Covid-19 Business Support in the Surf Coast No images? Click here Taking care of Surf Coast businesses - 16 April 2020Hi , Would you like to know how the Surf Coast is supporting businesses like yours right now? I know you're busy, but have a quick scan of this email to see some of the great work that is happening to support local businesses during the Covid-19 situation.
We have a highly skilled and engaged local business community. We still have a way to go, but if we keep working together to support each other, we'll do well. #StrongerTogether #BuySurfCoast The Surf Coast Business Support team The BuySurfCoast Website is Open for Business The 'Taking Care of Business Survey' and www.buysurfcoast.com.au website went live only four days after the first Covid-19 shutdown. It's proven to be a lean, effective and immediate business support initiative. Here's a brief run-down... Taking Care of Business SurveyWe have had 295 local businesses tell us if they're still open and provide details on how their business has altered (e.g. home delivery, online, contactless or take-away). If your business changes hours or your services, you can update your details any time using the same survey. www.BuySurfCoast.com.au WebsiteOur BuySurfCoast.com.au website promotes local businesses to local residents. The website now features over 360 Surf Coast businesses and has now had 3,100 visitors. Updated daily by the Information Centre staff. #UseOurHashTags and boost your own social messageIf you use the following hashtags on your own social media accounts, it will help us to spread the word and benefit with ease on social media. Add these to your own regular social hashtags. We are stronger together. #BuySurfCoast #StrongerTogether #BuyTorquay #BuyAnglesea #BuyWinchelsea #BuyLorne #BuyAireysInlet Our Marketing Efforts to promote local businessesThe BuySurfCoast website has a marketing campaign which includes:
And it's working...see below Behind the Scenes - BuySurfCoast
How is Council supporting local businesses right now? Business Concierge ServiceThe Business Support Team is collaborating with other Council departments to help businesses to pivot their service and navigate the food, health,building and planning regulations still in place. If you need advice on how to deliver a new style of business service, ask the business concierge via email business@surfcoast.vic.gov.au. Summarising the Business SupportOur Business Survey showed that many businesses wanted one place to find a short summary of the support available from State and Federal Government. We have this information on our website and post updates on the Surf Coast Business Collective Facebook. Helping business stop the spreadCouncil's Health Team has very created practical advice on hygiene for all kinds of businesses including food, home delivery, accommodation and more. Visit their page on the Council website or call a local Health Officer on 5261 0600. Calling all Surf Coast creatives!The Surf Coast Arts Trail will be an alternative, online event that is still in keeping with the Arts Trail ethos of bringing artists and art lovers together. With the theme of Physical Distance / Social Connection, all artists, sculptors, writers, poets, etc are invited to join in. What further business support is Council considering? The requests for support from businesses in our Taking Care of Business Survey have been summarised weekly and sent to the CEO and Councillors.
Council is developing a suite of financial support opportunities for the current and next financial years to provide support to those who need it the most. The support package will be discussed at a Council Meeting on 28 April. It will cover how the Council will assist with rates, fees and charges and how it can assist businesses and the community to respond locally to the Covid-19 impacts. Business Support - Better Business Skills Business MatchmakerWe have introduced a new section on our BuySurfCoast.com.au website to connect you to the many Surf Coast businesses that have told us they have the capacity to support you with your business endeavors right now. These businesses are offering skills, experience and a keenness to assist. From reduced print media advertising, hr, leases to advice on navigating the Government Stimulus packages. Find your perfect business match below. #StrongerTogether ASBAS Digital Marketing SkillsThere are a series of 2 hour online workshops for small businesses until the end of April. Sessions starting from 21 April include: Search engine optimisation, mailchimp marketing, engage Instagram followers, creating online content, selling on social media and advertising on Facebook. Register as a small business by 1pm the day before your chosen workshop. A $55 fee provides allows you to join any of the scheduled sessions. Stay in touch with the Surf Coast Business CollectiveWe want to stay in touch with you to help you keep doing business in whatever way is possible in these changing times. You can follow our latest business information on the following pages:
Or contact the Surf Coast Business Support team: business@surfcoast.vic.gov.au |