Western Business Leaders Newsletter - Events I Opportunities I Latest News Western Business Leaders NewsletterHello, As 2020 draws to a close it's a good time to reflect and express our thanks to our business community. We have been inspired by your incredible resilience, determination and creativity as you have repeatedly re-oriented your business models and adapted to change. This year has been incredibly challenging and if you do need help or support please reach out or contact the business helpline. If you have a story to share, would like to contribute information or have questions about anything featured in this newsletter, please get in touch. And if you know other businesses who would benefit from this information, share this email with them and encourage them to be part of our Western Business Leaders. We look forward to reconnecting in 2021 and hope you have the opportunity to take a break, recharge and enjoy time with your families and friends. Welcome Back to Business Breakfast Networking Event - New Date Announced We are excited to announce Wednesday 10 February as the new date for our business breakfast after unfortunately having to cancel our previous event due to COVID-19. This event will be a wonderful opportunity to hear a panel discussion from business owners in our community. Martin Haese, CEO of Business SA and committed advocate for
small business will join Aaron in a discussion on what the future could hold for our business community. Plus we'll share insights into the latest funding, resources, and opportunities available and there will be plenty of time for networking with other businesses. Complexica Named Winner of 2020 Australian Business Award for Business Innovation and Digital Transformation It is always wonderful to celebrate the achievements of our local entrepreneurs, and shine a light on work which has an impact worldwide. Local West Lakes business Complexica is one such business, recently winning
the prestigious 2020 Australian Business Award for Business Innovation and Digital Transformation.
The Creative Cities Grant and the Markets provide an important space for social healing, where communities can come together and people can interact again, so we were thrilled to see the recent hive of activity at the Manton Makers Market. Collaborating with other businesses and accessing grants can make things happen. Coming soon is the Double Dose Festival on 15 January at Bowden an evening of live music, food and drinks presented by Luana Moreno of Caiman Productions at Oddio Winery. This event has received sponsorship and support from our Creative Cities funding program for local arts and events initiatives. Could your business be involved in this kind of collaboration? Skills and Opportunities Creating a thriving Western Adelaide is dependent on a resilient community and supporting the development of key skills and our knowledge base to help increase job and new market opportunities. New Major Jobs Package Announced Could You SUB What You Do and Build a Submarine? Work in admin? IT? How about engineering, or trades and manufacturing? You may have never imagined yourself working in Defence, but they want you. The Attack Class Submarine
Program will create over 1700 jobs, a 50 year program and the promise of a secure future and you don’t have to be a member of the armed forces, or someone wearing high vis. Support For You and Your Business Change Your Career, Change Your Life The City of Charles Sturt is delighted to again support the Business SA Encore Program for those over 35, who are intending to start a business or grow an existing one. Applications are now open for our next intake which commences 24 March 2021. For any queries on Encore, please contact: Jade Henschke, Manager of the Entrepreneur Programs via email here or call 8300 0114 Have You Met Our Business Advisors? With many of our businesses quickly needing help with their online presence during COVID-19 we quickly tapped into the experience and knowledge of local business advisors; Urszula Richards from Online IQ and Emmanuel Khoury from Digital Engine. With both common and differing focus areas they have been able to provide our businesses with the best solutions for their business during the rollout of our Economic Support and Stimulus Package. Urszula has also taken on the role of creating and managing the Charles Sturt Business Facebook Page providing a place to connect with other small businesses and share information on latest announcements, events and support available for your business. Check out some of the latest shares:
Have a story to share? Get in touch with us. Launch Your Own Business Learn the critical areas of starting a successful small business in this hands-on 2 hour workshop. Who is this for? This workshop will cover:
When: 2 February 10am - 12pm Australian Small Business Advisory Service program (ASBAS)Looking for advice for your small business? ASBAS offers small businesses low cost, high quality advice on a range of small business solutions. Small businesses need a valid ABN and to employ 20 people or less or can be a sole trader.
Rate Relief - Rebates & Concessions If you have you been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis though a loss of employment or your business has been forced to close or restrict activities due to State or Federal government restrictions, you may be entitled to rate relief. For full criteria, head to our COVID-19 Hardship Policy and application on our website. For any rate payment queries or concerns, please contact us on 8408 1111 or council@charlessturt.sa.gov.au. Business Support HelplineThe City of Charles Sturt in conjunction with the City of Port Adelaide Enfield and the Adelaide Business Hub are continuing the FREE Business Support Helpline to support small businesses. The Helpline has highly qualified advisors to assist your business with information, support and basic counselling in many areas including:
Small businesses and not-for-profits impacted by COVID-19 restrictions may be eligible for the State Government’s second round of cash grants.
Learn more and apply before midnight 28 February 2021. Seaside Sweets wins $10,000 cash grant We recently caught up with Jen Andrew, owner of Seaside Sweets and chocolate maker under the label, BarQue Chocolates. When COVID business restrictions hit, Jen was forced to shut down her Seaside Sweets shop on Semaphore Road but Jen was aware of the $10,000 Emergency Cash Grant from the Government of South Australia. Following a successful application Jen purchased a new commercial chocolate tempering machine to replace her old small hobby machine allowing her to produce her fine chocolates in a more consistent and timely manner. This in turn enabled her to increase production so that when her shop finally reopened her chocolate sales increased and she hasn't looked back. |