Present at Surf Coast’s Better Business Skills Events and Workshops

Are you a local industry expert or business advisor with valuable insights to share?

The Surf Coast Shire is inviting expressions of interest from presenters and topic specialists to be part of its Better Business events program.

The program supports small business owners through workshops and events that deliver practical, actionable advice in areas like marketing, finance, digital tools, sustainability, customer service, and more.

Whether you're a seasoned presenter or a passionate professional with specialist knowledge, this is your chance to connect with the local business community and support their success.

📢 Now seeking:

✅Experienced presenters

✅Industry specialists

✅Business advisors

✅Trainers with small business know-how

Interested? Submit your expression of interest online and help shape a thriving local business community.

🔗You can learn  more by visiting our Better Business Skills Expressions of Interest page 

Got a question about your business or just need some expert guidance?

The Surf Coast Shire’s Business Concierge is heading your way!

Drop in to the Winchelsea Business Hub at the Shire Hall for a relaxed, one-on-one chat with Amanda from the business team about anything business-related, from starting out to permits and signs, we are here to support your local business.

📍 Winchelsea Shire Hall

🗓️ Monday 16 June & Monday 21 July

🕣 8.30am – 2.00pm

No appointments needed — just pop in when it suits you!

Learn more about how the Concierge can support your business by visiting our Business Concierge website.

Now in its 4th year, the 2025 Torquay Business Awards are open, celebrating innovation, growth, and outstanding contributions across our vibrant local business community.

Organised by Commerce Torquay, these awards recognise the significant contributions of local businesses, whether you’re a new start-up, an established service provider, or a standout in tourism, this is your chance to be recognised.

With 10 diverse categories—including Best New Business, Professional Services, Tourism and Hospitality, Event of the Year, Outside the Box, and more—there’s a spotlight for every kind of excellence. One business will also be crowned Business of the Year from across all entries.

Key Dates:

✅Entries close: 31 July

✅Judging completed: 21 August

✅Awards Night: 4 September at RACV Torquay Resort

You can Join in for a night of celebration, connection, and community pride. Tickets are now on sale for the Awards Presentation Dinner, promising a memorable evening at one of the region’s most iconic venues.

👉 Enter the Awards
👉 Nominate a Business
👉 Buy Tickets to Awards Night

The Surf Coast Arts Trail is set to return on 2–3 August.

An expected 16,000 visitors are set to explore the vibrant creative scene of our region, and with around 60 studios and galleries opening their doors, this event offers a unique chance for local businesses to engage with a diverse and enthusiastic audience.

📅 Saturday 2 August - Sunday 3 August 2025
🕥 10.00am – 4.00pm daily

Why Should Your Business Get Involved?

As art enthusiasts journey through the Surf Coast, they'll be seeking more than just artistic inspiration—they'll be looking for great coffee, delicious meals, restroom facilities, and local tips. This is where your business can shine.

Ways to Participate:

✅ Extend a Warm Welcome: Consider offering special deals or themed menus to attract trail-goers.

✅ Be a Helpful Guide: Familiarise your staff with the trail map to assist visitors in navigating between studios.

✅Enhance Visibility: Display signage or decorations that show your support for the Arts Trail.

Stay Informed:

The full program will be launched in early July at surfcoastartstrail.com.au. To learn more or to discuss how your business can be part of this exciting event, reach out to the Surf Coast Shire Arts Team at artsteam@surfcoast.vic.gov.au or call/text on 0498 497 966.

Let's work together to make the Surf Coast Arts Trail 2025 an unforgettable experience for visitors and a rewarding opportunity for our local businesses.

Looking to cut energy costs and improve your sustainability? 

You may be eligible for discounts on energy-efficient lighting upgrades through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.

Small businesses across Victoria can access incentives for outdoor, commercial, and industrial lighting upgrades—and if you’re still using fluorescent indoor lighting, you could qualify for even more savings.

Whether you run a shopfront, café, or warehouse, this is a practical way to save money and reduce your environmental impact.

For more info and eligibility guidelines visit: energy.vic.gov.au

Are you hosting a special event on the Surf Coast that is open to the public?

You are invited to showcase your event on SurfCoastEvents.com.au

✅ Increase visibility
✅ Connect with a wider audience
✅ Listing is Quick Easy & Free

Whether it's a market, festival, music gig, art exhibition or trail run – if it’s happening here, we want to help you promote it!

Surf Coast Events promotes markets and unique events that take place in the Surf Coast Shire and are open to the public.

Read full Terms & Conditions to confirm your event’s eligibility to list on this website. www.surfcoastevents.com.au/terms-conditions