March 2016 Edition

Published on 01 March 2016

March 2016    

March e-Works Intro
Welcome to March edition of Hobsons Bay Business e-Works. In this edition, we have a number of opportunities available to the local business community, including an exciting new program being delivered by Deakin Primeand the next workshop on the Hobsons Bay Business Calendar, One Page Business Planning.

There are a number of funding opportunities and awards programs on offer over the coming months and Council encourages any businesses looking to grow or diversify their operations to considering accessing funding through one of these programs. 

Also coming up this month, Council will be hosting a Creative Technologies Mini Unconference with Professor Stephen Heppell at Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre. This two hour seminar is a unique opportunity to hear from a high profile speaker while gaining an insight into what's happening in the world of learning and how creative technologies are influencing this field. 

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.

Spotlight on�
Sustainability at Altona Gate Shopping Centre
Centrally located on Millers Road, Altona Gate Shopping Centre is one of three Major Activity Centres in Hobsons Bay and is home to a variety of stores, including major retailers and independent stores. 

Over the past few years, the shopping centre's management team has delivered a dedicated program aimed at improving sustainability and reducing costs, which has in turn see them become a leader in sustainable business practice in Hobsons Bay.


Read more

Creative Technologies Mini Unconference with Professor Stephen Heppell
Thursday 24 March

New media (coding, robotics, electronics, 3D printing) ....What's the hype all about? 

If you are curious about what's happening in the world of learning, preparation for the future of work in the world today, and ways in which creative technologies are influencing this space, join us for an interactive afternoon spent sharing compelling stories about creative technologies projects that are hooking the young and old into learning for the future.
 
Professor Stephen Heppell is the founder of UltraLab, Professor of New Media at Bournemouth University (UK), Emeritus Professor Chair in New Learning Environments, Anglia Ruskin University.

Sharing his passions and projects from around the world, Stephen will lead a discussion about programming creative technologies opportunities in our libraries, galleries and museums...supporting engagement and learning in a digital world. Stephen has an "eyes on the horizon, feet on the ground" approach to harnessing learning opportunities via the 'hook' of creative technologies and he will blow your mind with what's happening out there! 

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DeakinPrime
Diploma of Leadership and Management
Are you looking for an effective leadership program that enables behavioural change? And one that’s offered close to home?

DeakinPrime is delivering its Diploma of Leadership and Management at the Werribee Learning Centre in Werribee this year and members of the local business community are invited to enrol. DeakinPrime has been offering diploma qualifications for more than 25 years and this exciting program is a great opportunity to further develop your skills and experience and can provide pathway entry into a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Management.

Read more

Business Workshop
One Page business Planning - Thursday 14 April

Planning ahead for your business can often make the difference between success and failure and a good business plan should be no more than one page. The One Page Business Planning workshop will provide you with the key information you require to gain focus and direction for your business. 

Read more

Upcoming Events
Export Skills 101 - 7 March
Asian Capability Workshop - 8 March
SuperStream for Employers Webinars - various dates
The New Business-to-Business Unfair Contact Terms Law - 16 March
An Introduction to Tender Writing webinar - 17 March
Cloud Accounting webinar - 17 March 

New Opportunities for Business
Victorian Disability Awards
Nominations are now open for the Victorian Disability Awards! A joint initiative between National Disability Services and the Department of Health and Human Services, the Victorian Disability Awards recognise people, organisations and businesses who make outstanding contributions to empowering people with a disability and creating an inclusive community. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au. Nominations close at 5pm on Thursday 24 March.


iAwards

Innovation is on the top of the national agenda, with the recent $1 billion ministerial innovation vision, the National Innovation and Science Agenda, announced in December. The iAwards support technology innovators to play a major role in making Australia a world innovation leader. The awards are open to individuals, companies, groups and students from across Australia and give innovators the opportunity to be recognised for their contribution to their industry. For more information, visit www.iawards.com.au 


B2B Expo

Held on 27 and 28 April, the B2B Expo in Australia's biggest small business expo. Visitors will have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, learn about new products and services and learn from industry leaders. For more information or to register, visit www.b2bexpo.com.au

Current Funding Programs

Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards
The Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards are the highlight of Council's business calendar every second year. Stay tuned  for updates and a save the date for the next Business Excellence Awards, which will be held in October 2017.

If you would like more information on the 2015 winners, visit 
our website or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.

    

Manufacturing/Industrial - Inver Engineering
A family-owned business that has operated in Hobsons Bay for 30 years,  Inver Engineering has consistently demonstrated innovative in-house solutions which have resulted in them landing contracts across Australia and worldwide. For more information, click here.

New/Start-up - Eco Laundry Room
Established in 2013, Eco Laundry Room in Harrington Square, Altona provides an eco-friendly self service laundry experience and is leading the way for the future of Laundromat services. For more information about Eco Laundry Room, click here.

 

Community Connection

Free Heritage Walking Tours - 1 to 31 March
Step back in time and unlock the secrets of Williamstown with free guided heritage walking tours, held every Tuesday and Friday at 11.45am. Meet at the Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre, Commonwealth Reserve, Nelson Place, Williamstown. For further information, call 9932 4310 or go to 
www.hobsonsbaytickets.com.au 


Hobsons Bay Quick Grants
Hobsons Bay 2016 Quick Response Grants are open for applications between 15 February and 30 April 2016 at hobsonsbay.smartygrants.com.au. Quick Response Grants are an opportunity for groups and organisations to apply for funding for unexpected or emerging projects which do not fit within the annual community grants program timelines. For more information visit Council's website.