Monash Women's Business Network: Sustainability and small business

Registrations are closing soon for September's Monash Women's Business Network lunch.

Join us to hear Mariyam Sayers, founder of kandu sustainability, as she explores how businesses can incorporate sustainable practices, engage loyal customers in meaningful ways, and differentiate themselves from competitors.

Open to all attendees, Monash Women's Business Network is your gateway to valuable connections, education and learning opportunities.

When: Tuesday 3 September, 11.30am-2.30pm
Where: Riversdale Golf Club, Mount Waverley
Cost: $75 (includes two-course lunch)
RSVP: Monday 26 August 2024

Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the Monash Business Awards 

More than 140 people gathered on 2 August to celebrate the success of the Monash business community at the Monash Business Awards Gala.

Congratulations to the following winners:

Business of the Year: OC Connections
Business of Excellence: Flagworld Carroll & Richardson
Rising Star: (tied) Tuition Zone & The Green Collar

Category award winners
Professional Services: Tuition Zone
Not-for-Profit: OC Connections
Innovation & Technology: STEM Birds: Coding and robotics for kids
Transport/Trade/Manufacturing/Construction: Flagworld Carroll & Richardson
Micro Business: The Corner Store Network
Health & Science: Victorian Hearing

Monash Business Awards September breakfast event 

Join the Monash Business Awards breakfast for a morning filled with insights, networking, and community engagement. 

The speaker for the September breakfast is Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities, Treasury and Employment.

Secure your spot now via the link below.

When: Thursday 5 September, 7am - 9am
Where: Huntingdale Golf Club, Windsor Avenue Oakleigh South
Cost: $60.45
RSVP:  29 August 2024

Expanding Horizons: Overcoming barriers for employment

Expanding Horizons is a project delivered by Monash Council and Holmesglen Institute to build employer's confidence and capacity to recruit job seekers with disability.

Under Expanding Horizons, Holmesglen have launched Readiness and Employment Access Channel (REACH), which is offering free training to employers, job seekers and support networks.

The free training to employers includes:

• Disability awareness training
• Inclusive recruitment practices 
• Supporting people with disabilities in the workplace.

For more information, please contact Michelle.Bloch@monash.vic.gov.au

CSIRO SME Connect: Access R&D support for your business growth

Discover the full potential of CSIRO's SME Connect program for your business by joining us for an informative session with Dr. Angela Wu, SME Program Facilitator.

Uncover how three programs—Kick-Start, RISE Accelerator, and Innovate to Grow—can provide the support, funding and expertise to help you expand your business.

When: Wednesday 25 September, 12pm-1pm via Zoom

ATO Masterclass series

We've partnered with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to offer masterclasses designed to strengthen your small business knowledge.

During these free online sessions, you will have the opportunity to speak with experienced tax officers, ask questions and gain insights tailored to your business needs. 

The next two sessions are:

Record keeping
Wednesday, 11 September 2024 | 2pm - 2.45am

Cash flow for small business success
Tuesday, 24 September 2024 | 10am - 10.45am

Monash Speed X 2024

The Gateway LLEN and Novotel Glen Waverley are hosting Monash Speed X 2024 on 17 September. Industry professionals are invited to participate in 'speed interviews' with Year 11 & 12 VCE Vocational Major students to share their career journeys. 

Help connect young people with future employment.

When: Tuesday 17 September 2024, 9am-12pm
Where: Novotel Glen Waverley, 285 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley

Digital Solutions Program: Supporting digital growth

The Digital Solutions Program facilitated by the Melbourne Innovation Centre, is an Australian Government-funded initiative to support the digital growth of small businesses.

It provides tailored advice on topics such as selling, social media and digital marketing, and online security and data privacy. Small businesses with fewer than 20 full-time employees can benefit from 1:1 mentoring, workshops and short courses. 

Victorian Aboriginal Business Investment Program

The Victorian Aboriginal Business Investment Program provides grants up to $100K to eligible Victorian Aboriginal businesses to access resources that will help to sustain or grow their business.

The funding can be used for a range of activities, from marketing, mentorship and accessing expert advisory services to feasibility studies, developing business plans, or buying new equipment.

Applications close 6 September 2024.

Footpath Trading and Access Policy 2024

Following community consultation via the Shape Monash platform, the draft Footpath Trading and Access Policy 2024 has been adopted by Council. This policy combines and updates the Revised Footpath Trading and Access Policy 2021 with the Parklets on Roads Policy 2023.

The updated policy supports Council's vision for outdoor trading areas and allows traders to expand dining into neighbouring spaces with consent from neighbouring traders.

AI Tools for Small Business Marketing - Saving you stress, time and money

Join Eastern Innovation for this networking night on 24 September, featuring keynote speaker Ofir Kuberman.

Learn about the free tools and AI software on the market, how to implement them into your small business, and how to analyse your results to optimise audience engagement.

When: Tuesday 24 September 2024, 6pm-8pm
Where: Eastern Innovation, 5A Hartnett Close, Mulgrave
Cost: $17.50

CIRCO Circular Business Design Workshop

This three-day program will familiarise you with the possibilities of circular entrepreneurship and design.

Discover how the circular economy promotes resource efficiency by prioritising product longevity, easy maintenance, reusability, and recycling while delivering high-quality services.

This interactive and challenging workshop has been carefully designed to provide valuable insights into the circular opportunities available for your organisation or business.

Spaces are limited. Register your interest for more details.

How to set up your own business email account

Are you still using Gmail or Outlook for business emails?

Many small businesses start this way due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. However, upgrading to a professional business email is crucial as your business expands.

To help you get started, read some helpful tips covering two ways you can set up a business email account: through a website or through an email hosting service.

COSBOA: Support for your small business

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) represents the interests of small business, advocating on issues ranging from taxation and workplace relations, through to competition law and retail tenancy.

COSBOA offer online resources specific to small business including the following programs:

• CyberWardens program designed to build a cyber-smart workforce
• Small Business Peak program to help understand and implement new workplace legislation.
   

Business Victoria: Online workshops, courses and mentoring

Looking to start, grow or take a fresh look at your business? You can register for a short course or webinar or access a FREE online business advice session from an expert.

• Winning Government Grants & Tenders – 20 August, 7pm-9pm
• Advanced Strategies to Taking your Business Online – 22 August, 10am-1pm
   

Free business mentoring for Monash businesses

Monash Council works with the Small Business Mentoring Service to provide eligible local business owners with access to up to four FREE one-hour sessions with an experienced business mentor.

Email ecodev@monash.vic.gov.au if you are interested in accessing this service.