It's the last edition for 2021 and what a year we've had! From strong restrictions and lockdown to a slow and steady CovidSafe re-opening, it looks like we are gradually emerging from a very challenging few years.  We hope we've been able to assist you with the information and assistance your business needed over the past year.

In this edition, you will find information about the Love Local campaign, support for businesses from all levels of government, proposed dates for 2022 Business Victoria workshops, free tips and tools for enhancing your business operation and more. 

We wish you all the best for the festive season and look forward to supporting our vibrant local economy in 2022.

What is Love Local Moyne?
Love Local Moyne is evolving. The newest phase of the Love Local Moyne campaign is a digital platform that regularly reminds and connects local customers with local businesses. ‘How?’ You ask. A new and easy to use website allows Moyne Shire businesses to load ‘Local Promotions' in less than five minutes in just three easy steps.

What's a Promotion?
A promotion can be a deal, an offer or just something new and exciting that’s happening at your business, eg. The special on this week’s menu. Ideally, your promotion should have an element of FOMO (fear of missing out), something that’s fresh, seasonal or for a limited time. 

What's in it for my business?

  • Local customers will be directed to browse local promotions using strategic radio and print ads, as well an engaged social media presence via @lovelocalmoyne on facebook and Instagram. With social media posts linking straight to your business’ account.
  • The social media feed will also share posts with the hashtag #lovelocalmoyne – another way for businesses and customers to promote local businesses.
  • While the Moyne Shire Council takes care of the behind the scenes admin and distribution, the content is created by locals for locals. And the best part is that it’s all FREE.
How do I get involved?
  1. Create a promotion for local customers by heading to https://www.lovelocalmoyne.com.au/business-support/#promotions 
  2. Hit like on the Love Local Moyne Facebook page before the 31st of December for your chance to win local business gift voucher valued at $500 each.
  3. Start using the hashtag #lovelocalmoyne on your posts.
  4. Share or tag the Love Local Moyne social media accounts, and promote the ‘Hit Like to Win’ competition happening now.
Thank you in advance for getting involved in this collective effort to support our local businesses!


As of 11:59 pm, Thursday 18 November most density limits and travel restrictions have been lifted statewide for fully vaccinated people – reaching Phase D of the National Plan.

For more detailed information about your business' responsibilities go to How We Work . To access updated posters, flyers and templates go HERE.

If you have any questions, contact Council's dedicated Covid Support Officer Penny Iddon on 0450 521 73 or penny.iddon@moyne.vic.gov.au


Eligible workers, microbusinesses and sole traders across the state who lose work or income due to the lockdown may be eligible for the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment.

The COVID-19 Disaster Payment is administered through Services Australia. The payment is set at $450 for people who have lost 8-20 hours or a full day’s work over seven days, and $750 for 20 hours or more. People who receive certain Commonwealth income support payments or allowances are eligible to receive a $200 payment where they have lost eight hours work or more due to the lockdowns.

Apply for assistance  HERE 
The Regional Tourism Investment Fund will support new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects that will increase visitation, drive private investment, and deliver more jobs.

The fund will deliver grants up to $10 million per project, with a minimum funding amount of $150,000 per project, focussing on four growth sectors identified in the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan – nature, epicurean, arts and culture, and First Peoples’ led experiences.
Eligible businesses must be:
  • private sector proponents
  • local and State Government entities
  • incorporated associations
  • not-for-profit organisations, or Traditional Owner Corporations or Aboriginal-owned businesses.
Find Out More 

Closing date 7 Jan 2022

Here are some important dates to pop into your calendar. By attending a Business Victoria workshop you can improve your skills, network with others and get advice on your business from an expert or mentor. Upcoming workshops in the Moyne Shire include:  

  • Starting Your Small Business, 31 January 2022, Port Fairy
  • Starting Your Small Business, 1 February 2022, Koroit
  • Maximising Your Marketing, 30th March 2022, Port Fairy
  • Taking Your Business Online, 19th May 2022, Mortlake
  • Strategies to Advance Your Online Business, 22nd June 2022, Koroit
Invitations with full event details will be sent closer to the date. 


LOCALISED CHRISTMAS BONUS FOR BUSINESS COMPETITION

To let more people know about the Great South Coast Localised community, we are asking all local businesses to ‘invite a friend’ to join Great South Coast Localised.

By joining Localised, you're putting your business in front of over 750 local business owners who are looking to do business in the Great South Coast region.

The 2 local businesses who invite the most, will win a Christmas Bonus $500 cash prize.

PLUS! all new businesses who register during the competition period will go into the running to win one of 10 x $50 gift cards.

It’s simple to enter. Just click on this link to fill in the form! https://greatsouthcoast.localised.com.au/christmas-competition/

The Investment Fast-Track Fund previously referred to as the Accelerating Readiness Fund provides Victorian Government financial assistance for activities that will fast-track the achievement of an evidence base for their project in order to support and confirm investment readiness. The Fund will focus on funding activities that will mobilise strategic investment projects through fast-track of business case development and planning for medium to longer-term projects in regions, and increase the pipeline of investment-ready projects, with a focus on leveraging private investment, boosting employment and improving the liveability of rural and regional Victoria.

Funded activities will be considered based on the resultant project’s strategic importance for rural and regional communities including driving economic growth and prosperity for Victoria.

Applications will be considered for activities from the following:

  • Local Government Authorities
  • Alpine Resorts Management Boards
  • Private sector businesses, including Aboriginal organisations and small businesses
  • Business and industry groups
  • Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
  • Utility and services providers
  • Water corporations
  • TAFE institutions and universities
  • Public/private partnerships, through an incorporated entity
  • Not-for-profit organisations operating businesses, including community groups that are an incorporated body, cooperative,
    association or social enterprise
  • Other organisations agreed by Regional Development Victoria.
For more information, contact your local Regional Development Victoria or visit the Business Victoria website

Does your business appear at the top of a Google search? To appear higher in local Google searches, increase your business’ credibility and reputation make a habit out of asking your clients and customers to leave Google Reviews. Here are three things to know when asking your clients and customers to leave a review:

  1. Timing is everything when it comes to asking for a customer review. Your ask, in the form of a text message or email, needs to be sent after the product or service has been delivered but is still fresh in their minds.
  2. Make it easy for customers by sending them the exact link they need to leave your business a Google Review, follow these steps to find your individual link.
  3. Make it personal. Here is a template you can you when asking your customers and clients for reviews. By addressing them personally and acknowledging how important they are to your business, makes it more likely they’ll leave you a review, and a positive one at that!  
Hi [FIRST NAME],

Thanks for shopping with [BUSINESS NAME]!

Our customers mean the world to us and we’d love to hear your feedback.
Share your thoughts using the link below.[LINK TO YOUR REVIEW PROFILE]
Every review helps us make our customers' lives that bit better, so thanks for being part of the process.

Love the [BUSINESS NAME] Team.


CPA Australia has developed a Small Business COVID 19 Recovery Toolkit, which offers a guide to helping you assess what your recovery strategy will look like.

The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted how we do business in different ways. Efforts to contain the outbreak through mobility restrictions caused drastic shifts in consumer demand and behaviour and reshaped business practices. Several scenarios exist for what the post-COVID19 “normal” will look like.

Evaluating how you believe your market will operate post-COVID 19 will help you determine what products and services you should be offering – whether you continue with the same offerings, or need to adapt or pivot in line with expected changes in consumer preferences and behaviours. An evaluation of how your business was operating before the crisis will help you take stock and understand your operations to give you a clear picture of where to start in the recovery process. To find out more go to COVID 19 Recovery Toolkit

The Jobs Victoria Fund can financially support you to employ people who have been most affected by the economic impacts of the pandemic by hiring new staff or increasing hours for existing employees.

Jobs Victoria wage subsidies of up to $20,000 are available to meet the costs associated with employing someone for 12 months.

To be eligible for a wage subsidy, jobs must be for at least 19 hours per week (or eight hours if an exemption applies).

The number of wage subsidies you can apply for over the life of the Fund depends on the size of your business.

At least 60% of jobs supported by the Jobs Victoria Fund will be for women, reflecting the significant impact the pandemic has had on their employment opportunities.

Access this LINK to find out more.

The Small Business Energy Saver Program is supporting Victorian small business owners to save on energy-efficient equipment. It will deliver $5 million in discounts to small businesses across Victoria who upgrade to energy-efficient equipment.

Eligibility
Small Businesses that have 1 to 19 employees and who have a commercial (non-residential) premise Energy Saver Eligibility

Closing date            31 May 2022

For further information about our service or if you need help with accessing any of the resources provided, please contact Council's Economic Development and Tourism Team on 1300 656 564 or general inquiries can be emailed to ecodev@moyne.vic.gov.au