Business support in the Surf Coast - Update # 1
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February 2026 Edition
Hi there,
In this month's newsletter
- Small business recovery sessions after floods and fires
- Grants for Creatives and WaterSmart Businesses
- and many free workshops for small business
Helping your business connect & thrive
Small Business Recovery Sessions – Lorne & Torquay
Recent bushfires and the flood impacts at Lorne and Wye River have created real challenges for many local businesses. To support recovery Finwell Support, the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) and Council are hosting two Small Business Recovery sessions to help you navigate disruption, get back on your feet and plan for what comes next.
These sessions offer targeted outreach for affected businesses, combining financial counselling, wellbeing support and time for informal conversations. It’s a safe, supportive space to strengthen wellbeing, access trusted advice and connect to ongoing assistance
Session Details
📍Lorne: Thurs 19 Feb, 11am–1pm, Great Ocean Road Health, (Albert St)
📍Torquay: Fri 20 Feb, 12pm–2pm, Torquay Community House (14 Price St)
💠One-hour mental health self-care program
💠One-hour informal support conversations with counsellors
Free to attend — registration required. Lunch provided.
Who should attend:
Local businesses impacted by recent events or those wanting to build resilience, including tourism and hospitality operators, retail, service businesses, agriculture and local trades.
🌟 Calling Local Presenters & Business Experts!
We’re seeking industry experts and experienced facilitators for our Better Business Skills 2026 program.
Our workshops are free, engaging, practical sessions for Surf Coast businesses at all stages – from just starting out to established and ready to grow.
Topics include marketing, business planning, access & inclusion, sustainability and healthy workplaces. We welcome other relevant ideas that help small businesses start, grow or adapt.
Workshops run across the Surf Coast (in-person or online), include networking time and light catering, and presenters are paid.
If you have some expertise to share, we’d love to hear from you. 👉 Submit your EOI
Business Concierge in Winchelsea
Got a business idea, need guidance on starting out, or unsure which permits you need?
Surf Coast Shire Council's Business Concierge will be in Winchelsea on Monday 23 March offering free 25‑minute sessions for local business owners.
📍 Winchelsea Shire Hall, 28 Hesse St, 8.30am–2pm.
👉 Book ahead or simply drop in for a chat about your business questions.
Build Your Business Skills: Upcoming Workshops & Support
Local business owners have a packed lineup of opportunities over the coming weeks, with practical workshops and programs designed to strengthen digital marketing, sharpen business planning, and support early‑stage ideas.
From Clicks to Customers – Optimise Your eCcommerce Business
Online retailers can join a hands‑on workshop focused on turning website traffic into sales. Participants will learn how to set up Google and Meta Shops, track conversions, create short‑form video, plan sales campaigns and boost email marketing.
Torquay – Tues 3 March, 9.30am–12.15pm, Surf Coast Shire Council Offices
Runway HQ Regional Incubator Bootcamp
Aspiring and early‑stage founders can take part in a one‑day bootcamp designed to refine ideas, understand customer needs and connect with mentors. The workshop also offers a pathway into the full Runway
Incubator Program.
Torquay – Fri 13 Feb, 10am–3pm, Surf Coast Shire Council Offices
Free to attend (refundable $10 booking fee), lunch included.
ATO Small Business Support Webinars
The ATO is offering free online masterclasses covering topics such as business planning, finances, GST, cash flow and paying workers. With more than 30 short online courses and the chance to speak directly with experienced tax officers, the series is ideal for
anyone wanting more confidence in managing their business.
The first session, Starting a Small Business, runs on Thurs 12 Feb, 1–2pm, with more topics to follow.
Starting Your Small Business Workshop
New and early‑stage business owners can build a strong foundation at this practical session covering business goals, name registration, choosing a location or online presence,
insurance essentials and creating a simple action plan. Networking and light refreshments included.
Torquay – Wed 18 March, 9am–12pm, KMCC, 12 Merrijig Drive
Grants & Funding Opportunities Now Open
Local creatives and businesses have access to two valuable funding programs currently open for applications, offering support for new ideas, creative development and water‑saving initiatives.
Creative Development Grant Program
The Surf Coast
Shire’s Creative Development Grant supports local artists and creative professionals to test ideas, develop early‑stage work and grow their practice.
Eligible applicants can apply for up to $3,000 as an individual or up to $5,000 as a group or collective.
To help shape project ideas, the Arts Team is hosting drop‑in sessions this month:
- Winchelsea: Wed 11 Feb, 11am–1pm
- Lorne: Wed 18 Feb, 2–4pm
- Torquay: Wed 25 Feb, 2–4pm
Barwon Water – WaterSmart Business Grants
Barwon Water is offering $1,000 to $25,000 for projects that improve water efficiency or deliver permanent water savings.
Eligible businesses across all sectors can receive up to 50% of project costs for initiatives such as wastewater recycling, switching to alternative water sources, or upgrading to efficient equipment and fittings. Projects must demonstrate annual savings of at least 500 kilolitres.
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
You can explore all of the services the business team offers by visiting:
Business Support Team:
5261 0600 or business@surfcoast.vic.gov.au
