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| September 2018 |
| Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works newsletter |
This month's edition is full of exciting business workshops and events for you to be a part of. From DYOB Coffee Connect in Laverton to the Small Business Bus and the September meet up for #StartWest, we are sure you will find something of interest that will get you out and about. Melbourne Tourism Week is just around the corner from 10 to 16 September. Tourism Week is a great opportunity to join operators from across Melbourne as the tourism industry comes together for week of events and industry development. The popular "Tapping into Tourism" workshop will be running in Altona this month, offering local business owners the opportunity to learn how they can be on the radar of summertime visitors. If you would like any further information, or have any questions about doing business in Hobsons Bay, please contact the team on 03 9932 1654 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. |
| Events, networking, workshops and more |
| DYOB Coffee Connect Business Networking - Wednesday 5 September | |
Hobsons Bay City Council invites business professionals from across Hobsons Bay to come together for the Discover Your Own Backyard Coffee Connect business networking series. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a coffee, promote your business and share ideas, while meeting business people from a range of different industries. Attendance is free, but places are limited. Get in quick to avoid disappointment and don’t forget to bring your business cards! When: Wednesday 5 September Can't make this event? Save the date for next Coffee Connect event, being held at Marks Fine Foods in Williamstown North on Wednesday 3 October. Click here for more information. |
| ATO Record Keeping workshop - Thursday 6 September |
Are you new to business or thinking of starting a business? Good record keeping is important even before your first transaction occurs. It can save you time and help you to claim all the deductions to which you’re entitled. So give your business the best start by coming along to this free introductory workshop run by ATO staff. When: Thursday 6 September |
| Tapping into Tourism - Wednesday 12 September |
After the success of the last session and to coincide with Melbourne Tourism Week, Council is running a free “Tapping into Tourism” workshop aimed at tourism operators and the hospitality industry, presented by Destination Melbourne. Find out more about:
The team from Western Melbourne Tourism (WMT) will be attending to present some information on what they do to help promote the west, and how you can get involved with the 'Love The West' channels online. All attending Hobsons Bay businesses will be eligible for a subsidised ATDW listing of only $145 instead of $295 ex gst. Conditions apply. Date: Wednesday 12 September |
| The Startup Marketing Program - Friday 14 September | |
The Startup Marketing Program, designed by Marketing Entourage, aims to provide founders with the essential marketing tools to build effective strategies to successfully go to market, stimulate growth, attract investment, scale or expand globally. This program is funded through LaunchVic’s Founder Education program and supported by Hobsons Bay City Council. Date: Friday 14 September |
| Small Business Bus - Monday 24 September | |
Operated by Small Business Victoria, the Small Business Bus will be visiting Spotswood and Laverton in September as a 'travelling office on wheels'. Whether you're planning, starting or growing your business, the Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities. Free business mentoring on-board the Small Business Bus is available from an experienced professional and can be tailored to address the specific needs of your business. When: Monday 24 September Please note: only one session is available for each business, and bookings are essential. |
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| #StartWest meetup - Wednesday 26 September |
Are you an innovator, creative or entrepreneur? Come along to the monthly #StartWest meet up and talk to founders, startups and industry experts to hear about their journey and explore new ways to collaborate. Date: Wednesday 26 September |
| Create your own webpage (for small business owners) - Wednesday 10 to Thursday 11 October |
Are you a small business without a website? If you said yes and own or operate a small business in Hobsons Bay, this is your opportunity to create a landing page for your business. In this two day workshop, you’ll learn how to create a landing page for your business. This will include:
This workshop is a partnership between Hobsons Bay Libraries and Hobsons Bay Cultural and Economic Development. Time: 6pm to 8pm (for both days) Please note: This workshop is run over two days Wednesday 10 October and Thursday 11 October, from 6pm to 8pm. Participants are expected to attend both sessions. |
| Creating Effective Digital Content - Thursday 11 October |
Content is king in the digital world – make sure yours is working for your business and your brand, and speaks to the customers you want to attract. Whether you’re communicating with your customers through a website, a blog or social media, this essential small business workshop unpacks how to make your content compelling – while keeping it aligned with your business goals. Time: 9am to 11am |
| How to build an online business: author signing - Monday 22 October | |
Want to find out how Australia’s top online entrepreneurs got started? Discover the secrets of how to build your own online business. Best-selling author, Bernadette Schwerdt will share the insights she has gained from interviewing 100 of Australia’s top digital disrupters. When: Monday 22 October |
| In the last month |
| August Small Business Festival | |
Throughtout August hundreds of events, workshops and seminars were held across Victoria as part of the Small Business Festival. On Wednesday 1 August, Council hosted the free DYOB Coffee Connect Business Networking session at OfficeOurs, Spotswood. More than 30 local business people spent the morning networking and sharing business stories. |
| Spotlight |
| 2017 Business Excellence Awards Winner - Tourism | |
In celebration of Melbourne Tourism Week, our spotlight is on the 2017 awards category of Tourism. Providing beautiful waterside boutique accommodation, Captains Retreat incorporates three renovated cottages; four modern or art deco apartments, and a revamped two-storey home with seven ensuite bedrooms. Captains Retreat has won two Victorian People's Choice awards for accommodation, as well as three Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards. Owner Melissa Meek-Jacobs says she loves the way her business is just that bit different to others. "Our staff are willing to 'go the extra mile', with a third of the 15-strong team more than 60 years old and another third fluent in two or more languages. And we have a 24-hour duty manager and open every day of the year." JUDGES COMMMENTS: "Captains Retreat offered a great sense of welcome from the onset and highlighted the value of exceptional customer service and making visitors feel right at home like locals. The judges were very impressed by the level of planning, analysis and awareness of the competitive environment, along with the attention to detail across every aspect of the business operation. Melissa has built a very sustainable business and demonstrates a deep understanding of the sector she operates in." |
| Business news |
| Food Act 1984 |
The Food Act 1984 requires all food premises to renew their annual registration with Council before 30 September 2018. Operating a food business after this date without a valid registration is an offence under the Food Act 1984 and penalties may apply. The best way to renew and pay for your registration is via the eHealth Portal using the following link https://publichealth.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Account/Login.aspx. This is accessible 24/7. |
| Westgate Tunnel Workforce Trader Directory |
The Westgate Tunnel Project (WGTP) team has developed a business directory for their workers, to encourage their 6,000 strong workforce to shop local, supporting businesses along the project corridor from Docklands to Laverton. WGTP workers will be based at site compounds along the length of the project until completion of works in 2022. The Workforce Trader Directory is your opportunity to directly target these workers. Experience has shown workers are keen for locally sourced products and services. In addition to the online directory, printed directories will be distributed at all sites. It’s fast and free to register, and you can link directly from the Workforce Trader directory to your website. For more information or to register, click here. |
| The 2018 Melbourne West Jobs Fair is seeking exhibitors | |
The Victorian Government in partnership with the Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business is hosting the 2018 Melbourne West Jobs Fair and is looking for employers with job vacancies to participate on the day. The Melbourne West Jobs Fair will be held on Tuesday 9 October 2018 from 10am to 5pm at the Sunshine Convention Centre. The event is free and provides an opportunity for local businesses to showcase their employment opportunities and connect with a large pool of willing job seekers with a variety of skills. Job seekers will have the opportunity to talk with exhibitors to learn about real employment opportunities and career options in the West region. They can also get advice to support their job search and develop their career pathways and networks. Throughout the day there will be information sessions on how to find a job in the local market. For more information about the Jobs Fair, visit www.jobs.gov.au/jobsfair |
| How mentally healthy is your workplace? | |
Untreated mental health conditions cost Australian businesses almost $11b annually through absenteeism, reduced productivity and workers’ compensation claims.* The Victorian Chamber’s Mental Health Check Program will allow you to gain a clear understanding of the mental health risks that exist within your business and will assist you in taking concrete steps towards reducing these risks. Book a free consultation today with the Victorian Chamber to see how they can help you build a happier, more productive and mentally healthy workforce. For more information click here or call 03 8662 5333 *Source: Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace: Return on Investment Analysis, PwC, 2014 |
| Are you expanding your business to the United States? |
The United States (US) is a huge opportunity market for Australian businesses, as it is one of the world's most complex and competitive economies with a varied consumer base. To assist Australian businesses entering the US market, IP Australia has created a suite of resources to help people understand how to protect their brand. Click here for more information. |
| Property update |
| For Sale or Lease |
664-674 Kororoit Creek Road, Altona North - For Sale 20 Ponting Street, Williamstown - For Sale 87 Pier Street, Altona - For Lease 77 Millers Road, Brooklyn - For Lease 66 Douglas Parade, Williamstown - 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. |
| Grants and assistance programs |
| Grants and assistance programs currently open |
- Access Program VIC, open |
| Sustainability |
| Changes to grants and funding programs |
There have been a number of recent updates to the grant programs delivered by Council's Sustainable Business team, including: If you are interested in learning more about these programs or for information on how to apply, click here. |
| Home based business? Save on your energy bills! |
Compare your energy prices and receive a $50 bonus! Simply visit Victorian Energy Compare, an independent Victorian Government energy price comparison site, follow the steps and save! |
| Refrigeration Efficiency Masterclasses - various dates |
Cool rooms are a significant energy user for food sector businesses and it is estimated there are over 65,000 walk-in cool rooms in Victoria, potentially using 1.22GWh per annum and wasting up to 25 per cent energy. Free Refrigeration Efficiency Masterclasses will equip businesses with the knowledge and confidence to better manage their refrigeration systems. The training will cover key principles relating to the efficient and reliable operation of refrigeration equipment, choice of refrigerants, working with refrigeration contractors, and accessing financing for energy efficiency upgrades. The course focus will be on improving the energy efficiency of walk-in cool rooms. Participants will also be introduced to Sustainability Victoria’s free Sustainable Finance Service, that helps businesses to invest in energy efficient or renewable energy solutions. The Masterclasses are being run across Victoria during September and October. For dates and locations, or to register your attendance, click here. |
| Community Connection |
| Bendigo Bank - Community Partnership Program | |
The Bendigo Bank community grants program is now open. Eligible charities and not-for-profit organisations are encouraged to apply for available grants. For more information click here. |
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