The feedback is in and our first Better Business Skills workshops were a hit!

Based on your feedback from the Surf Coast Business survey our initial series of five workshops were focused on digital marketing, social media and design and content creation.

These engaging sessions were presented by the marketing gurus at Arthur St. Digital and the 125 participants that attended overwhelmingly stated that they would highly recommend them, with 9 out of 10 stating that the trainers were engaging and the sessions content was very relevant to their businesses.

As we plan more sessions throughout the year make sure you visit our dedicated Better Business Skills website where you can keep up to date about upcoming events, register your interest, suggest a topic and reserve your place for workshops.

Our next Better Business Skills workshop: Rural Resilience, is already booking fast, so make sure you visit the page and reserve your place today

The Winchelsea Shire Hall is now open as a Community Co-Working & Study Space.

Open every Monday and Thursday from 9am–2pm, the space provides a welcoming and productive environment to work, connect, and collaborate.

💼 Flat rate of $10 per day – no bookings or subscriptions required.

Available amenities include:

✅ NBN Wi-Fi

✅ Whiteboards for brainstorming

✅ Access to photocopying and printing

✅ Microwave, fridge, and on-site espresso coffee

✅ Private meeting rooms and computer room available upon request

✅ Wide screen TV for meetings or presentations

This is a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, build networks, and be part of a supportive local business community.

A Community Business Hub and Women’s Business Network are also currently in development.

Expressions of interest are welcome — contact Rhani at shirehall@winchhouse.org.au for more information.

Now in its 39th year, the Geelong Business Excellence Awards celebrate the vision, innovation and success of businesses across the region — including right here on the Surf Coast. 

Managed by the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, these awards shine a spotlight on local leaders and enterprises making a real impact in their industries and communities.

As one of the longest-running and most prestigious regional business awards programs in Australia, the Geelong Business Excellence Awards offer a standout opportunity for Surf Coast businesses to gain recognition, grow their networks, and celebrate their achievements.

How to Nominate
Surf Coast businesses can self-nominate or be nominated by others.

The process is straightforward and free.

Start here: 2025 Nominations

Running a small business is rewarding — but it can also take a toll.

Long hours, financial pressures, and the challenge of doing it all alone can make it hard to stay on top of your wellbeing.

NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a free, confidential mental health coaching program developed by Beyond Blue.

It’s designed to help small business owners and sole traders reduce stress, regain balance, and build resilience — with no GP referral required.

Who is it for?
This service is for small business owners with 20 or fewer employees, including sole traders, who:

✅ Are over 18

✅ Live in Australia

✅ Have an active ABN

Please note: the program is not available to employees, business partners, directors, or people working in not-for-profit organisations.

Do you run or support local community events on the Surf Coast? You may be eligible for funding to bring your next event to life.

Surf Coast Community Event Grants – Round 1 are now open, offering grants of $500 to $3,000 for small-scale, community-focused events taking place between 1 July and 23 December 2025.

These grants aim to support events that build strong social connections, celebrate diversity and inclusion, and bring people of all ages and abilities together. Whether you're a small business that already runs events, or looking to partner with a community group, this could be an ideal funding opportunity.

More info and guidelines

The ATO is hosting a series of Masterclasses over the coming months .

The classes are designed to help you understand what you need to know to start a business, and tips to help you succeed.

Scheduled over a six-month period, topics for the series include:

• Starting a small business
• Record keeping
• Claiming small business tax deductions
• Cash flow for small business success
• Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• Hiring & paying workers

You can sign up reserve your place for this masterclass series by visiting: 

ATO Masterclass series 2025