Council's Economic Development team has been supporting businesses impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic by delivering Council's Community Support Package. To make the process easier, businesses are now no longer required to contact Council as all eligible businesses (who have paid food registrations and/or outdoor trading permits) will receive an email/letter from Council informing them what refunds they are entitled to from the support package. Businesses are advised to check their email/mail for updates on how to submit their bank details for EFT processing.
 
To support businesses during this challenging time our networking and training program has gone virtual with our new Business at the Bay series delivered in partnership with Western BACE. Running for ten weeks, the program features exciting workshops and events to connect and inspire our local business community. Join us as we share ideas, hear from industry leaders on how you can diversify your business, and meet business owners from across Hobsons Bay. For more details click here.

If your business is located in Hobsons Bay, don't forget to join the Hobsons Bay Business Network Group on Facebook to connect and share ideas with other people from the local business community.

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
Let’s have a conversation. No agendas, no judgement, let’s have a conversation with our community. Book in for a short, sharp chat with a group of like-minded business owners going through the same experiences. Limited to 8 people per chat session, with multiple 45 minute sessions running.

Date: every Tuesday
Time: 10 - 2pm (multiple sessions available)
Cost: Free
To register: click here
"Now" casting for small business - Wednesday 13 May
Understanding the financial performance of your business is now more crucial than ever. With long term plans that may be put on hold with short term actions now requiring more focus than ever – forecasting has become “Now” casting. Join Craig Emery from CJC Consulting in this financial planning session about forecasting "Now" to uncover how forecasting can assist your business, both now and in the future. 
 Date: Wednesday 13 May
Time: 2pm - 5pm
Cost: Free
To register: click here

10 actions to take now to improve your online success - Wednesday 27 May
Join Joyce Watts from TOT: HOT OR NOT in this online session as she shares practical tips to help build your online business and future success.
Date: Wednesday 27 May
Time: 1pm to 2pm
Cost: Free
To register: click here
There are many free webinars and great workshops on offer at the moment. Click on the links below to find out more about what's on offer and how to register:
Hobsons Bay businesses are invited to join the Hobsons Bay Business Network Group on Facebook, to provide local businesses from all sectors the opportunity to connect with each other and exchange valuable information in the midst of this pandemic environment.

Businesses from across Hobsons Bay can join to ask questions, seek support, mentor each other and interact with local businesses as they navigate through this pandemic. Volunteer mentors will also be active on the group. 

To access and join the Hobsons Bay Business Network Group, please click here.
Are you interested in accessing a free, one-on-one mentoring session with a skilled business mentor? Hobsons Bay City Council is working with the Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS) to offer local business owners FREE business mentoring sessions of up to 90 minutes.

For more information or to access this service, please email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au 
The Hobsons Bay business community is being significantly impacted by the measures required to flatten the transmission curve of COVID-19. Whilst we are all closely following the news and health authority advice, it is important for our community to continue to support local businesses.

Council has developed some tips on keeping your business visible even though foot traffic is down, with some digital ideas to work on during this time. Taking advantage of any marketing channel during this time is one way of maintaining communication with your customers, which is vital.

For more information click here. 
The Victorian Government has established an economic survival package to support Victorian businesses and workers through the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. To view the economic survival package fact sheets, click here.

Applications are now open on the Victorian Government $500 million Business Support Fund to help small businesses survive the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and keep people in work. For eligibility criteria and application guidelines, click here. 

The Australian Government has launched the JobKeeper Payment program. Businesses impacted by the Coronavirus will be able to access a subsidy from the Government to continue paying their employees. Affected employers will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee from 30 March 2020, for a maximum period of 6 months. For eligibility criteria and application guidelines, click here.
Let industry bodies know how COVID-19 has impacted your business through the following surveys.
The Laverton Community Integrated Services (LCIS) are working hard to provide emergency relief to those in need in our community and are now working with Birdcage and Little Rosebery cafes.

Birdcage and Little Rosebery owner, Adrian Davey reports that they have received overwhelming support for their local business over the last month which has not only guaranteed their business can survive, but it has put them in a position to be able to support others in the community. With the community's generosity, they can provide even more pre-cooked meals, the basics and fresh produce to people in need.

The public are encouraged to donate through the order form as every cent counts. For more information or to get involved in this partnership please visit www.birdcagecafe.com.au to register your interest.