March 2017 Edition

Published on 01 March 2017

We look forward to seeing many of you at our Business Breakfast in Newport on Thursday and we will share lots of sustainability tips (which is the theme of the breakfast) with you in the next eWorks edition.

In the meantime there are a number of events and opportunities on offer over the coming months. Council encourages any businesses looking to grow or diversify their operations to consider exploring these opportunities. If we don't see you at the breakfast on Thursday, we hope to see you at one of the networking events coming up.

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

If you're a business owner or manager in the inner West, don't miss the West is Bestgroup at their March event at Seaview Williamstown Events Centre.

The first panel discussion, led by local entrepreneurs Tristan Tomasino (Biggin & Scott), Sara Borowiak (Inka Creative)and Tom Langlands (HM Printers) will delve deeper into the specifics on how to:

- Energise and transform your business to stand out through creative and cost effective avenues,

- Clearly identify your services as well as target market,

- Attract and engage with new and existing audiences to ensure your longevity amongst competitors, and

- Continue to promote your business in order to establish your loyalty and commitment to your community.

The second panel discussion, led by Brad Regan (Real Edge), Andrew Dirckze (Wealth Effect Group) and Ross Griffiths (By The Numbers) will teach you how to successfully stay afloat throughout some of the most unpredictable conditions.

There will also be a presentation from one of the leading figures in the Australian building industry, Burbank Homes co-founder Eddie Puhar’s, who will discuss the core framework behind Burbank's success.

Plus lots of networking with like-minded professionals.

Wednesday 29 March 6pm to 9pm
Seaview Williamstown Events Centre (next to Burbank Oval)
Light canapes
MC Mark Richie, Managing Director, Workplace Wizards

Presented by West Is Best Business Improvement Group.
Supported by Hobsons Bay City Council.

Click here to secure your place.

Sustainability Victoria is calling for applications to the Victorian Government’s $3 million Boosting Productivity energy assessment grants program for eligible small and medium sized businesses.
Funding is available to cover 50% of the cost of an energy assessment at two levels:

A basic energy assessment, which provides up to $2000 towards the cost of an assessment. This is recommended for businesses spending between $20,000 and $50,000 on energy per annum
A detailed energy assessment, which provides up to $6000 towards the cost of an assessment. This is recommended for businesses spending more than $50,000 on energy per annum.

Potential benefits:
- An energy assessment can provide expert and tailored advice on how a business can cut energy costs and unlock a range of co-benefits, such as improved productivity.
-Energy assessments at more than 100 sites found there is potential for businesses to save, on average, more than $50,000 per annum on energy bills alone, with an average payback of just over 3 years.
-When factoring the co-benefits of energy efficiency, the savings can be multiplied and payback times reduced. For manufacturing businesses, even greater savings are possible.

To register, download the application form at www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/grants or call 1300 363 744 for more information.

To view the media release click here.

Did you know CSIRO’s food innovation centre, the most extensive food innovation provider to industry, is available to use?

RESEARCH MEETS INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP!
Experience: the most advanced array of food innovation technologies and equipment in Australia. Learn how you can access the facility for commercial use of your own products or services.
See: tour CSIRO's Food Innovation Centre and watch live demonstrations of equipment available for use.
Hear: from guest speakers who are enjoying the fruits of their labour thanks to CSIRO, collaborators, and field experts.

Friday 7 April 2017
CSIRO 671 Sneydes Rd, Werribee
9.15am for 9.45am start
Concluding at 1.00pm
Includes light lunch and refreshments

Register via this link

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can bring research, innovation and a sense of entrepreneurship to your business.

For any event queries please contact Trudy Alcoe, trudy@eventsallboxedup.com.au or 0481 353 483

Williamstown Roasters was founded in April 2015 and is located in Williamstown. The head roaster, James Davison, is a Chemical Engineer with a passion for exceptional coffee.

It was on a trip through Europe that James’ passion for coffee was born. After returning to his home suburb of Williamstown, he immersed himself in the world of coffee and developed his own specialty roasting software that unites hundreds of years of knowledge with contemporary technology.

Williamstown Roasters obsess over every aspect of coffee production, from the green beans they buy, to how they're roasted and how extraction technologies bring out the best in their beans.

James is interested in building relationships with cafes in Melbourne's Western Suburbs. If you require technical advice, training, coffee supply or would just like to chat about coffee, email James@WilliamstownRoasters.com

Government Grant Briefings

There are lots of Government Grants and support out there to help businesses achieve their goals. But finding out what they are and whether you're eligible takes a lot of legwork, and that's before you even start your application.
The Government Grants Briefings will introduce you to the financial assistance and hands-on support offered by all three tiers of government. Victorian Chamber and government representatives will be on hand to provide advice that will give your grant application the best chance of success.
For dates and further information visit http://www.victorianchamber.com.au/business-solutions/events/regional-events/2017/03/government-grants-briefing-series

Hobsons Bay Community Fund

The Hobsons Bay Community Fund (HBCF) is a community philanthropic fund that operates within the Hobsons Bay community supported by but independent of Council.

HBCF has supported 77 local community organisations over the last ten years with assistance in kind and giving cash grants of $189,000. The Fund recently presented its 2016 grants, totalling $40,000, to 13 organisations.

Hobsons Bay City Council welcomes 2 new faces to the Economic Development team.

Business and Industry Development Officer - Emma Ciolli
Emma will be working with local business owners and operators across the municipality, to support business growth, encourage innovation and promote Hobsons Bay as a leading business destination. Feel free to contact Emma on 03 9932 1285 or at eciolli@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au if you would like to introduce yourself and your business, to discuss upcoming business workshops, or to explore opportunities to grow and enhance your business.

Investment Attraction Officer - Mark Tenner

Mark will be working with developers, potential investors and other related stakeholders to facilitate investment within the municipality. Mark's work will see him assisting with site identification and selection; facilitating access to other areas of Council; providing guidance through the planning process; facilitating introductions to relevant State and Federal Government agencies; and connecting potential investors to local developers, commercial real estate agents and other relevant local stakeholders.
Feel free to contact Mark on 03 9932 1000 or at mtenner@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au if you are looking at growing your business or investing in Hobsons Bay. Mark will be able to support and assist you in navigating the investment journey.