent 2018 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in the Tour and Transport Operators category. Established in 1987, Autopia Tours was the first Victorian small group touring company to offer affordable, quality tours for the international and domestic traveller. Autopia's sightseeing tours offer unique itineraries showcasing the diverse landscape and spectacular beauty of the southern states of Australia. For more information on Autopia tours, please click here. |
| Business news |
| Are you an SME that can help solve public sector challenges? |
If you are up to the task, apply for the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) and you may receive up to $1.1 million to fund the development of your idea. BRII provides funding to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop an innovative solution to solve government policy and service delivery challenges. To find out more, click here. |
| Resources to help you find your way in the workplace |
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is responsible for workplace laws and provides free advice and assistance to employees and employers. The FWO has created the Small Business Showcase, a free online resource with tools and information to help small businesses understand their workplace obligations. To find out more, please click here. |
| Tenders |
| Public opportunities currently open |
- Catering Panel, closes 15 March For more information on all tenders, please click here. You will need to sign up to access the tender documents. |
| Add your business to Council's Preferred Caterers List |
Hobsons Bay City Council has recently adopted an updated Sustainable Catering Directive designed to reduce Council’s environmental impact resulting from catering activities and support environmentally responsible catering businesses within Hobsons Bay. As part of this, Council has developed a Preferred Caterers List which forms part of the Sustainable Catering Directive and provides staff with a quick directory of catering suppliers that comply with Hobsons Bay sustainable catering criteria. All staff must use caterers on this list for all catering requirements. Council invites catering businesses within the municipality to apply to be listed on its Preferred Caterers List. Organisations can be added to Council’s Preferred Caterers List at any time during the term of this contract by completing an application form. For more information or to apply to be included on Council’s Preferred Caterers List, click here. You will need to sign up to access the tender documents. |
| Grants and assistance programs |
| Grants and assistance programs currently open |
- Australia Japan Foundation Grant program, closes 28 March |
| Property update |
| For sale or lease | |
193 Nelson Place, Williamstown - For Lease 41 Challis Street, Newport - For Sale 16 Borrack Square, Altona North - For Sale 6 Akuna Drive, Williamstown - For Sale 386 Kororoit Creek Road, Williamstown North - For Lease 7 Raleigh Street, 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 to submit a business or commercial premises for inclusion in e-Works, please email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. |
| Community connection |
| Cultural Diversity Week |
Cultural Diversity Week will be celebrated throughout Hobsons Bay from 16 to 24 March. The program includes a range of free activities designed to help you meet your neighbours, share your cultures, celebrate the community’s many languages and learn about each other’s faiths. Some highlights include a tour of different places of worship in Hobsons Bay and plenty of opportunities to enjoy cultural performances, live music, games from across the globe and, of course, food! Pick up a program from your local library or community centre or download a copy from www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. |
| Harrington Square makeover |
Shop and play at Harrington Square in March for a series of free events and creative programs. In addition to a fresh new look, the square will come alive with interactive events and activities for different ages and interests. Don’t miss the Borg’s retro 50th birthday bash complete with rockabilly dancing, vintage cars and a jumping castle on 23 March. For further information visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/harringtonsquare or follow www.facebook.com/creativecityhobsonsbay. |
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