Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works update. 

Over the past several weeks we have been pleased to see restrictions continuing to ease and our traders once again open for business and implementing the Victorian Government QR Code Service. 

As we continue to manage the COVID pandemic over the next several months, businesses play an integral role in reminding patrons to check in and assisting visitors who are unable to check in themselves by using the Kiosk check-in function.  

So let's keep it up. Because checking in keeps us safe and open.


The $20 million Victorian Events Support Package is now available and offers funding across five streams of support: 
  • Sustainable Event Business Program
  • Impacted Public Events Support Package
  • Independent Cinema Support Package
  • Live Performance Support Program (Presenters)
  • Live Performance Support Program (Suppliers)
For more information click here. 
Visit Victoria has announced that Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) listings will continue to be free until 30 June 2022 (a saving of $295).  ATDW listings are promoted across visitvictoria.com and other official tourism websites and span across 11 product categories including: 
  • accommodation
  • attraction
  • event
  • food & drink 
  • general services
  • hire
  • tour
  • transport
Businesses looking to maximise their exposure through the marketing programs and activities of Visit Victoria and their Regional Tourism Board should ensure they have an up to date ATDW listing with engaging images and copy. 

For more information on how to create or renew an ATDW business listing click here. 
The Small Business Digital Adaptation Program provides $1,200 rebates so small businesses can access a range of digital business tools.  Through this program, 14 suppliers are available to help you build or upgrade your website, improve your cash flow, start online marketing, manage your jobs and projects, and keep better track of stock.

Applications for the Small Business Digital Adaptation Program close at 11.59pm on 30 June 2021.  For more information, click here. 

The Victorian Government's Business Competitiveness Program is currently open for local manufacturers looking to expand operations and implement new technologies and processes, with grants totaling up to $500,000 available.  We encourage eligible Victorian manufacturers to apply here before the program closes on 4 July 2021.  

Looking to go global?  

The Austrade export services portal helps businesses go further and faster across every step of the export journey.  Find new international markets, check laws and regulations for your products and services, and learn how to export your products successfully. 

Click here for a comprehensive guide on how to set yourself up for success in export markets.

The Workplace Advice Service offers free legal advice nation-wide around issues such as employee dismissal, general protections, or workplace bullying by connecting eligible small businesses with around 90 private law firms, community legal centres, legal aid and barristers.  

For more information and eligibility requirements, click here. 
The Victorian Government has developed the Energy Innovation Fund to support the commercialisation of innovative, emerging renewable energy technologies in Victoria required to meet its target of net zero emissions by 2050.

The Fund is being delivered in multiple rounds.  Round 2 pre-applications closed on 8 April 2021, with full applications anticipated to open in August 2021.  
Learn more here. 
The Small Business Energy Saver Program provides businesses with less than 20 FTE employees bonuses of up to $2000 to install energy-efficient business equipment at their workplace.  The bonus is in addition to the energy efficiency upgrade discounts through the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program. 

Learn more here.
The Victorian Government has introduced the Solar for Business Program to support small businesses to reduce their energy costs by accessing the benefits of renewable energy.  This initiative will bring down energy bills for small businesses by reducing the upfront cost of the installation, with rebates covering up to 50 per cent of the cost of a rooftop solar system to a maximum value of $3,500.  

Learn more here. 
The Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) Subsidy is available to Victorian businesses (with premises in the state) for the purchase of up to two eligible vehicles from 2 May 2021 for three years or until the rebates are fully committed, whichever occurs sooner. 
Learn more here.

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 7 July from 7.30am to 8.30am

The Greenery
30 Ferguson Street
Williamstown

To register, click here. 

In partnership with the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) at Kangan Institute, we 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.

Appointments are essential as places are limited. To book into one of the following sessions call 9094 3008 or email bec@kangan.edu.au

Wednesday 14 July between 9:30am and 1pm
Wednesday 08 September between 9:30am and 1pm
Wednesday 17 November between 9:30am and 1pm

Optimising your website will help you improve the quality and quantity of traffic to your website and is a step that is often overlooked by small businesses.  Join Jake from Jake Boyle Consulting in this workshop and learn how to implement strategies to improve your website performance and everything related to SEO.

Wednesday 21 July from 5.30pm to 6.30pm

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

To register, click here.