Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works update.  

Over the weekend, Premier Daniel Andrews announced the state's sixth lockdown is set to be extended beyond September 2 as cases continue to rise in the community.

At a time when businesses are struggling with the uncertainty that lockdown brings, it is beautiful to see businesses joined together by Council's 'Shop local, support local' campaign that launched on Hobsons Bay City Council social media channels.  Your smiling faces brought life to the campaign and reminded our community why supporting our local businesses is so important. 

If you have not yet submitted a photo and would like to be part of the campaign visit the 'Shop local, support local' webpage. 


Would you like to be acknowledged for your business achievements? The 2021 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards nominations open in September, with this year more than ever before celebrating the efforts of our local businesses.

For more information visit  Hobsons Bay Business Awards. 

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

Ratepayers who have been impacted by COVID-19 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.

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 close on 1 December 2021. 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.

COVID-19 has affected everyone – some more than others. If you need help to isolate or are in need of support, the Hobsons Bay Community has Heart Virtual Hub has details of several self-help welfare and support services in the community that are available to provide immediate assistance, including food relief, crisis intervention support, emergency supplies, clothing, financial counselling, mental health and family violence assistance. One such provider is Laverton Community Integrated Services. If you need emergency relief and crisis intervention, contact them directly on 8368 0177.

Click here for details.

The Jobs Victoria online hub matches jobseekers who are ready to work with employers seeking a local, job-ready workforce.

Jobs Victoria can work with you to identify your business needs and help you find people with the right skills and experience.

To find out more, click here. 

Grants released as part of the $367 million joint Commonwealth/Victorian government business support package are now open.
  
The package includes funding for: 
More rent relief is now available for small and medium businesses through the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme.

The scheme will apply retrospectively from 28 July 2021 and will run until 15 January 2022.

Tenants and landlords can visit the Victorian Small Business Commission for further information or contact 13 87 22.
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.  
In this session, Maree Sortino will teach you how to create awesome looking graphics and videos for your social media pages using Canva.

Thursday 15 September from 6pm to 8pm
Online workshop - Zoom 

To register, click here. 

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 6 October from 7.30am to 8.30am

Little Gecko Coffee
113 Blackshaws Road
Altona North

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 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. 

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.