Business support in the Surf Coast - July 2023
No images? Click here
HELPING BUSINESSES TO CONNECT & THRIVE
What's Inside
> Upcoming Events
-- How To Sell Creative-Based Work Online, July 19
-- Rip Curl / B-Corp Event, July 31
-- Geelong Small Business Festival, Month of August
-- Surf Coast Networking, September 7
> National Minimum Wage Increase
> Economic Development National Award Nomination
> Disaster Ready Resilience Program
> Business Innovation Survey
> Noticeboard: What's Up, Surf Coast?
> Welcome
Hi from the Surf Coast Business Support Team!
The Surf Coast Business Collective is back for our bi-monthly newsletter! We're excited to share some upcoming local events alongside other business news.
As a reminder, we're always here if you have questions regarding permits, planning, or simply want an ear during your business journey. Respond to this email or reach out to us at the Business Concierge.
Stay creating, stay thriving, and stay inspired! #inspiredbysurfcoast
> How To Sell Creative-Based Work Online, July 19
Full Tilt Creative’s Anthea Riskas leads creatives through the overwhelming array of e-commerce platforms available to artists and makers in this 1.5 hour workshop. Learn how to work within your budget and translate your values and style into online sales.
Use discount code ArtsTrailArtist to get $15 off your ticket.
Register here, $35
> Rip Curl / B-Corp Event, July 31
Join Rip Curl and Ripple Surf Coast for the spectacular "Rip Curl Impact and B-Corp Feature Event" to:
- Learn about the Rip Curl story of social and environmental impact, including their recent B Corp certification
- Get an introduction to the process of B Corp certification
- Q&A with Rip Curl and B Lab ANZ
- Connect and network with local businesses
Register here, $30
> Geelong Small Business Festival, Month of August
The 2023 Geelong Small Business Festival Program is LIVE. Register for free and paid events from a variety of local business industries with almost-daily valuable learning and business events for the entire month of August.
View Events, FREE and Paid
> Surf Coast Networking, September 7
Happy Spaces is hosting a unique networking opportunity right in the heart of Torquay. Open to the public, if you're looking to meet genuine, connected and purposeful professionals in the Surf Coast and surrounding areas, this space is for you.
Register Here, $30 (includes snacks and drinks)
> National Minimum Wage Increase (July)
> The National Minimum Wage increase occurred July 1st, 2023 raising the national minimum wage by 5.75%, or to $23.23 per hour ($882.80) per week.
> This increase was applied from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2023. This means if your weekly pay period starts on Monday, the new rates applied from Monday, 3 July 2023.
You can find more information about the wage increase and associated news here.
> We're a Finalist in the National Economic Development 2023 Awards for Excellence
We'd like to offer a huge shout-out to Gretchen Gibson and Terri Hannan for the time, heart, and energy they put into making the COVID-19 Recovery Assistance Program a huge success.
The COVID-19 Recovery Assistance program held 381 business surveys and industry round tables with locals to learn first-hand about businesses most pressing needs during COVID.
“Our business sector … deliver[ed] various initiatives to reboot and reimagine the landscape post-pandemic. Initiatives included tourism projects, marketing, networking, plus financial and mental health assistance."
The program closed in March 2023 with an outcomes report that highlighted 66 grants and 9 council initiatives.
The COVID-19 Recovery Assistance program has been short-listed in the Economic Development Recovery and Resilience category for the National Economic Development 2023 Awards for Excellence, which will take place the 23rd of August.
> Disaster Ready Resilience Program
The Disaster Ready Great Ocean Road program is a personalised business resilience toolkit for businesses who interact with short-stay or day-tripper visitors.
As a business operating from a high-risk region, you're more likely to be impacted by disasters. You also have an increased responsibility for visitors including those with English as a second language.
Co-designed with local business and emergency experts, this program will help you take small steps to get disaster ready. The program is FREE and delivered as a series of quick 5-minute e-learning modules.
Read More, FREE
> Business Innovation Survey
The Business Innovation Survey collects information from Victorian businesses to better understand what innovation looks like across different parts of the state.
The results of the survey will help the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) create more effective place-based policies to support innovation by Victorian businesses.
Complete Survey, 10-15 minutes
This is a callout to all Surf Coast Businesses - let us know of any workshops, events, or unique opportunities you are offering. If it makes sense, we'll publish it in our next newsletter and closed FB group, the Surf Coast Business Collective Chat.
> Are you a Surf Coast business presenting at the Geelong Small Business Festival? Let us know.
Connect and Follow
Surf Coast Business Collective Chat
Join our closed chat group to grow you Surf Coast Business community connections.
