April 2017 Edition

Published on 01 April 2017

This month we are pleased to announce business workshops that will be run over the coming year, including a digital marketing workshop run by Small Business Victoria.

We are also excited that the 2017 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards nominations are now open. These awards are a great opportunity for business to be recognised with their achievements, innovation and outstanding work practices. Thank you to the businesses who have already submitted nominations.

If you have any questions about doing business in Hobsons Bay or how Council can assist in helping your business grow, please contact us on 03 9932 1285 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Don’t miss out securing your spot in one of Hobsons Bay City Councils new free/ low cost workshops and seminars just announced.
The workshops will feature a range of knowledge and skills based business topics including business planning, developing your online strategy, with all sessions delivered by highly skilled presenters from across the business community, presented at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre.

Upcoming workshops include:
*Starting Your Business in Victoria -Thursday 18 May 9am to 1pm FREE
This Small Business Victoria workshop is specially tailored for migrants, refugees or asylum seekers and will step you through the process, help you get set up your business right, and connect you to a range of government resources and free mentoring.
For more information and to book click here.

*Business Planning Essentials - Thursday 27 July 6pm to 8pm $20
A clear business plan is an essential determiner of long-term business success. Get the tools, templates and support you need to guide you through the key steps in the planning process and give your business the best chance of success. For more information and to book click here.

*Develop Your Online Strategy (part of the Small Business Festival) - Thursday 10 August 9am to 12.30pm $30
Build on your basic skills and learn how to develop a strategy to help grow your business through your online activities and make your products and services easy for potential customers to find. For more information and to book click here.

Don’t miss out. Places are limited.

The Hobsons Bay Business Breakfast was held at The Substation on Thursday 23 March 2017 and saw more than 150 business leaders from across the municipality network and enjoy a presentation from speaker Jon Dee, social and environmental innovator, founder “Planet Ark”, and presenter of “Smart Money” on SkyNews discussing sustainability initiatives changing business and society.

To download Jon Dee’s free “Energy Cut' energy efficiency eBook please click here.

Hobsons Bay City Council invites businesses to enter the 2017 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards. Nominations close by 5pm Friday 18 August 2017.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Williamstown Town Hall on Friday 20 October 2017.

The awards provide a unique opportunity for businesses both large and small to be recognised for their achievements, innovation and leading work practices. From home-based businesses and start ups, to manufacturing and logistics companies, the business awards bring together people to celebrate their successes and accomplishments.

Business can enter one of the following categories:

* Home-based

* Hospitality

* Manufacturing and industrial

* New/start up business (up to 2 years old)

* Not for profit

* Professional services

* Retail

* Tourism

* Trades and construction

* Transport and warehousing

All entrants will be in contention for

* Mayors Business Award

* Business of the Year

Entry for the business awards is via an online application form at: www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/businessawards. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Economic Development unit on 9932 1285 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

We would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of this event:
Media Partner: Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly
Awards Sponsors: Altona and Laverton Community Bank® branches Bendigo Bank, Dow Chemical, WynBay LLEN, Snap Printing Wlliamstown/Altona, The Gordon TAFE, Deakin University, Williamstown Chamber of Commerce, Clips That Sell

Have you added your business to google maps or ever checked to see if it comes up if a customer searches for you?

Adding, claiming and verifying your business helps customers find it on Google. Once you’ve added and verified your business, you can edit business information like address, contact information, category, and photos.

6 easy steps you can do from your computer

Open Google Maps and make sure you're signed in.
Zoom in to the map where you want to add your business.
In the bottom right, click Send Feedback.
Click Add a missing place.
Drag the marker where your business is, and add any relevant information.
Click Submit.

For more info on Google my business visit Google Map support.

Tax Essentials for Small Business Workshop
Are you thinking of starting a business or new to business?
Register now for this free event run by ATO staff and supported by Hobsons Bay City Council.
Come along and learn about:

business structures
registering your business
record keeping - understanding how to keep track of your business
reporting online to save time
business life cycles - why they’re important
help and more information - where to go when you need it
networking with other new business owners in your area

Staff will show you how to use their online tools and resources to make things easier.
Tea and coffee will be provided.
Appointments are essential as places are limited.
Date: Tuesday 11 April
Where: Hobsons Bay Civic Centre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona
When: By appointment from 9.30am to 12:00pm
Appointments only available by registering here.

Small Business Bus
Scheduled to visit Borrack Square, Altona 3025
Operated by Small Business Victoria, the Small Business Bus offers free, friendly, professional assistance from an information officer and expert advice from an experienced business mentor.

Whether you're planning, starting or growing your business, the Victorian Government's Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities.
Sessions are strictly limited so advance bookings are required.

Date: Wed 12 April 10am to 4pm
Address: McArthurs Rd, Borrack Square
To book a session time click here.

Participate Hobsons Bay:
Council uses an online community consultation hub to supplement our community engagement activities. http://participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au is a really great site to keep up to date and an opportunity to have a say on the things that are important.

A couple of current community consultations are:

Precinct 15 (Former Dons Site), Altona North
Council has received an application to rezone the land in Precinct 15 from the current industrial zone to the Comprehensive Development Zone. This would allow a range of possible uses including residential, business, town centre (that may include shops) and parks.
Once the conditions of authorisation have been met, Council will be issuing a media release and will advertise the community engagement / exhibition process. For all information please visit
http://participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/precinct-15-former-dons-site

Have your say on Hobsons Bay's draft Biodiversity Strategy
This is Council’s first draft Biodiversity Strategy. It was developed in consultation with the community and key stakeholders. The strategy will be implemented via an action plan and an ongoing monitoring and evaluation process.
We now want your feedback. Have we got it right and is there anything missing? For all information please visit http://participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/our-natural-environment

Tell us how you would like to hear about Council news!
Hobsons Bay City Council wants to provide you with the information you want, in the way that you want it.
You told us in the Hobsons Bay 2030 Community Vision that you want an improvement in the communication you receive from Council, so we want to hear from you!
By filling in this quick survey, you can have your say on how you want to receive your Council information. The survey will close at midnight on Sunday 16 April.For full information please visit
http://participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/communications-community-survey-2017

Noticed something odd near your workplace? Snap Send Solve from your mobile phone!
Do you have a smart phone, including iPhone or Android?
You can report issues to Council using Snap Send Solve, a free app available from the App Store (iPhone) and Google Play (Android).

Governments Grants Briefing – make sure you are digging in the right place
There are lots of government grants and support out there to help businesses like yours achieve its goals. But finding out what they are and whether you’re eligible to receive one takes a lot of legwork, and that’s before you even start your application.
This briefing will increase your knowledge of:

* What federal, state and local government grants and support are available
* The difference between contestable and eligibility grants
* The eligibility criteria and how to apply
* What free support is available to help you apply

This briefing is suited to small and medium businesses seeking support to remain sustainable or grow their business.
Date and Time: Monday 3 April 2017 6pm to 8pm
Venue: Brimbank Community and Civic Centre
Level 6, 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine, VIC 3020

Upskill your staff and give your business the competitive edge.
The Victorian Chamber offers more than 800 short courses, accredited diplomas and certificates, briefings at locations across Victoria.
For more information on courses available, click here. To learn more or to make a booking, call them on 03 8662 5333.