Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works update. 

We hope you are all coping with the circuit breaker restrictions announced on 27 May 2021 and adjusting your trading accordingly.  

Circuit Breaker Business Support Package

To support small businesses affected by these restrictions, the Victorian Government has launched the $250 million Circuit Breaker Business Support Package to assist small to medium businesses and sole traders.

The package will support businesses unable to operate due to these necessary public health measures, including targeted support for the events industry. 

The program will open for applications on Wednesday 2 June 2021 and will remain open for three weeks.  

For further details of the program, and to find out whether you are eligible,  click here. 

Further Support

For businesses seeking further business or emotional support we recommend exploring the following programs:
Partners in Wellbeing Hotline
My Business Health Portal

Tuesday Chats are also a great way to connect with peers and seek emotional support in a group environment.  There is no need to pre-register, simply click here at 11am every Tuesday.

From 28 May all businesses must be using the Victorian Government QR Code.  Businesses currently using a Victorian Government Application Programming Interface (API) must switch. For instructions on how to switch, please register to use the Victorian Government QR code service.

Businesses should proactively encourage customers to check-in and must make reasonable efforts to provide a smartphone or other device or use an alternative record keeping system (such as pen and paper) for people who do not have access to, or cannot use the QR Code Service to check in.

So let's all keep it up. Because checking in keeps us safe and open.
As we move into the 2021 - 2022 financial year, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact businesses.  The Federal Government has put forward a budget with business recovery a key priority.  

Here are some of the key figures: 
  • $74.6 billion will be put forward to create 250,000 jobs
  • $2.7 billion will extend the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencement Program
  • $500 million will expand the Job Trainer fund
  • $1.7 billion invested to make childcare more affordable
  • $1.2 billion invested in the Digital Economy Strategy
  • $100 million invested in building digital skills
  • $16 billion in tax cuts for small and medium sized businesses by 2023/24
  • $1.2 billion aviation and tourism sector package
  • $1.5 billion modern manufacturing strategy
For more information click here. 

Following extensive consultation with both participating and non-participating businesses, as well as residents from across Hobsons Bay, Council is pleased to announce that the Outdoors extended trading program will be extended for a twelve month period until 31 May 2022.

The continuation of this trial period will allow for a full year of extended trading and enable Council to assess ongoing outdoor trading opportunities. As of August 2021 existing footpath trading fees will be reinstated, including for outdoor trading areas.  

The West Gate Tunnel Neighbourhood Fund has launched a grants round to the community. The grants stream will support community led projects that improve community access and participation.

Not-for-profit community organisations can apply for funding in three categories:
• up to $10,000 for a one-off project or activity that aims to improve community connectedness and participation
• up to $20,000 for festivals, events, and installations that bring local people together
• up to $100,000 for improvements to local community, sporting and recreation facilities, and local environments
The round closes Friday 18 June 2021 at 11:59pm. For more information, and to apply, click here.

The Australian Taxation Office has released this toolkit to help small businesses find information, tools, calculators and services to help them at tax time and throughout the year.  
Download a copy of the toolkit here. 

Although the Victorian Government's Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme has ended, VSBC is still providing free and impartial mediation services to help resolve commercial rent relief disputes in reponse to the pandemic. For more information, click here.

From May 2021, Solar for Business rebates will cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of a standard business rooftop solar system, with small businesses eligible for a rebate of up to $3,500.  The application process is built into the existing Solar Victoria residential program. 
For more information, and to apply, click here.

Delivered by Melbourne Innovation Centre as part of the ASBAS program, the following workshops will provide small businesses with the opportunity to gain new digital skills.

2 June - Organic Media Reach - register online
8 June - iPhone Video Production: Editing - register online
15 June - Create an Ecommerce Website with Shopify - register  online
22 June - How to Undertake a Digital Audit on your Own Business - register  online