Welcome to the first edition of the monthly Business e-newsletter series.

We are very excited to launch this newsletter which will inform you of regular Council and business updates, events,news,support opportunities and initiatives. 

In this edition, we bring you the latest updates around the COVID-19 situation, Council budget support initiatives, regional and State wide support opportunities and more.

We want this newsletter to be valuable to you so please share your feedback and suggestions to help us improve.

Moyne Shire Council.
Council invites you to be part of a Business Webinar next Wednesday evening 3rd of June. 

Join us at 5.30 pm and learn more about Council's:
  • Business support initiatives
  • Tips for business adaptation
  • Key info regarding limited trading restrictions
  • How to get your business online through the Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism free digital package.
To join the webinar, simply visit the Zoom Meeting link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89350038922
Please ensure that you test this link prior to the event. If you need any assistance joining the Zoom Meeting, please email Council’s IT team the day before and we will be in touch to help get you set up: Email: it@moyne.vic.gov.au

If you have a question you’d like us to answer during the webinar please email us at ecodev@moyne.vic.gov.au
COVID-19 has instantly changed the way we do business.   Some businesses have been directed to close, others have changed the way they operate and some are experiencing a significant spike in demand.

Council has created a consolidated COVID-19 page for businesses which combines information, links and documents from the Federal and State Government as well as other regional support opportunities available.  Please visit the COVID-19 Business Support page on our website here.

More importantly, as things are gradually  transitioning to normal, we encourage you to visit our website to be updated about changes to Council services and a summary of the staged easing of restrictions here.
Council is very aware of the hardships Moyne residents may be facing as a result of the escalating COVID-19 situation. To ease financial pressures, 2020/21 budget initiatives include:
  • Applying a rate freeze in 2020/21, rather than applying the 2% rate cap – a saving of $420,000 to ratepayers.
  • No interest will be applied to overdue rates from 31 March 2020, including the fourth installment which is due 31 May 2020.
  • Ratepayers experiencing financial stress can contact Council to discuss payment arrangements.
  • Not increasing any Fees and Charges that apply to local residents for the 2020/21 financial year – a saving of around $100,000 for residents.
  • Providing a rent waiver for at least three months for commercial leases with the Shire.
  • Prioritising works that can engage local tradespeople – around $500,000 worth of minor building and maintenance works.
Council will continue to monitor the COVID-19 impacts to assess whether further support is needed.
An initiative by Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism (GORRT) and Visit Victoria, along with Moyne Shire Council has commenced, to help local businesses recover and thrive.This includes more online exposure, marketing opportunities and advertising campaigns that aim to keep our region and your business top of mind. To be successful, we as a region need to pull together and work towards a united recovery. That means retailers, hospitality, support services, accommodation, tour providers etc. all need to be a part of our promotion and product experience.

WHAT YOU’LL GET
As a business who benefits from tourism, a FREE 12 month membership with GORRT and your local tourism association, backed by a team of tourism specialists. Your free membership (valued at $540) includes: MORE INFORMATION
For more detail on what’s included for you and gain local support, please call Council’s visitor services team (Ashley or Renee): @portfairyvic Phone: (03) 5568 2682. Email: vic@moyne.vic.gov.au

For greater detail, visit the following webpage for more information on the offer: https://www.portfairyaustralia.com.au/atdw-subsidy

Remember, we’re all in this together!
Following the Small Business Regulation Review in 2016 as part of the Victorian Government Regulation Reform Program, Moyne Shire Council is in the process of rolling out the Better Approvals Project.

The primary objective of  the Better Approvals  project is to reduce the time it takes small businesses to obtain the necessary approvals from Council and the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) to open or expand their business.

Within Council, the following steps/processes will be put in place to reduce the time taken for business approvals:
  • A Self Assessment Form to make it easier to discover what approvals might be needed.
  • A Single Application Form for all council-administered processes.
  • A Business Support Service to assist businesses to lodge correct and complete permits application forms.
Localised is a free business register operating across Moyne and adjoining Great South Councils. It is will help you to:
  • Advertise your goods and services to the local business community.
  • Increase the visibility of your business.
  • Use the notice board to advise of changes to business hours and online service options.
  • Engage with other businesses to get local quotes.
  • Discover networking and professional development events across our region.
Sign up today on greatsouthcoast.localised.com.au/moyne/.

If you need help with setting up your business profile up or adding content to the site, please give us a call on 0355680573.
 
Moyne Shire Council in partnership with Small Business Victoria is running a series of small business workshops throughout the year.

These workshops will provide practical support for people wanting to start or grow a small business.  Topics range from Starting to Business Planning, Marketing, Business Resilience, Taking your business online, Commercialisation to Succession planning.  

Due to the Covid-19 restriction, all workshops from March-June 2020 will be held online via Zoom and free of charge.  

Upcoming Workshop
Winning Government Business: What you need to know- 26th June (9:00 AM -12:30 PM)

Whether the idea of tendering for government business has you scratching your head about where to start, or thinking about a tangle of red tape, think again. The Australian government sector spends billions annually procuring products and services.

If you are not putting your business forward as a potential supplier, you’re missing out. This workshop will show everything you need to know to position your business to stand out and win one of the many government tender and contract opportunities regularly available.

 Limited spaces available book here
Grants are available through the Victorian Business Support Fund. If you employ staff and your business has been impacted by the restrictions, check the eligibility and apply.

Applications will close on Monday 1st June 2020. Find out more on the Business Victoria website.
For further information about our service or if you need help with accessing any of the resources provided, please contact the Economic Development Team: