The launch of the Business Transformation Scholarship Program will take place on Tuesday, 16th August 2016, at the Butlers Pantry in Numurkah.

Now in its third year, Paul McCarthy is back with the unique opportunity to participate in this year's Business Transformation Scholarship Program.

The program has seen local businesses achieve outstanding results across sectors including manufacturering, retail, value-adding food-producers, tourism operators, service providers, professional services and trades people.

Using the power of proven business development techniques, and through sharing insights, challenges and experiences, the program has assisted nearly 40 businesses to become more profitable, to employ more staff and to open up new markets.

This program requires dedication from the business owner to attend 4 group sessions and one-on-one in business meetings with Paul.

Here is what just one of the participants had to say about the program - "If I didn’t do the transformation we would no longer be in business due to lack of skills and increased our revenue by 20%!" Limited spaces available, book for the breakfast now

http://bit.ly/2arTqyv

The Economic Development team have a great new social media tool. We have our own Business in Moira Facebook page. This page will be all about business and information. Check out our Facebook page now and LIKE US to keep up to date. https://www.facebook.com/moirabusiness/

If you are looking for a job or an employee looking to employ then we have the right site for you. Moira Jobslink where you will get the latest jobs, useful links and can be also used a a community portal.

http://www.moirajobslink.com.au/

Small businesses are at the heart of Victoria's rapidly evolving economy. Discover the many ways Small Business Victoria can help you turn your passion into a successful and profitable  enterprise.

The Small Business Festival Victoria website has detailed descriptions of each event and allows you to search the program and filter events by topic, date, location. You can book events through the website business.vic.gov.au/festival or by phone 13 22 15.

For More Information: http://bit.ly/29gePYw

Come down to Cobram Harness Racing Club of Saturday 7 August for a great Free Family Fun Day, Katy Perry tribute show at 12pm, meet and greet to follow. Peter Denahy & various local acts. Various kids entertainment, face painting, jumping castle, Minnie and Mickey and lots more.                              

http://bit.ly/2a9PEqz

We are very excited to announce that an update to the Footpath Trading Guidelines is almost complete, businesses in the retail precincts will receive a personal visit by Economic Development staff to deliver the revised guidelines.

Whilst the layout and user friendliness have been dramatically improved the regulations have not changed.

We are here to assist you, please do not hesitate to ask us questions via email business@moira.vic.gov.au or phone 5871 9443.

Family Business Austrailia are holding their national conference in Melbourne on the 17 - 19 August at the Pullman Hotel.

This years program focuses on creating sustainable family business through maintaining an entrepreneurial approach and a culture of innovation in this generation and the next. Explore ways to grow your business, expand your networks and have fun along the way.

For More Information:http://bit.ly/1uYsJkV

Free Webinar: Build your digital skills and grow your business

Technology continues to change at an accelerating rate and our customers are continuing to change in how they make their travel decisions.  Mobile technology, search engines and social media are powerful forces in how we connect with our ideal customers and are must have strategies in business today.  

85% of travellers use their smart phones to make choices on where to go, where to stay and eat and what to do throughout their travel purchase cycle, therefore you have to know the fundamental requirements to do business with them on their terms.  65% of customers begin searching for travel information before they have decided on a destination, which presents enormous opportunity for Moira Shire businesses that we must capitalise on.  That means we have every reason to be savvy about digital marketing.

That's why we're pleased to be hosting a webinar for local tourism and hospitality businesses to hear about strategies and tactics to grow your business online and to learn how Tourism Tribe can help you.

Tourism Tribe provides 24/7 access to learning and support services and a growing network of tourism businesses facing the same challenges as you are to build your digital capabilities and improve your business performance.

Webinar Details:

Thursday 8th September 12:00 - 1:00pm

Register here

Aren't we lucky to have the fantastic Katamatite Garlic in Moira Shire. Lisa and Graham Eddy are the award winning operators who practise permiculture to grow organic garlic. They have been awarded the title of Faces of Small Business for the 2016 Small Business Festival. Follow their story by clicking on the link:

http://bit.ly/29RCyDT

The experienced small business mentors can provide business advice and help you achieve your business goals with a wide diversity of background, skills and industry experience. Choose a Mentor that has the skills or industry background that can help you with your business.

For More Information: https://www.sbms.org.au/

Tactics for Tight Times The Murray Dairy Board and staff are very aware of the significant challenges facing dairy farmers across the region at this current time. The recent milk price announcements on top of a dry season has only exacerbated the situation for many. In response to the situation and building on from previous seasonal conditions programs, Murray Dairy is implementing the "Tactics for Tight Times" Program. Details of this are outlined for farmers below:

Program includes:

• Business Assessment and Support Services - providing free one-on-one business support, to assist dairy farm families to collect and analyse current financial and physical data with the aim of clarifying their future farm business options. Click http://murraydairy.com.au/business-assesment-and-support-services for details.

• Workshops, Discussion Group Activities and On-farm Days - focused on business analysis and scenario planning, feed and water budgeting, climatic outlook and cropping/forage strategies relevant to farmers making key decisions on farm. Click http://murraydairy.com.au/tactics-for-tight-times-workshops-and-events for details

• Social and Community Support Programs – including expanding the “Look Over the Farm Gate” program. Click http://murraydairy.com.au/tactics-for-tight-times-social-and-community-events for details

This service is coordinated via Murray Dairy in collaboration with other service providers. The delivery of Taking Stock and the Business Assessment and Support Service is proudly supported by the Gardiner Foundation, the Australian Government and the major milk processors.

Can't make it down to the festival? You can access great content and ideas wherever you are with one of our Free Webinars. The Small Business Festival Victoria is run every August. There are some great

http://bit.ly/29U1wyZ

ACCC report indicates small businesses are continuing to fall victim to scammers. The ACCC has released its annual report on scams activity in Australia. It shows 3585 small business operators reported losses at 2.8 million. For more information on how to avoid scams:

For More Information: http://bit.ly/29eNFFy

Join finance expert Sue West and leadership expert Shelley Flett who have partnered with Moira Shire Council to deliver a two-hour workshop that will increase your confidence and improve your understanding of finances. You will learn a variety of simple yet effective strategies to manage your finances and set goals to move forward.

Event Information:

• Cobram Council Offices 44 Station Street,
• Thursday 6th October
• 1-3pm or 4-6pm
• Shelley 0407 522 888 or Sue 0411 956 614

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/improve-your-finances-and-build-your-confidence-workshop-tickets-26744190594

Increase to Minimum Wages The Fair Work Commission has announced a 2.4% increase to minimum wages. The increase will apply from 1 July 2016. Subscribe to their email updates and they'll let you know when the new rates are available in their pay tools. You can also find out more about the decision on the Fair Work Commission's website.

For More Information: http://bit.ly/29LpexJ

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/moirabusiness/

Moirajobslink http://www.moirajobslink.com.au/

Murray Dairy http://murraydairy.com.au/

NBN information www.nbn.com.au

Business https://www.business.gov.au/

Jane O'Brien Manager Economic Development                                    Ph 0437 737 134 jobrien@moira.vic.gov.au

Frank Malcolm Investment Development                                               Ph 0417 080 893 fmalcolm@moira.vic.gov.au

Alex Tait Industry Development                                                            Ph 0439 693 645 atait@moira.vic.gov.au

Narelle James Business Support                                                         Ph 5871 9443 njames@moira.vic.gov.au

Louise M Klint Tourism Development                                                   Ph 0437 966 625 lkint@moira.vic.gov.au

Kyla Carpinelli Marketing & Tourism Administration                             Ph 0419 493 369 kcarpinelli@moira.vic.gov.au

Jenny Pickering Business Development & Tourism                            Ph 5862 3458 jpickering@moira.vic.gov.au

Cobram Visitor Information Centre: Ph 03 5872 2132

Barmah Forest Heritage Education Centre & Visitor Information Centre: Ph 03 5866 2289

Numurkah Visitor Information Centre :Ph 03 5862 3458

Moira Shire Council: Ph 5871 9222 Email business@moira.vic.gov.au