We want to support thriving business networks to increase their capability and help our business community to thrive.

The purpose of the grant is to support the creation of new business networks or further develop existing business networks leading to better collaboration and skills development.

Grants can be up to $2,000 (matched funding, cash, or in-kind - volunteer time or resources). 

The application is online, however, we encourage you to call Gretchen on 0429 982 653 to discuss your idea before the effort of applying.

We understand the importance of marketing and recognize that it can be expensive. This grant provides an opportunity to bring your marketing goals to fruition. Getting businesses together to share ideas and foster mentoring helps build business capacity within our community.

Applications are open from 24 February to midnight 31 March 2023.  Panel assessments take place during April with funding for successful projects being available shortly after.

We also recommend you read our Economic Development Strategy 2021-2023 and Surf Coast Shire Council Plan to understand the ways in which we can all work to create a more prosperous economy.

Small Business Bus - Winchelsea

The Small Business Bus is coming to the Surf Coast:

• Winchelsea 27 March 2023- War Memorial car park near Barwon Hotel, Main Street Winchelsea.

Whether you're planning, starting or growing your business, the Victorian Government's Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities.

The Small Business Bus currently offers information through various Government organisations as well as business assistance from expert advisers, and financial business counseling through the Rural Financial Counselling Service.

BOOKINGS are free and strictly limited. Book now!
Session times 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Interest in Regional Immigration Visas?

Are you looking to sponsor an employee under the:

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa
• Temporary Skills Shortage visa
• or the General Skilled migration pathway ?

If so let Council know - if there is enough interest we will get a representative down from the Department to hold a workshop, so you can ask all your questions.

How does a business sponsor an employee with a visa?

• Conduct the labour market test within 4 months of applying, including listing your job on Workforce Australia. Be specific with advertising for the exact role and position

• Get registered as a Standard Business Sponsor

• Nominat4 - Nominating a position 

• Open up an Immi Account - ImmiAccount – the portal is used for lodging applications including sponsoring & nominations but can also be used by businesses to check visa-holder's work rights.

Skilled Occupations Lists - Skilled occupation list (homeaffairs.gov.au)

What does the employee need to do?

• Be nominated by an approved work sponsor

• Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list 

• Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation

• Be under 45 years of age

• Meet minimum standards of English language proficiency

GET IN TOUCH

A Ban on Single Use Plastics is here

From February 1, 2023, the most common single-use plastic products were banned throughout Victoria.

These problematic single-use plastics are now banned from sale or supply in Victoria:

• Drinking straws
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Drink stirrers
• Cotton bud sticks
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Expanded polystyrene drink containers.

This means they should no longer be for sale in shops (including supermarkets), or be supplied to customers from cafes, takeaways, community organisations, bars or restaurants. 

Banned items cannot be sold or supplied regardless if they were purchased before the 1 Feb 2023 ban. 

If you need further information, you can call the hotline on 1800 844 946 or email: sustainability@nra.net.au.

The Surf Coast Business Collective Newsletter gives local business support information and is published by the Economic Development & Tourism Unit of the Surf Coast Shire Council.