First for Business - Trader News - Edition 16

EDITION #16

Monash Outdoor Dining Support

The team across Council have been working diligently to make temporary spaces ready so Monash eateries can offer expanded outdoor dining whilst meeting the the COVIDsafe restrictions. Temporary delineators have been installed shopping precincts to create additional outdoor dining space. The second phase of the project will focus on beautification of these outdoor areas.

We encourage traders to connect with their local trader group to work with other traders to reactivate their local retail areas.

Outdoor Dining Areas - Apply For Space

Click here to submit an expression of interest of Council to expand your outdoor dining further along the footpath, or into the new spaces provided. Council has waived the fees for outdoor dining/footpath trading permits for the 2020-2021 year. Council will assess your application as quickly as possible.

State Government Grants for Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package

CLOSES 11 DECEMBER
The State Government has made available grants of up to $5,000 available to assist eligible hospitality businesses to increase outdoor dining. Grant applications are now open. You can apply here. The application form is very simple, but if you require assistance completing your application please contact Rachel Burree, Senior Economic Development Officer, Monash City Council on rachel.burree@monash.vic.gov.au or 9518 3577.

Grants and Funding

Monash Grant Finder
You can find up to date information on funding and grant opportunities through Monash Grant Finder. Watch videos on how to find grants, to be strategic with grants and to write compelling grant applications.

New Monash Council Elected

Municipal elections were held on 24 October 2020 by the Victorian Electoral Commission, who conducted the elections on behalf of Monash Council.

A new Council has been sworn in on Tuesday 10 November 2020.

Monash is represented by 11 Councillors who are elected by the community. Each of the Councillors represents a ward, or geographic area, within Monash.

Two Councillors represent Glen Waverley ward while there are three Councillors in each of the three other wards: Mount Waverley, Mulgrave and Oakleigh.

Mount Waverley Ward Councillor Brian Little has been elected Monash’s Mayor for the next 12 months. Mulgrave Ward Councillor Shane McCluskey has been elected Deputy Mayor.

If you wish to make contact with your representative, see full contact details and profiles here.

Contact Details Must Be Recorded

Contact details must be recorded for anyone who spends more than 15 minutes in a venue, this includes:

Restaurants and cafes
Hairdressers and beauty salons
Entertainment, art and culture venues
Sports and community venues
Places of worship

More information here.

The Latest Coronavirus Updates

The State Government's coronavirus.vic.gov.au website is your home for information regarding the Coronavirus in Victoria.

COVIDSafe Principles for Business
Every Victorian business that is open must follow the six principles to ensure a COVIDSafe workplace.

ensure physical distancing (1.5 metres)
wear a face mask
practice good hygiene
keep good records and act quickly if staff become unwell
avoid interactions in close spaces
create workforce bubbles

All businesses must have a COVIDSafe plan for onsite operations.

Important Resources:

商业活动与工作 (Business and work) - 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese)
COVIDSafe Plans and High Risk COVIDSafe Plans for your business
Signs, posters and templates for your workplace including visitor and patron logs
Information to help you create a COVIDSafe workplace
Translated information about coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for business sectors including Industry Restart Guidelines and frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Support for businesses Coronavirus business grants and support programs can still be found on Business Victoria under Grants and assistance.
Financial support including Australian Government, Victorian Government and other support for employees, apprentices and business owners

Shop Local Signage

We have prepared a suite of signs to help traders communicate COVID-19 requirements to customers and staff. These signs can be downloaded and used in your shop. To view and download signs please click here.

We currently have teams delivering circle decals to main activity centres to help brighten up the area. If you would like one for your shop window, please email ecodev@monash.vic.gov.au.

Registrations now open for the Small Business Digital Adaptation Program

The Small Business Digital Adaptation Program will allow eligible businesses to trial and then receive access to digital products, tools and training they can use to build digital capability in their day-to-day operations. Read more and apply here.

Business Workshops and Events

Workshops and online learning to help your businesses.

FREE Courses and Webinars
Upskill My Business Online Learning
Register here

Small Business Victoria Workshops
Specifically designed for Victorian-based businesses, and offered for free.
Register here

ATO Topics for Small Business
The Victorian Government's Upskill My Business Online learning.
Register here

MBA Resilience Award

To recognise the extra effort businesses have made to overcome adversity during the pandemic period, the MBA has announced a new award category for the 2020/21 Award period: the MBA Resilience Award. Entry is free and winners will be announced at the 2021 MBA Gala Dinner. Click here for more information.

Business Recovery and Resilience Mentoring

Make informed decisions about how to navigate the impacts of COVID-19. Through this program, eligible business owners can receive up to four 2-hour mentoring sessions with an experienced professional who will help them make informed decisions about the future of their business. Apply here.

Other Resources/News:

Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme, to alleviate financial hardship faced by tenants and landlords.
Council is keen to increase community participation in decision-making and to engage with a broader cross-section of the community and is looking for people interested in joining a community panel.
Australia Post dates for postal delivery by Christmas.
Translated COVID-19 videos on YouTube.
Find support from the Australian Government for financial assistance, eligibility and timing for the new government support for businesses.
Shop Local Marketing Campaign helping support locals, remember to list your business.
The ATO have released resources about the JobKeeper extension in other languages covering key dates and actions people need to take.
Google has a range of free online workshops coming up.
View previous editions of First for Business and Trader News online.

Snap Send Solve

Spotted an issue in your community like graffiti, illegal parking, dumped rubbish, trip hazards or abandoned trolleys?
Time to get snapping!
Read more here.

Monash Economic Development Resources
Our Economic Development team produces a regular business e-newsletter which outlines the current support and opportunities for businesses.
Read more here

Be Kind to Business

Monash Council is encouraging its community to be kind to each other and also support local businesses during the current restrictions.
Read more here

For further information or assistance, please contact your Activity Centre support contact:
Paula Brennan (Glen Waverley, Oakleigh)
paula.brennan@monash.vic.gov.au or 0412 857 348

Selina Huynh (Mt Waverley, Pinewood & Syndal)
selina.huynh@monash.vic.gov.au or 0427 219 464

Nicole Tattersall (Clayton, Huntingdale & Hughesdale)
nicole.tattersall@monash.vic.gov.au or 0427 320 060