Storm damage in the City of Monash

Heavy storms in Melbourne on Tuesday 13 February have caused power outages and significant damage in areas of Monash.

Power is gradually being restored in the area. Visit the website of your electricity provider if you are still having reconnection issues and report any storm damage to the State Emergency Service on 132 500.

If you operate a food-based business and have been impacted by power outages, there is information on the Department of Health’s website about ensuring food safety.

Read more storm-related updates on the Monash Council's website

Register to be informed of Council tenders

The City of Monash has an online portal for tenders which lists service and supply contracts currently being advertised. 

As it can be time consuming to keep checking advertised tenders, we recommend local businesses register with the Monash City Council Tender portal. It is FREE to register, and you will be notified automatically of tenders published by the City of Monash that may be of interest to your business.

Monash Business Awards Networking Breakfast 

Come along to the first MBA event of the year, featuring Head of Economic and Markets Research at Bendigo Bank, David Robertson.

With the economy an ever-present topic of conversation this year, hear from one of Australia's most senior financial experts, meet other Monash business owners, and get the ultimate insider's take on the 2024 financial forecast.

When: Thursday 29 February, 7-9am
Where: Huntingdale Golf Club, Windsor Ave, Oakleigh South
Cost: $59.95

sWomen's Business Network Lunch: Overcoming Barriers for Employment

Join us for a great networking opportunity and to hear from Elly Desmarchelier, a passionate advocate for disability rights and a proud disabled woman.

Elly will share the many benefits of employing people with disability. This included bringing valuable skills and a new perspective to your business, while improving outcomes for people with disability.

This event links to our Expanding Horizons project, a partnered initiative with Council and Holmesglen Institute. 

When: Wednesday 13 March, 11.30am-2pm
Where: Riversdale Golf Club, 200-280 Huntingdale Rd, Mount Waverley
Cost: $60 (includes two-course meal)
RSVP: Monday 4 March 2024

Take advantage of financial incentives to access a talent pool of jobseekers

Did you know businesses that employ people with disability (whether it be physical or hidden) can access financial support through various wage subsidies? 

These subsidies (subject to eligibility criteria and funding caps) are available through Disability Employment Service providers.

For more information visit Job Access Wage Subsidy Program.

Through the Expanding Horizons project with Holmesglen Institute, Council can also provide support for businesses interested in employing people living with disability. Find out more below:

Wage subsidy for digital jobs training

The Digital Jobs for Manufacturing Program offers subsidies of up to $5,000 for senior employees to complete a 12-week training course to develop a strategic level understanding of emerging technologies and their application in a manufacturing business context.

This program is designed to help manufacturers support and equip their decision makers with digital skills, including cyber security, AI and more.

Apply now for new courses starting in March.

Research resources ready for industry

Monash businesses are fortunate to be co-located with and have access to world-class research facilities such as the Australian Synchrotron, CSIRO, Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication (MCN), various health research facilities, and Monash University.

Monash University has published a new report outlining the capabilities of their various research platforms, including relevant case studies. This showcases the infrastructure and services available to develop bespoke solutions for industry, utilising a combination of capabilities and expertise underpinned by state-of-the-art technology.

Monash University Undergraduate Industry Experience Studio Program

Monash University Faculty of Information Technology (IT) is looking for suitable clients to allocate to their teams of students in the final year of their undergraduate IT degree.

The student teams assist SME business clients by developing computer systems that will help their business, including eCommerce sites. 

This experience can be mutually beneficial for both students and host businesses.

First round program commences end of February 2024, with a second round commencing in July 2024.

Partners in Wellbeing presents webinar series for women in small business

This webinar series provides a platform for small business owners to connect and share experiences with other like-minded women who juggle work and home life.

Funded by the Victorian Government, this evidence-based series held over Zoom is held monthly.

When: Wednesdays, 14 February-12 June, 12-1pm (5 sessions)

SEMMA 2024 event dates

South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) is the peak industry association representing more than 230 leading manufacturing companies located in South East Melbourne, Australia's most dynamic manufacturing region.

Check out their preliminary events guide for 2024 outlining the activities that SEMMA is hosting, partnering with, attending or exhibiting at. Also included is the open events list for SEBN (South East Business Networks).

Advance your career with a manufacturing sector women’s leadership scholarship

Women & Leadership Australia offer partial scholarships for women in manufacturing ranging up to $5,000 per person. These scholarships are aimed at encouraging more women to increase their impact at work, progress their career, and step into leadership roles in manufacturing. 

Courses are available for women at all levels.
Applications close Friday 22 March 2024.

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.

• Starting Your Small Business – 20 February, 10am-1pm
• Social Media & Content Marketing – 21 February, 1-4pm
• Winning Government Grants and Tenders – 27 February, 1.30-3.30pm
• Maximising Your Marketing – 28 February, 1-5pm
• Social Media & Content Marketing – 5 March, 6-9pm 
• Starting Your Small Business – 6 March, 6-9pm

Empower yourself: Tenants rights for traders webinar

Hosted by Knox Biz, this online session about tenant rights under retail leasing laws is tailored for traders. 

Presented by Lynda McAlary-Smith, Commissioner at the Victorian Small Businesss Commission. 

Key takeaways include:

• comprehensive understanding of your rights and entitlements
• effective dispute resolution strategies for traders
• addressing lingering questions in a supportive environment.

When: Tuesday 5 March, 6pm

Take advantage of outdoor dining

As we are in the middle of summer you will have noticed many food businesses taking advantage of the warmer weather and providing an outdoor dining set up for their customers. 

If you’re an eligible hospitality business that wants to offer outdoor dining in locations ordinarily used as car parking spaces, then read our Parklets on Roads policy, which complements our Footpath Trading and Access Policy.

Click below for more information and guidelines on how to apply.

Clayton Festival - Sunday 25 February 2024

Clayton Festival is a FREE community celebration for families and kids featuring live entertainment, creative activities, food trucks and roving performers. 

The festival is held in the heart of Clayton business district, within the car park of Clayton Community Centre and Clayton Aquatic and Health Club.

When: Sunday 25 February 2024, 12pm-5pm
Where: Clayton Community Centre Car Park, Cooke Street Clayton
Cost: FREE

Eastern Innovation Business Centre

Eastern Innovation Business Centre (EI) is a small business and innovation hub located in the heart of Monash. EI is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses to thrive.

Offering low-cost flexible spaces, the hub currently has workshop and lab space, 60sqm of private office space and work stations available to rent. Contact EI directly to join its vibrant business community, or discuss flexible spaces for you and your business.

Mazda Australia and Infinitev commit to building a circular EV economy

Headquartered in Monash, Mazda Australia and Infinitev, a leader in the Electric Vehicle (EV) battery sector, are aiming to create the first fully circular economy for EV batteries through a new reuse, repurpose and recycling solution.

Through this partnership, a new recycling ecosystem will be created that gives consumers sustainable options that will reduce the overall carbon footprint of EVs.

Monash businesses save thousands through Business Energy Savers program

Local businesses save thousands of dollars every year with energy efficient upgrades with support from Monash Council.

Register your interest with the Business Energy Savers team for free advice and trustworthy quotes. Read how local business SOM Blinds were able to install a 10kW system, saving them $2400 per year on electricity through the Small Business Energy Saver Program.

Energy efficiency grants for small and medium sized enterprises - round 2

This grant opportunity provides businesses up to $25,000 to replace or upgrade existing equipment to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. These upgrades will enable industries to reduce their energy use and manage energy cost volatility in the long term.