Welcome to the last Hobsons Bay Business e-Works update for 2021. As we wrap-up our projects for the year and prepare for holiday festivities, let's take a moment to think about the year that was and celebrate the many hurdles our businesses have overcome.  

It has been fantastic to see our local precincts buzzing again as COVID restrictions have lifted and the community has emerged to do their Christmas shopping and enjoy dining out once again.  

The Live & Local program has ensured our community is as vibrant as ever with 91 music performances taking place across 20 locations to date and more to come!
  
The program will be extended throughout January.  Artists can now register for Live & Local January dates, with Expressions of Interest open until 7 January 2022.

Weekly Performance Programs can be accessed by clicking here! Be sure to get out and take a moment to enjoy the sounds as Hobsons Bay comes alive once again!

Holiday closure
Our Economic Development team will be taking some leave from Friday 24 December returning Tuesday 4 January. During this period if you would like to contact us, please email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au and we will reply to your enquiry as quickly as possible upon our return to the office in the new year.

We wish all of our businesses a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Have you completed the most recent HBBhH Outdoors survey yet? 

Previous surveys completed by businesses in relation to the HBBhH program related to temporary extensions to the program.  Council is excited to now be looking at how businesses might be able to transition to a permanent or seasonal (e.g. during summer) outdoor program and so it is important that, once again, we check in with businesses and the community to get their feedback on how the permanent program will work.  

Visit Council’s Participate website to review the guidelines proposed for the future program and complete the survey. The consultation period will run until 30 January 2022 and the team will engage with both participating and non-participating businesses, trader groups and the broader community.

New pandemic orders came into effect from 11.59pm, Wednesday 15 December.

To view the latest restrictions for businesses please refer to the How we work: Victoria and relevant sector guidance pages on the Coronavirus website.

COVID Business Help Program 
Council has received State Government funding to provide additional COVID related support and advice to businesses in the first half of 2022, in relation to COVIDSafe Requirements as set by The Victorian Chief Health Officer.  During this time, Council-employed COVID Support Officers will be visiting businesses across Hobsons Bay to provide support and information on how to continue to implement COVIDSafe practices within their businesses and to help ensure business owners and operators, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse groups, are up to date with the latest information and understand their COVIDSafe obligations.  Further information will be shared widely in early 2022.
The new year is the perfect time to review steps you can take to implement more sustainable business practices increasing efficiency and minimising impact on the local environment while reducing costs.

Visit the Hobsons Bay Business Sustainability webpage to learn more about the programs available to assist you on your way to becoming more sustainable.  

Sustainability Victoria has launched the new Small Business Energy Saver Program, offering businesses an additional bonus up to $2000* to install energy efficient equipment such as hot water systems, heating and cooling appliances, or fridges and freezers.

Businesses in Hobsons Bay can also access Environmental Upgrade Finance for projects that help them save money and improve their economic and environmental performance.
The Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme ends on 15 January 2022. However, tenants and landlords will still have access to guidance with negotiations and free help to resolve rent relief disputes.  

Find out more here.
Look out for our 2022 Business Calendar which will be launching in the new year with the first Coffee Connect networking event taking place Wednesday 2 February in Brooklyn (note no workshops or networking events will be taking place in January).  

For up to date information and access to our events visit the Hobsons Bay Business webpage.

It's official - Start, Now is back in 2022!

Start, Now is the LaunchVic-funded pre-accelerator program that helps you turn your startup idea into reality.

Make 2022 the year where you give it a crack while being supported by expert mentors, and a community of like-minded individuals pursuing their dreams.

Find out more at nowdoit.com.au or apply here!

The Partners in Wellbeing Helpline is a free, confidential service offering small business owners and their employees one-on-one access to trained wellbeing coaches, financial counsellors and business advisors. Call the Partners in Wellbeing Helpline on 1300 375 330 for assistance between 9am to 10pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends. A live chat function is also available on the website. 

For a list of other resources available visit the Mental Health in Business webpage.