Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works update. 

On the advice of Victoria's Chief Health Officer, the current lockdown will be lifted state-wide from 11.59pm tonight, Tuesday 27 July.  

While certain restrictions will remain in place, businesses will be allowed to reopen with capacity and density limits of 1 person per 4sqm.  Victoria will return to the rule that 'if you can work from home, you should work from home' but office workers will be able to return up to 25 per cent or up to 10 people, whichever is greater.  Download the current table of restrictions for industry specific rules.

The Victorian Government had previously announced further funding to support businesses affected by the extended lockdown.
Businesses that received payments in the previous lockdown will receive an automatic top-up. Business that chose not to apply for these support programs in relation to the May/June lockdown, or that were previously ineligible to apply but are now eligible, can apply for July lockdown support payments and will be considered outside of the automatic top-up process.
For more information and to read the media release click here.

A COVID-19 Disaster Payment is also available.  The vast majority of microbusinesses not registered for GST will be eligible for the Commonwealth Government's COVID-19 Disaster Payment. The new payment will help microbusinesses and Victorian workers who are unable to earn an income due to the current lockdown restrictions. All applications can be made through Services Australia.

There is genuine and discreet support for residents and businesses impacted by the pandemic.

Ratepayers who have been impacted by COVID can apply for a waiver of their rates by 30 November 2021, in-line with the second-rate instalment.

Business ratepayers whose turnover has reduced by 20 per cent may be eligible to receive a rate waiver.

Residential ratepayers whose income has dropped by 30 per cent (maximum income of $80,000) may be eligible to receive a rate waiver.

The exact amounts to be waived will be determined in line with the allocation of approximately $525,000 after the number of eligible applicants is determined.

Approximately $450,000 has been set aside for ratepayers to apply for an interest free rate deferral until 31 December 2021 and then interest free repayment plans thereafter.

Council will be waiving an estimated $375,000 rate interest previously raised to ratepayers with a good payment history prior to COVID-19. No action is required as this will be automatically applied by Council.

Applications for rate relief will open on Monday 23 August. Residents, businesses, and community organisations can apply online for financial relief at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/financialassistance Conditions apply and proof of income will be required.

To assist businesses in communicating current requirements to their customers, Council has produced a range of posters to print out and display at your business which are available here.  As it may have been a number of months since your business originally displayed such signage, we encourage all businesses to refresh any signage that is now damaged or faded.  

The Australian Retail Association have also developed
a series of printable posters in response to the ongoing COVID-19 situation across the country to promote a safe shopping environment for both customers and staff.
To download the ARA range of posters click here. 

Tap into the parents and bubs market and become a breastfeeding friendly business. By joining the Breastfeeding Welcome campaign, you can effortlessly show families they are welcome to feed their baby in your premises by displaying a ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ sticker.

Parents who feel welcome will spread the word, come back to your business, become regular customers, leading to a boost in sales. It’s a win-win. 

Proudly displaying a Breastfeeding Welcome Here sticker shows that your business, your staff, and your management support parents who breastfeed. All cafes, restaurants, retail shops, entertainment venues, sporting facilities and businesses can participate in the initiative by registering and being listed on Council’s Breastfeeding Welcome campaign webpage.

For more information and to order a free sticker click here.

Hobsons Bay City Council is in the process of updating its library of local images which are used in Council publications. We are reaching out to local businesses to offer the opportunity to contribute their promotional images to the library. These images are used in Council’s social media channels and print/online communications.  Photo credit would be offered to participating business whenever these images are used including tags on social media where feasible.
For more information and to submit images of your business click here. 

The Spotswood and South Kingsville draft place guide is now open for feedback. With 16 projects outlined, the guide will transform the area and help the community realise the shared vision for the future. The projects are far-reaching, ambitious and require a coordinated approach between Council, community, industry, and business. To learn more, provide your comments, or register to stay involved, visit Better Places.

The Australian Taxation Office offers free webinars on a variety of topics.  There are general topics that suit all small businesses and others that are specific to particular industries.  Some are also offered in Chinese, Arabic, and Vietnamese.  Whether you are wondering if you should continue trading or want to learn how to set up systems to pay your workers, there will likely be a webinar to support your needs.
To view a list of topics available and register for a webinar click here.

Have you got a business idea you want to scale?

The Start, Now Pre-accelerator program is free for all Victorian Business Founders in 2021 who want to launch a business or startup that uses innovation and technology to scale the business. 

For more information, and to apply, click here.
The FitsMe - Essential guide to business funding gives small business operators the most important information they need to know about the types of funding available and outlines the steps to increase their chance of securing funding.   

For more information and to download a copy click here.
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.  

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 owners from a range of different industries.

Wednesday 4 August from 7.30am to 8.30am

Blacksheep
25B Vernon Street
South Kingsville

To register, click here. 

In this session, Maree Sortino will explore everything you need to know about Facebook and Instagram, which platform is right for your business, what to post, and how often.  

Thursday 19 August from 6pm to 8pm

Hobsons Bay Civic Centre - Meeting Room 3
115 Civic Parade
Altona 

To register, click here. 

In partnership with the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) at Kangan Institute, Council are 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 business or improving the performance and operation of your existing business.


Wednesday 8 September between 9:30am and 1pm
Wednesday 17 November between 9:30am and 1pm

Hobsons Bay Civic Centre
115 Civic Parade
Altona

For more information 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.