Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works update.

The past year has been a challenging time for all businesses with the pandemic. The announcement of the Victorian Government's Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan has set a path to re-open giving businesses the opportunity to plan and adapt into the future.

Hobsons Bay City Council is invested in supporting local businesses and their recovery. We invite you to participate in a tailored program consisting of workshops and a private one-on-one consultation with a highly regarded Business Advisor from the Ion Group.

This is a great opportunity for up to 20 business owners to:

  • adjust their business focus
  • adapt to change and harness opportunities
  • diversify and expand their business
Expressions of interest close 5pm on Thursday 30 September 2021.  For more information click here.
Nominations close soon for the 2021 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards.

This year more than ever, Council wants to celebrate the efforts of our local businesses during these difficult times. The awards provide an opportunity to recognise the achievements and contributions businesses, both large and small, have made to the community and economy in Hobsons Bay.

Past winners have included Symmetry Physiotherapy Altona Meadows, FieldTech Solutions, The Social Secret and Habitat Pet Supplies. Previous winners have reported that winning an award gave their business valuable publicity, a confidence boost and a sense of pride.

To see your business name listed amongst the winners please submit your nomination by 11pm Sunday 3 October.

For more information and to submit an entry for the business awards visit www.hobsonsbaybusiness.com.au/awards

Winners will be announced Thursday 11 November. The evening will be celebrated through a virtual awards ceremony, with each of the category winners announced.  It will also be streamed live and businesses and residents will be invited to view the proceedings online. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Economic Development unit on 1300 179 944 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. 


Hurry, just one day left! 

Hobsons Bay City Council will be supporting local businesses by launching our very own Christmas Gift and Event Guide and encouraging residents to shop, eat and drink local.

The guide offers businesses an opportunity to be showcased in a variety of different categories including:

  • Gift Guide
  • Experience Gift Voucher Guide 
  • Festive Dining 
  • Shops on Show
Businesses are invited to submit content for inclusion in the digital magazine by Wednesday 29 September 2021 by visiting the Hobsons Bay Christmas Gift and Event Guide webpage.
Applications are now open for the Victorian Government’s Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund 3.

The program offers grants to small landlords who are doing the right thing by waiving rent for their tenants as part of the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme.

Applications for the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund are open until 15 January 2022, or when funds are exhausted.  
Take some time now to prepare for the return of the visitor economy.

If your business provides a tourism or leisure experience and you are interested in extending your exposure and attracting more visitors consider taking a moment to register on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).

To be eligible, businesses must align with one of the following listing categories: accommodation; attraction; food and drink; event; hire; tour; transport and general service.

Visit Victoria, in partnership with Regional Tourism Boards and the State Government, is pleased to provide free ATDW listings until 30 June 2022 to aid COVID-19 Recovery efforts.

For more information on how to request an ATDW coupon code and register your business visit https://corporate.visitvictoria.com/resources/marketing-opportunities/about-atdw

Are you a Victorian small business owner with 19 or less employees?

Sustainability Victoria has launched the new Small Business Energy Saver Program, offering businesses an additional bonus up to $2000* to install energy efficient equipment at your workplace.  Energy-saving equipment available may include water heaters, heating and cooling, refrigeration, or motors. 

Reap the benefits of clean energy and leverage the savings from reduced energy bills to grow your business.  Find out more today by calling our partner Australian Energy Foundation on 1300 23 68 55, or book your one-on-one phone consultation here.

*Disclaimer: Amounts noted are an indicative range - actual bonus amount may differ depending on eligibility. 
Business debts can have a big impact on your life, family and friends. 

The Small Business Debt Helpline is a free service for small business owners in financial difficulty. The team of qualified financial counsellors will listen and give you practical advice to help you get back on track.


In the event that COVID-19 restrictions do not allow for these events to be held in person, they will either be moved online or postponed.  Businesses registered to attend the events will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.  
Join Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Award Winner and Social Media Strategist Maree Sortino from The Social Secret as she teaches you everything you need to know about navigating the wonderful world of Instagram Reels!

Thursday 21 October from 6pm to 8pm

Online workshop - Zoom 

To register, click here. 

In partnership with the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) at Kangan Institute, Council is offering free and confidential one-on-one sessions with an experienced business consultant from BEC @ Kangan. In this session you will have an opportunity to discuss any issues you have in regards to commencing your new business or improving the performance and operation of your existing business.

Wednesday 17 November between 9:30am and 1pm

Hobsons Bay Civic Centre
115 Civic Parade
Altona

For more information click here. 

Due to current restrictions, the October DYOB Coffee Connect event has been cancelled. If possible, we will look to re-schedule another session before the end of the current year once restrictions ease.

If you are a cafe in Hobsons Bay and would like to be considered to host one of these networking events next year, please contact business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. 

For more information on the DYOB Coffee Connect program click 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.