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This month we are excited to get the year underway with the first two workshops from the 2018 Hobsons Bay business calendar. Small Business Victoria's "Starting your business: How to turn an idea into a business" takes place on Thursday 15 February followed by 'The Airplane Game' on Thursday 8 March. We look forward to sharing the many exciting events we have planned for the year ahead.
Several new funding programs and opportunities have recently been announced, including the Boost Your Business Voucher program and the Incubator Support Program. There are also a number of interesting industry events and webinars coming up, including the Altona Truck and Trade Show at Melbourne Ball Park and the VTIC Visitor Economy Forum.
Finally, we are seeking expressions of interest for two new programs. We want to hear from local cafes and event spaces interested in hosting networking events and secondly from business service providers looking to promote their events and workshops through Council's business calendar.
For more information, or if you have any questions about doing business in Hobsons Bay, please contact us on 03 9932 1285 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
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| Do you have an exciting new business idea?
Starting your business: How to turn an idea into a business will ensure you are fully prepared to get your business off to the right start at this practical three and a half-hour workshop led by an experienced small business operator with real-life know-how and lots of insight to share.
Find out how to plan, prepare and test your business idea, step by step, in a small group setting that will equip you to make informed decisions about what you need to do next to minimise the risks and make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.
Presenter: Small Business Victoria
Date: Thursday 15 February, 9am to 12.30pm
Location: Hobsons Bay City Council, 115 Civic Parade, Altona
Cost: $30
To register: Click here
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LEAN concepts are powerful tools for increasing productivity, attacking wastes and reducing costs. The Airplane Game is a great method for SMEs to look at LEAN processes. Participants will learn:
- why achieving profitable growth is such a challenge for small and medium sized businesses.
- core LEAN manufacturing principles that will help you see opportunity in your business.
- how to apply LEAN through a simple, practical, hands-on simulation.
- why a “big company solution” like LEAN works so effectively in small businesses.
- the steps to successful LEAN implementation in small and medium businesses.
- how to unlock growth potential.
Participants will discuss how these issues are relevant in their own businesses and develop a simple “One Page Plan” to address key issues.
Presenter: Department of Innovation, Industry and Science
Date: Thursday 8 March, 8.30 am to 4pm
Location: Hobsons Bay City Council, 115 Civic Parade, Altona
Cost: Free
To register: Click here
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In 2018, the business calendar will be expanded to include a selection of events run by local service providers from across Hobsons Bay. If you are considering running a business workshop or already have a program scheduled, you could potentially access Council’s extensive network to give your event maximum exposure and boost your attendance numbers.
Business related events will be considered for inclusion in the Hobsons Bay business calendar if they meet the following criteria:
- the organiser’s business is located in Hobsons Bay
- the organiser has demonstrated experience in delivering business events
- the event is being delivered in Hobsons Bay
- the topic covered relates to business development and/or investment attraction and is in line with the aims and objectives of Council’s Economic Development Strategy
- the event is delivered for free or at minimal cost to attendees
- all costs will be covered by the organiser
- Hobsons Bay is offered an opportunity to promote the services of the Economic Development Unit
- Hobsons Bay is provided with a list of attendees at the conclusion of the event
- the event does not clash with any other event in the Hobsons Bay business calendar
- the organiser holds current Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance
For consideration as part of Council's printed 2018 business calendar, please ensure your expression of interest is submitted before Friday 23 February 2018.
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The State Government has established Boost Your Business Vouchers to support eligible Victorian businesses to become more productive, employ more people, improve market access and in general, increase their scale, diversity and profitability.
Vouchers are used by Victorian businesses or organisations in exchange for services that will build their capabilities in three main areas, including market engagement, innovation and business capability.
These services will be provided to Victorian SMEs under one or more of the following voucher streams:
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The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Fund provides eligible small and medium enterprises with funding of between $500,000 to $2.5 million to cover up to a third of eligible project costs for capital projects that establish or expand advanced manufacturing activities in Victoria and South Australia.
The program aims to transition the manufacturing sector and improve the overall efficiency and competitiveness of firms and the broader economy. For more information or to apply, click here.
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Offered as part of the federal government's Entrepreneur's Program, the Incubator Support initiative provides grant funding to incubators to deliver support services to Australian start-ups with an international focus. Grants are available to support the establishment of new incubators in regions or sectors with high innovation potential, and for existing incubators looking to expand their services.
Funded incubators will deliver a range of activities designed to improve the prospects of commercial success of innovative start-ups, allowing them to realise their economic potential faster than they otherwise would. The initiative supports entrepreneurial activity and contributes to the development of the innovation ecosystem, including in Australia’s regions. For more information, visit business.gov.au.
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Sustainability Victoria are offering matched-funding grants of up to $50,000 to assist eligible businesses with the cost of a variety of gas-related projects that will improve energy productivity and affordability, support jobs and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Gas Efficiency grants are intended to support businesses operating in Victoria with an annual energy spend above $20,000 and using gas for equipment and/or processes that are core to the business operations. The types of businesses that can apply include, but are not limited to, manufacturers and processors. For more information or to submit an application, click here.
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There are now more Australian examples of self-managed teams delivering strong results, reducing costs in multimillion dollar projects, turning around businesses, improving morale / safety and developing people to their potential.
The federal government's Entrepreneurs Programme brings you a free webinar on how to think differently, grow your “disrupting management” style SELF managed collaborative teams, save costs, improve morale, develop people and change culture. For more information or to register, click here. |
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When Amazon launched in Australia in December 2017, retailers knew there was more to come. And now...it’s coming! 2018 is set to be the year of Prime and Fulfilment by Amazon.
Whether Amazon is already part of your online strategy or you’re yet to launch on the third party marketplace, you need to know how Prime and FBA are going to shake up the retail landscape and what the evolution of Amazon means for you.
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In partnership with digital marketing company Webfirm, VTIC will stage the first in a series of free webinars for 2018 on Wednesday 21 February at 10.30am.
Keeping up to date with developments in employment law should be a priority for all businesses today. The Fair Work Commission makes a range of decisions on issues such as unfair dismissal, bullying and dispute settlement which are relevant to all workplaces.
This webinar focuses on recent Commission decisions which guide the way businesses should address workplace issues, the processes that should be applied when considering what action to take and the potential consequences of failing to do so properly.
For more information or to register your attendance, click here.
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The 2018 VTIC & Tourism Australia calendars will once again be launched with the annual VTIC Visitor Economy Forum and Tourism Australia Industry Briefing on Wednesday 28 February 2018.
This not-to-be-missed events will examine the opportunities, issues and key campaigns that lie ahead – and, importantly, how they will impact you. For more information or to purchase a ticket, click here.
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Almost daily we hear about cyber attacks on large organisations, but we rarely hear much about similar attacks on small and medium enterprises. This doesn’t mean that they’re not happening.
The Cyber Security for Small and Medium Enterprises: Identifying Threats and Preventing Attacks free online course will explore some of the common cyber threats facing small and medium enterprises, what a cyber attack means, and what practical tools and strategies you can put in place to prevent them.
For more information or to register your attendance, click here.
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Supported by Hobsons Bay City Council, and presented by publisher Australian Custom Trucks the Altona Truck and Trade Show is designed to showcase the transport industry, encourage local business involvement, boost the local economy, support local sporting clubs like the Laverton Cricket Club and the Altona Football Club and put a spotlight on the Melbourne Ball Park stadium as a major event venue, handily located just off the Princes Freeway.
Over three days, the Truck and Trade Show will feature between 100 and 300 trucks and trade displays. As part of the show, a networking event for the trucking industry will take place on the Friday. For more information, click here.
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Nominations for the 2018 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame are now open. Outstanding manufacturing businesses and individuals are urged to nominate for the 2018 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards.
With the theme “Advancing Victorian Manufacturing”, the 2018 awards will highlight innovation and the strengths of Victorian companies in advanced manufacturing. The awards will also recognise achievements by women in manufacturing, the use of digital technologies in manufacturing, and the development of workplace skills.
For more information or to nominate a company, click here.
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On 12 December 2017, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) varied certain overtime rates and minimum shift entitlements for casual and part-time employees in several awards. These changes apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 January 2018.
The decision introduces overtime rates for casual employees in many of these awards and changes how part-time hours can be worked in others. For more information and to see how these changes impact your business, click here.
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Contact Tino Parisi on 0425 755 655
Contact Tino Parisi on 0425 755 655
Contact Joel Davy on 0411 109 876
Contact Francis Sbaglia on 0418 565 918
Council's Economic Development team takes a proactive approach to attracting and facilitating investment across the municipality. This includes assisting with site identification and selection. If you are looking for a commercial or industrial site in Hobsons Bay or to submit a business or commercial premises for inclusion in e-Works, please email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
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Hobsons Bay continues its summer events program this month including Summer Sounds, GOWEST and Movies by the Bay and is proud to host the Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton Relay Community Celebration on Saturday 10 February.
The Baton will arrive by water on the Enterprize at Gem Pier Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown at 1.15pm before heading to Logan Reserve, Altona with an expected arrival of 3.20pm. Motorists are advised there will be changed parking conditions and some road closures on the day. Information can be found at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
For more information about Hobsons Bay events, contact the Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre on (03) 9932 4310 or drop into the centre in Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown (open 9.00am to 5.00pm every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day), or visit www.visithobsonsbay.com.au
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Hobsons Bay City Council is currently seeking expressions of interest from local cafes and restaurants interested in hosting business networking events.
In 2018, Council will be launching a series of regular 'coffee and connect' networking events across the municipality. These events will bring together local business owners, while showcasing a variety of local attractions, cafes and function spaces across the region.
To be considered for inclusion, you must:
- have sufficient space for twenty people to comfortably fit in your venue
- be willing to offer discounted beverages (tea, coffee, etc)
- be open, or willing to open, between 7am and 9am on a Wednesday
Participating businesses will gain exposure to local business representatives and promotion across Council's various communication platforms. They will also a brief opportunity to present their business story on the day.
If you meet these criteria and would like your business considered for this exciting series of events, please email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au by Thursday 15 February to express your interest.
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Join us for a community walk at Cherry Lake Altona to celebrate International Women’s Day. There will be live music, coffee and snacks, guest speakers and inspirational women profiled throughout the walk.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year there’s a strong call-to-action to press forward and progress gender parity. Let’s motivate and unite friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and be gender inclusive.
Date: Thursday 8 March
Time: 10am to 12pm
Location: Cherry Lake, Enter Via Fresno St, Altona, to meet next to the first car park
Cost: FREE (Coffee and a snack provided)
No RSVP required
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Hobsons Bay City Council is creating a digital strategy. This strategy will shape how we will become more accessible and user-friendly for our growing community.
We want to know how you would like to interact with Council. What options would you like made available to you that we don’t currently offer? We want to invest in technology that enables Hobsons Bay to be more sustainable, efficient and accessible. If you would like to get involved please head to Participate Hobsons Bay to have your say.
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Calling all businesses and people who love golf, are committed to the community they do business in, don’t mind a spot of networking, competitive fun and being outdoors! The third annual Hobsons Bay Community Fund Golf Day is being held at Kooringal Golf Club on 23 March.
This exciting event will fund community grants for local organisations, and there will be many ways for business to connect and be involved, from registering teams, sponsorship, and contributing prizes. Click here to register or contact Craig on 0408 055 125 for more information.
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