Results for 2024 Business Survey coming soon!

The results of our annual Surf Coast Business Insights survey provides a comprehensive snapshot of the goals and challenges facing businesses on the Surf Coast.

The survey was open to businesses of all sizes and sectors and was designed to find out information about:

• Current Business Environment
• Priorities and Challenges
• Environmental Sustainability

The survey was conducted over August 2024 and it's the third Business Insights Survey conducted by the Business Support Team. There were 128 respondents, which is consistent with previous survey participation levels, and we had responses that came in from all over the Shire.

From the responses received the top 3 locations of business on the Surf Coast were:

• 45% Torquay/Jan Juc
• 17% Lorne
• 17% Winchelsea & Hinterland

We thank everyone that took the time to respond to the survey. These results will be used to customise our assistance and initiatives for Surf Coast businesses.

We also want to congratulate SJR Automotive who participated in the Survey and won a short business promotional video produced by local videographer, Heidi Banas Creative. 

Look out for the release of the full survey results in January 2025!

Boost Your Business with Effective Social Media: Free Workshop!

Are you looking to take your business's social media game to the next level? Join us for our next Better Business Skills workshop: Effective Social Media.

In this hands-on session, you'll learn how to create scroll-stopping content, grow your audience, and drive real results across social platforms. Whether you’re aiming to boost brand awareness, increase customer loyalty, or drive sales, we’ve got the tools and techniques to make your social media channels work smarter for your business.

Workshop Details:

When: 18th Feb 2025, 9.30am-11.30am

Where: Wurdi Baierr Stadium, Wadawurrung Way, Torquay

Cost: Free (But registration is required) Light refreshments will be provided.

Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible. If you need any support to attend, please reach out to the business team at business@surfcoast.vic.gov.au

Better Business Skills Program

The Business Support Team is also excited to unveil our new Better Business Skills Training Hub.

This website is your one stop shop to see all the planned and scheduled training sessions coming up, search for topics of interest and book your place ahead of time.

So visit the site now and keep up to date with the Better Business Skills Program of Events in 2025!

Small Business Bus Returns

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

The 'office on wheels', which offers friendly and professional assistance, comes fully equipped with expert business advisers to provide general business assistance as well as financial and wellbeing support from trained experts.

Available to small business owners and sole traders, these confidential sessions are 45mins and free of charge.

The Small Business bus will again be visiting the Surf Coast on Thursday 27th February 2025, this time in Lorne.

Where:

The Lorne Visitor Information Centre Car Park, 15 Mountjoy Parade.

Bookings are essential for the one-one-one sessions, but walk-ins are also gladly accepted for the Bus Concierge service, which offers general information about Business Victoria’s programs and services.

You can find out more by visiting:

Business Victoria Small Business Bus 

Apply Now for Drought Preparedness Grants

The Victorian Government is offering On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants of up to $5,000 to help farmers prepare for the challenges of drought.

These grants are part of a broader $13.53 million Drought Support Package aimed at strengthening your resilience during tough times.

Eligible farmers can use the funds for vital improvements, including:

• Upgrading water infrastructure
• Building stock containment areas
• Expanding grain and fodder storage
• Investing in drought management tools like soil moisture monitors and weather stations

How to Apply:

Check your eligibility and submit your application at Rural Finance. For more details on available drought support services, visit Agriculture Victoria.

Need Extra Support?

Rural Financial Counselling Services Victoria West offers Mental Health and Stress support, alongside a range of other services. Contact them at 1300 735 578, or explore additional resources at Wellbeing Support.

Don’t miss out! Applications close once all funds are allocated, so make sure to apply today and set your farm up for success in the future.

Help Prevent Cockatoo Feeding in Lorne

Sulphur-crested Cockatoos can be a nuisance in Lorne, damaging property and scattering litter by foraging through kerbside bins. 

While it might seem harmless to feed them, it disrupts their natural behaviour and causes several issues, such as increased aggression, spreading diseases and attracting pests.

To help protect these birds and keep Lorne beautiful, local businesses can support our Do not feed the Cockatoos campaign. This initiative aims to educate visitors about the importance of not feeding Cockatoos. Multilingual posters and stickers are available  for businesses to display. Posters can be downloaded via the links in this article and stickers can be collected from the Lorne Visitor Information Centre. 

Your support will make a big difference in keeping Lorne’s wildlife wild and healthy.

Remember, all native wildlife, including cockatoos, is protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and it’s illegal to harm them. For advice or more information, contact the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA) at 136 186.

Let’s work together to keep wildlife thriving naturally!

What is the Business Concierge service?

The free Business Concierge service is designed to take the stress out of getting permits and to make the experience as smooth as possible at each stage of the process. You can submit a business proposal online or use use our Business Permit Self Assessment Tool  when you visit our website. 

Or just contact the Business Concierge directly on 5261 600 or business@surfcoast.vic.gov.au.

Also check out our FAQs about permits for businesses

Would You Like More Event News?

Sign up for the Surf Coast Events monthly newsletter to be in the pilots seat for all events news. 

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.