February 2016 Edition

Published on 01 February 2016

February 2016

Welcome to the first edition of Hobsons Bay Business e-Works for 2016!

2016 is off to a great start, with a number of high profile programs being announced by the federal and state government. These programs, including the National Innovation and Science Agenda, the Future Industries Fund and the Local Industry Fund for Transition (LIFT) program, will support businesses and workers to strengthen, grow and diversify their operations.

This month we are also pleased to announce the first of many exciting business workshops that will be run over the coming year. This year’s business calendar features a completely new series of events and, for the first time, includes digital marketing workshops run by Small Business Victoria.

Finally, December 2015 marked the launch of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which will generate new opportunities for businesses across Australia. For businesses in Hobsons Bay, the FTA will bring about opportunities to explore and enter new markets and build international partnerships. We look forward to hearing your success stories over the coming months.

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.

Business Workshops 2016

The Hobsons Bay 2016 Business Calendar has been announced, with a series of new workshops and seminars on offer throughout the year. This year’s program will feature a range of knowledge and skills based business topics including business planning, customer service and time management, with all sessions delivered by highly skilled presenters from across the business community. Upcoming workshops include:
> Persuasive Presenting for Sales – 10 February
> Starting a Business – 2 March
> One Page Business Planning – 14 April


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Upcoming Events

> A New Way for Tech Businesses to Collaborate with Researchers UniGateway Breakfast – 18 February
> Melbourne Employment Relations Briefing: Terminations and Restructuring - 23 February
> ATO Tax Basics for Small Business webinar - Various Dates

The Small Business Bus is Coming to Hobsons Bay

Operated by Small Business Victoria, the Small Business Bus visits Melbourne and regional Victoria as a 'travelling office on wheels'. It offers friendly, professional assistance from an information officer and expert advice from an experienced business mentor. 45 minute mentoring sessions are free and can be booked online.

Upcoming dates and locations include:
> Tuesday 16 February 2016 - Altona Gate Shopping Centre
> Thursday 18 February 2016 - 1 Mason Street, Newport

The National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA)

In December 2015, the Australian Government announced its highly anticipated National Innovation and Science Agenda - also known as the Ideas Boom - which aims to create a culture of innovation and improve the wellbeing and quality of life for all Australians.

The Agenda will focus on four key pillars, including Culture and Capital, Collaboration, Talent and Skills and Government as an exemplar. Over the next four years, the government will deliver initiatives worth more than $1.1 billion to create business growth, local jobs and global success.

In Hobsons Bay and the western region, the National Innovation and Science Agenda is expected to bring a range of benefits and new opportunities to local businesses. Council will continue to provide updates on the Agenda as more details on the new initiatives are announced. For more information on the Agenda and the many initiatives that will be delivered, visit www.innovation.gov.au.

Business Opportunities - Importing and Exporting

On 20 December 2015, the China-Australia Fair Trade Agreement came into force, providing Australian businesses with better access to Chinese goods, services and investment.

The Fair Trade Agreement will benefit importing and exporting businesses across a range of industries by reducing costs and encouraging new investment into Australia.


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Save Money with Solar Power

Are you a Hobsons Bay small business*? Install a new solar power system, make a tax deduction and slash your electricity bills for 25 years^!

New regulations allow small businesses to claim an immediate deduction for assets that cost less than $20,000. Hobsons Bay City Council can simplify the process by helping you install solar panels, through a reputable supplier, at a great price.


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New Opportunities for Business

Williamstown Library - 104 Ferguson Street, Williamstown

Applications are being sought from commercial operators interested in leasing the retail premises at 104 Ferguson Street, Williamstown. Situated in an excellent location and within the Williamstown Library building, the space is already set up as a cafe and offers its new tenant a great opportunity to establish a vibrant new business in central Williamstown. For more information click here or contact Raelene MacDonald at Williams Real Estate on 0407 833 446.

Next Generation Manufacturing Investment Programme
In December 2015, the Australian Government announced the second phase of the Next Generation Manufacturing Investment Programme, part of the $155 million Growth Fund which aims to support employees, businesses and regions affected by the closure of Australia’s car manufacturing industry. Round 2 is now open, with grants ranging from $500,000 to $2.5 million to fund up to one third of eligible project costs. Applications close on Monday 18 April 2016.

Free information sessions for intending applicants are being held on Thursday 25 February, at 1pm to 2.30pmand 3pm to 4.30pm. To register your attendance, click on the relevant session time. For more information visit Business.gov.au.

Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame
Nominations are now open for the 2016 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame celebrates excellence in the manufacturing field and winners are selected from across a range of industries, including the six growth sectors identified by the Victorian Government. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit Business Victoria.

Induction into the Manufacturing Hall of Fame is highly regarded and successful businesses will gain valuable exposure and increased credibility in local and international markets. If you're considering nominating yourself or someone else, or if it's something you aspire to, the list of current Hall of Fame inductees and the Hall of Fame Honour Roll feature case studies and examples that demonstrate the high calibre of talent that exists in the Victorian manufacturing industry.

VESKI Inspiring Women Industry Internships
Are you an SME in the manufacturing and technology sector? Funded by the Victorian Government, the VESKI Inspiring Women Industry Internships program aims to support, inspire and inform Victorian women about career choices in the industrial sector.

Short term opportunities (4 months) are currently available for businesses that are seeking a cost effective solution to a research challenge or problem your business is facing. Interns will be female honours and masters students from STEM disciplines, who will be supported by their university supervisors. This is a fantastic opportunity to access a highly skilled intern while supporting the next generation of inspiring women. For more information visit the VESKI website.

Local Industry Fund for Transition

Announced as part of the Victorian Government’s Towards Future Industries: Victoria’s Automotive Transition Plan, the Local Industry Fund for Transition (LIFT) program aims to support workers, communities and businesses affected by the closure of large scale passenger manufacturing in Victoria.

Eligible businesses can access grants worth up to 25 per cent of eligible project expenditure, with a maximum grant of $2 million. Projects are assessed on a number of criteria, including job creation, net economic benefit, demonstrated ability to undertake the project and sustainability of the project. For more information or to submit an expression of interest, visit the LIFT website.

New Energy Jobs Fund

Round one of the New Energy Jobs Fund is now open, with up to $5 million available for projects that create long-term sustainable jobs, increase the update of renewable energy generation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive innovation in the New Energy Technologies sector. Round one closes 16 March 2016, with rounds two and three due to open in late 2016 and 2017 respectively. For more information visit www.business.vic.gov.au.

Awards and Recognition

Is your business brilliant? Business awards are a great opportunity to share your business success, highlight recent achievements and gain valuable exposure for your business.

There are currently a number of awards and recognition programs running, with opportunities available for businesses of all sizes and across a range of industries. Current programs include:

> 2016 Australian Business Awards - closing 4 March
> 3AW Momentum Energy Small Business Success award - ongoing
> 2016 Telstra Business Awards - closing 23 March

Current Funding Programs

>  Accelerating Commercialisation
>  Certain Inputs to Manufacture (CIM)
>  Entrepreneurs Programme
>  Future Industries Manufacturing Program
>  Emissions Reduction Fund
> Enhanced Project By-law Scheme (EPBS)
> Getting Down to Business
> Grow Me the Money (VECCI)
> Industry Skills Fund
>  R & D Tax Incentive
> Small Business SuccessMap
>  Sustainability Victoria Resource Assessment Grants
> Trade Mission Assistance Program
> Wage Subsidies

Community Connection

Are you interested in supporting local community programs and gaining valuable exposure for your business? Coming up in March, there are two exciting community events, including the International Women's Day Trivia and the Hobsons Bay Community Fund Golf Day.

International Women's Day Trivia Night prizes - 4 March
Local businesses are invited to express their interest in donating suitable prizes for a community event being held in March. To celebrate International Women’s Day, Council is hosting a trivia night on Friday 4 March, with all proceeds donated to Fitted for Work, a non-profit organisation that aims to help women experiencing disadvantage in getting work and keeping it.

For more information or to express your interest in donating a prize, call 03 9932 1001 or email commdev@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.

Hobsons Bay Community Fund Golf Day - 18 March
Are you looking to raise your profile while getting involved with an exciting community program? The inaugural Hobsons Bay Community Fund (HBCF) golf day is being held at Kooringal Golf Club on Friday 18 March and local businesses are invited to get involved and support the local community.

This exciting event will bring together business people from across Hobsons Bay and raise money for the 2016 Hobsons Bay Community Fund grants. There are a limited number of sponsorship opportunities currently available for Hobsons Bay businesses, ranging from naming rights to in-kind sponsorship.

For more information, or to express your interest in sponsoring this event, please email HBCFevents@gmail.com or call Craig on 0408 055 125.

Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards

To highlight the achievements of the local Hobsons Bay business community, over the coming months we will be showcasing the winners of the 2015 Hobsons Bay Excellence Awards. If you would like more information on the 2015 winners or the Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards, visit our website or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.


Not for Profit – Louis Joel Arts & Community The Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre is a community owned and operated not for profit organisation located in Altona that works in partnership with community groups and organisations to deliver diverse programs supporting arts, recreational and cultural services to the local community. To learn more about Louis Joel, click here.	Professional Services – Compton Green Described as “not the stereotypical real estate agent”, Compton Green ticks all the boxes in terms of business excellence. Based in Williamstown and led by a passionate and entrepreneurial team, Compton Green is a leader in innovation and has a demonstrated commitment to supporting the local community. To learn more about Compton Green, click here.