Published on 01 July 2016
Hobsons Bay City Council adopted an interim position in response to the Western Distributor project at the Ordinary Council Meeting of 14 June 2016. Council is now calling for feedback on its interim position until 29 July and invites you to share your views. It is important that we hear from local businesses to ensure Council’s position best reflects the outcomes you want to see and help to mitigate any negative impacts.
Open Innovation West facilitates connections and collaboration between manufacturers and associated supply chains in Melbourne's west and the wider region. Following a successful first year of operating, Open Innovation West have recently launched a website to complement their ongoing program of business events. The website provides manufacturing businesses with an opportunity to list their business for free, find other local businesses, submit articles and find out about upcoming events in the region. For more information on Open Innovation West or to list your business, visit www.openinnovationwest.com.au
As part of the 2016 Small Business Festival, two Hobsons Bay businesses will be hosting FREE webinars to help other business operators to market and manage their business. Overcoming procrastination and distractions in your business -2 August Procrastination and distractions in this 21st Century world are having a huge impact on business productivity and on business owners. Time, money and energy are sucked into the procrastination void. Hosted by the Business Time Lord Russell Scott, this webinar shares with you some great advice and strategies used by successful small business operators to help make your business work better for you. Take a positive step to change your situation and stop paying the distraction and procrastination tax. For more information or to register, click here. Making time for marketing - 19 August Do you struggle to find time in your day to dedicate to marketing your business effectively? Join small business marketing expert and dynamo Ailsa Page and productivity expert Russell Scott and learn how to find time in your schedule for marketing and what marketing you should be spending your time on. For more information or to register, click here
The Substation, located in Newport, has been successful in securing $300,000 in funding through the Creative Victoria organisational funding program. This announcement acknowledges the Substation's important role in our creative landscape, building on its reputation as a regional centre for contemporary arts. The organisational funding program is a key pillar of the Victorian Government's Creative Industries Strategy, which has been developed to align with the broader objectives of Creative Victoria as part of the Department of Economic Development, jobs, Transport and Resources. The funding will go towards supporting the Substation's operations and growth over the next four years. For more information on the Substation, visit www.thesubstation.org.au
Hobsons Bay City Council and Hubcap Productions recently launched the exciting new community-based biennial celebration, the Art & Industry Festival, which will build local identity, champion local assets and inspire interaction between local artists, residents, industry and businesses. Motivated by the local industrial resources of electricity, oil, petrol, sea water, blue stone, glass and transportation, the inaugural Art & Industry Festival will culminate in multiple art presentations and activities throughout many unique places in the Hobsons Bay area across ten days from 18 – 27 November 2016. Working in partnership with Hobsons Bay City Council, the Art & Industry Festival was instigated by a long-term Newport resident, Donna Jackson and her company Hubcap Productions. The Art & Industry Festival program will be revealed on Friday, 9 September 2016. For updates about the Art & Industry Festival or for information on how you can get involved, please sign up at www.artandindustryfestival.com.au
> ATO Record Keeping for Small Business - 15 July > Diverse recruitment: The Hidden Secret - 19 July > Small Business Strategies for Financial Success - 21 July > Small Business Festival - 1 to 31 August > Partnership Marketing Workshop - 3 August > Bringing Independent Expertise into Your Business - 3 August > Business Grants and Assistance Explained - 4 August > Gov4U: Advice, Support and Grants for SMEs - 11 August > Family Business Australia Conference - 17 to 19 August > Women in Business: Skills and Networking for Growth - 19 August > Social Media for Business - 31 August
Council is accepting expressions of interest from tourism providers for inclusion in the Summer edition of Melbourne’s Official Visitor Guide (December to February). This includes both the printed version (distribution 250,000 throughout Victoria) and the Melbourne Official Visitor Guide app. To express your interest, please email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au including details of your business and the product offer you are presenting. Past examples have included discounts, free entry passes and 2 for 1 vouchers. For more information, contact Council's Tourism and Retail Development Officer on 03 9932 1619.
The Access Program offers facilities, export-related assistance and in-country expertise to Victorian company representatives visiting overseas markets.The Access program is available to businesses looking to expand into the USA, Japan, South Korea, Middle East, China, Hong Kong, India and South East Asia and is available to Victorian businesses on a 'first-come first-served' basis. For more information or to apply for approval from the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources,visit www.business.vic.gov.au or call 13 22 15.
Study Melbourne Internship Program
Are you interested in engaging a work ready international student to bring a global perspective into your business? The Study Melbourne Internship Program is deliivered by the Victorian Government in partnership with leading Victorian education providers and aims to connect employers with talented international students who are completing their studies in Victoria. For more information visit www.business.vic.gov.au or contact Study Melbourne on 03 9651 8030.
Victorian Multicultural Commission Multicultural Awards 2016
Nominations for the 2016 Multicultural Awards for Excellence are now open. The Multicultural Awards acknowledge outstanding achievements and services of individuals and organisations who have actively supported cultural diversity and made a positive impact in promoting community harmony. Nominations are open across a range of categories, including the Corporate Innovation Award and Victorian Multicultural Marketing Award. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit www.multicultural.vic.gov.au
> Accelerating Commercialisation > Certain Inputs to Manufacture (CIM) > Entrepreneurs Programme > Future Industries Manufacturing Program > Future Industries Sector Growth Program > Emissions Reduction Fund > Industry Skills Fund > Local Industry Fund for Transition (LIFT) > R & D Tax Incentive > Sustainability Victoria Resource Assessment Grants > Trade Mission Assistance Program > Wage Subsidies
Hobsons Bay City Council recently adopted the Multicultural Policy 2016-20. The policy represents Council’s commitment to celebrate local cultural traditions and promote respect for cultural diversity. It also aims to improve access to employment, business and social opportunities for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. A number of supporting resources have been developed to complement the policy, including a consultation report, community profile poster and policy summary that has been translated into nine community languages. All materials are available on Council’s website.