Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works update.  
It was lovely to see so many of our businesses come together at the recent Hobsons Bay Business Breakfast.  
Here in Hobsons Bay we are lucky to have a diverse group of businesses with knowledge that benefits us all.  We encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration as a way to build our community and ensure our businesses are thriving. While we may not have a business breakfast on each week, or month, there are plenty of other ways to connect with your fellow businesses.

"Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together."
-James Cash Penney

Connect, share and learn from other local businesses on our Hobsons Bay Business Network Facebook group. This is a group in which we encourage businesses to share ideas and tips, ask questions and seek opportunities for collaboration.  Businesses also have the opportunity to promote their business on #TakeoverThursdays. To join  click here. 
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

Since October, Council has implemented 43 extended trading areas for almost 200 businesses, including footpath zones, parklets, and one road closure.  We will now be extending the outdoor trading areas until 31 May 2021 for businesses that want to continue.
Business Support Officers are currently visiting businesses to gain feedback regarding future plans for the continuation of the program long term.  
To get in touch with one of our Business Support Officers email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or call 9932 1616.

Hobsons Bay Business has Heart Business Grants close 31 March 2021, with $250,000 made available for projects that support our business community through the impacts of COVID-19 and attract residents back to local businesses.

The following applications have been approved with several more in the pipeline. 

·       Welcome to Hall Street, $15,000 - Newport

·       Taste by the Bay Online Cookbook, $15,000 – Cross Municipality

·       Williamstown Micro Weddings, $8,000 - Williamstown

·       Millers Junction Pop Up Retail Store, $4,000 – Altona North

·       Hobsons Bay Motor Vehicle Specialist Workshop, $7,000 - Williamstown

·       The Week Before Christmas, $15,000 - Williamstown

·       Shore Outdoor Cinema, $15,000 - Williamstown

·       Altona Live Stage, $15,000 – Altona 

·       This is Altona Campaign, $15,000 – Altona

·       Music at Harrington Square, $4,000 – Altona 

·       A Platform for Local Performers, $15,000 – Cross Municipality

·       Love Laverton Campaign, $15,000 - Laverton

·       Pier Street (Blythe to Railway) Entertainment, $15,000 - Altona

·       See Seabrook, $15,000 – Seabrook

For more information click here or contact us on 9932 1616.
Business grants remain open until March 31 2021, or until funds are exhausted.

From 27 March, all businesses using electronic record keeping – such as a QR code system – must use a system that integrates with the Victorian Government contact tracing system to help contact tracers respond to outbreaks even faster.

Business owners and operators should ask their provider if they intend to comply with the new system or can check if their QR code provider has connected to the Government’s API website.

Businesses who do not have a QR code system that is non-compliant, can access the Victorian Government's free QR Code Service.

The Western BACE is launching an E-Commerce Incubator in April 2021 and is now accepting applications.

The E-commerce Incubator has been designed to support 10 early-stage and/or existing E-commerce (online) businesses looking to expand, to build, launch, and grow a sustainable business. We understand the challenges involved in starting and operating a business. Through the Incubator, businesses in Melbourne’s West will have the opportunity to, access subsidised warehouse space, combined workshops, bootcamps, practical business planning masterclasses, expert support and mentorship, community and network to use as sounding board. Three $2,000 seed funding scholarships are available.

To learn more about the program and apply click here. 

The Boosting Female Founders Initiative - Round 2 helps female entrepreneurs overcome the disadvantages faced in getting access to finance and support to grow their startups. Targeted support will be on a co-contribution basis.

Grants between $25,000 and $480,000 are available for female-founded (majority owned and led by women) startups who wish to scale their business into domestic and global markets.

Close date: 5pm 22 April 2021

To learn more about eligibility and apply click here. 

How to Build a Community Online and Offline

When: Tuesday 30 March, between 10am and 12pm

Ticketing information: registrations can be made online

 

Engage Real Followers on Instagram

When: Wednesday 31 March, between 5pm and 7pm

Ticketing information: registrations can be made online

Running a Home-Based Business

Where: online

When: Thursday 1 April, between 10am and 11am

Ticketing information: registrations can be made online

Business Networking – Altona Meadows

Where: Espresso Allegro, 1/23 Central Avenue, Altona Meadows 3028

When: Wednesday 7 April, between 7.30am and 8.30am  

Ticketing information: registrations can be made online