Cash flow tips, winter trading insights, local business events and support available now.
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Newsletter # 4 - July 2026
Helping Your Business Connect & Thrive
Hi there
As we move through winter, many businesses are focused on managing cash flow, maintaining momentum and making the most of opportunities during the quieter months.
This month at a glance edition includes:
- 📅 16 July: Mastering Cash Flow Workshop
- 🌃 1 August: Arts Trail After Hours - Hosting Opportunity
- 📅 5 August: Business Networking in Torquay
- 🦐 Update your menus if serving seafood?
- ❄️ Winter Trading: Understanding the Shift from Peak to Off-Peak
This edition brings together practical support, upcoming workshops, local networking opportunities and seasonal insights to help you plan ahead and strengthen your business.
Simon & Amanda, Surf Coast Shire Council Economic Development Team😎
Support For Your Business
The 2026 Geelong Small Business Festival is the region’s celebration of small business, entrepreneurship and innovation, running from 3–7 August 2026.
🫱🏻🫲🏻Connect with Local Business Owners at the GSBF Torquay Hub
Running a business can be rewarding, but it can also be isolating.
You're invited to a relaxed networking event where you can connect with fellow business owners, meet the Surf Coast Business Support team, and learn about local opportunities and resources.
Whether you're running a home-based business, a growing enterprise or an established local business, everyone is welcome.
📍 Torquay, Wed 5 August, 5pm, RACV Torquay Resort
Part of the 2026 Geelong Small Business Festival.
Arts Trail After Hours – A Business Opportunity
With more than 300 creatives participating in this year's Surf Coast Arts Trail, Arts Trail After Hours presents an opportunity for local businesses to attract visitors and extend trading into the evening on Saturday 1 August from 4pm.
You could host:
- Live music, spoken word or performance
- A creative workshop or demonstration
- or create a unique in-venue experience
💡Use the free Canva templates to promote your business and connect to the Arts Trail marketing.
Celebrate Local Success – Commerce Torquay Business Awards
⏰ Entries close tomorrow for the 2026 Torquay Business Awards.
The awards recognise the innovation, resilience and contribution of local businesses across a range of categories. Whether you're a new business or an established operator, it's a great opportunity to showcase your achievements and share your story.
Build Your Business Skills
⭐ Mastering Cash Flow: Stay Afloat and Thrive
When conditions change and margins tighten, strong cash flow management becomes even more important.
Join financial counsellor Amy Baudinette (Rural Financial Counselling Service) for a practical workshop focused on helping business owners improve financial confidence and resilience.
You'll learn how to:
- Forecast income and expenses more accurately
- Improve day-to-day cash flow
- Identify cost-saving opportunities
- Access useful financial tools and support
📍 Lorne, Thurs 16 July, Lorne Community Connect
☕ Light refreshments and networking included.
The Turning Point: Finding Your Path to Growth
Ready to take your business to the next level?
This practical workshop is designed for established businesses looking to step back, reassess their direction and identify opportunities for growth.
You'll explore:
- What's driving business growth
- Common barriers to progress
- New opportunities and strategic priorities
📍 Torquay, Thurs 3 Sept 2026, Surf Coast Shire Council Offices
Tourism Together 2026: Make It Matter
Join industry leaders, tourism operators and business owners for a day of insights, ideas and connections.
📍 Geelong, Wed 5 August 2026
Grants & Funding
Farm Drought Support Grants
Eligible primary producers can apply for a Farm Drought Support Grant of up to $10,000 to invest in infrastructure and activities that improve drought preparedness and farm resilience.
Surf Coast primary production businesses are eligible for the higher South West Victoria funding level.
⏰ EXTENDED: Mentoring Applications close 31 August 2026
You can get 3 free one-on-one mentoring sessions with an experienced mentor from the Business Skills Mentoring program. The program is designed to help you:
- Work through business challenges
- Build skills and confidence
- Take practical steps to move your business forward.
Worth a Quick Check
💰 Payroll Reset: Have You Checked the New Pay Rates?
Minimum pay rates increased from 1 July 2026. If you employ staff, now is a good time to review classifications and pay rates before your next payroll run.
📱 Using SMS Marketing? Check Your Sender ID
Businesses using branded SMS messages now need to register their Sender ID. This helps improve message delivery and builds customer trust.
🦐 Serving Seafood? Your Menu Labels May Need an Update
Hospitality businesses that serve seafood for immediate consumption must from 1 July label the origin of seafood dishes on menus, online and other signage.
Seasonal Trends
❄️ Winter Trading: Understanding the Shift from Peak to Off-Peak ❄️
As we move through winter, spending patterns across the Surf Coast continue to reflect the shift from a visitor-driven summer economy to a more balanced mix of visitor and local spending.
During January, visitors accounted for around 75% of spending across the Surf Coast. By May, visitor spending had eased to approximately 55%, highlighting the growing importance of local customers during the quieter months.
While visitor numbers fluctuate seasonally, local residents provide a steady foundation for many businesses, contributing around 45% of total spending through autumn and winter.
There are also differences across the region. Lorne and Anglesea remain highly dependent on visitor spending, while Torquay benefits from a stronger year-round customer base, helping support more consistent trade.
Spending Patterns At-a-Glance
📊 Visitor spend: 75% (January) → 55% (May)
🏡 Local spend: 45% of off-peak spending
🍽️ Food & hospitality: One of the strongest spending categories year-round
📍 Lorne & Anglesea: Highly visitor-dependent
🏙️ Torquay: More balanced local and visitor economy
*Source: CommBank iQ banking transaction data
As we head further into winter, consider:
- Creating simple value-focused offers
- Focusing marketing on local and regional customers
- Partnering with nearby businesses to create bundled experiences
- Promoting winter experiences and seasonal products
Small adjustments can help maintain momentum through the off-peak season and position your business well for the spring and summer months ahead.
Business Support Spotlight
📞 If you'd like to discuss opportunities, challenges or support available for your business, we are here to help.
Continued Rate Relief for Businesses and Farms
Council has extended temporary rate relief measures for commercial, industrial and farmland properties for a further year, recognising the ongoing impacts of drought, challenging business conditions and the disruption caused by summer emergency events.
The Farm Rate Land differential will stay at 64 per cent (remaining down from 75 per cent in 2024-25) and Commercial/Industrial Rate Land will stay at 165 per cent (down from 190 per cent in 2024-25).
The reduced rating differentials for commercial, industrial and farm properties have been retained to help ease financial pressure and support local businesses, farmers and employers as they continue to navigate changing economic conditions.
