Happy New Year! Welcome to the first Business e-Works Update for 2021. 

In this update we will outline which COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria are set to be eased as of next week, as well as highlighting upcoming business events and initiatives.  

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 1300 179 944 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

In the first round of funding through Council’s Hobsons Bay Business has Heart grants program, ten projects have been funded for a total of $113,000. Funded projects range from events, markets, enhancement of outdoor spaces and tourism promotions to an online cookbook featuring local restaurants and cafes.

Each of the grants awarded will fund an initiative that engages residents and promotes our local economy. A total of $250,000 in business grants has been made available and applications remain open until March 2021, or until funds are exhausted. For more information or to start your application, visit Hobsons Bay Business has Heart  or call 9932 1616. 


The Discover Your Own Backyard (DYOB) Coffee Connect series is back next month!

This is a great opportunity to enjoy a free coffee, promote your business and share ideas while meeting business owners from a range of different industries.

Date: Wednesday 3 February
Time: 7.30am to 8.30am
Location: Hangar 1one2, 112 Pier Street, Altona
Cost: Free
To register: click here

Go online for more information on DYOB Coffee Connect Series and other business events in Hobsons Bay.

From Monday, 18 January, the Victorian Public Service will be able to return to on-site work at 25 per cent capacity at each site and all other office workplaces will be able to increase to 50 per cent capacity.

In addition, face mask requirements returned to the previous settings which were in place at Christmas time from Sunday, 17 January. 

More government updates

Information for business and industry
Sector guidance - office workplaces
Test isolation and worker support payment
First People's COVID-10 Business Support Fund

From 4 January, businesses claiming the JobKeeper subsidy for their employees need to be aware of two significant changes.

1. The ATO requires you to re-check your eligibility by completing and submitting the ATO’s Decline-in-turnover test, and

2. Fortnightly payments per employee are now $1,000 (before tax) for staff working 80 hours or more or $650 (before tax) for staff working less than 80 hours.

For more information, click here or contact your accountant.

The Victorian Government has further extended the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme until 28 March 2021 to relieve financial hardship faced by tenants and landlords as a result of COVID-19.
To find out more about the scheme and how to access free mediation service for commercial tenants and landlords from the Victorian Small Business Commission, click here.

Looking for a place to network with other Victorian small business owners while you work virtually? Join the Victorian government's Facebook Group, I am a small business owner in Victoria, Australia and connect with over 20,000 members of Victoria's small business community.

Is your business interested in accessing low cost, locally produced renewable energy in Hobsons Bay?

Council is rolling out an Australian-first solar installation program which includes the installation of solar panels on more than 40 Council buildings and the creation of a Virtual Energy Network (VEN). The VEN will direct energy where it is needed, not just where it is generated.

As an extension of this initiative, we’re designing a Community Solar Program, to enable business and community access to the VEN and reduce the barriers to using and generating renewable energy.

We are establishing Community Solar Reference Group to guide the development of the community access model. No specialist knowledge is required, and people from all walks of life are encouraged to apply! More information available via  www.participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/community-solar-program

Date: Wednesday 27 January
Time: 6pm to 7pm
Location: Online
Cost: Free
To register: click here

Calling all entrepreneurs, innovators, startups and aspiring business owners across the west! #StartWest is coming back in 2021.

Join us in the first virtual meetup of the year and connect (and re-connect) with other like-minded business owners across Melbourne's West.

Council is excited to announce that the Red Cross is now offering complimentary Welcoming Workplaces sessions. The sessions are designed to support businesses and organisations to become more socially cohesive, diverse workplaces by offering employment opportunities to humanitarian migrants. To book your free 65 minute session, contact Ana Radovic (Project Officer) via email aradovic@redcross.org.au or by calling 0415 525 293.