Start up, Invest & Grow in Monash in May

Tickets are selling fast for our Start Up, Invest and Grow in Monash program. Your launchpad to business success!

Presented by Monash Council and Monash Precinct Network, this month-long program in May connects entrepreneurs with valuable resources, expert education and powerful networks to thrive in Monash. 

Throughout the month, we’re hosting a series of 11 events and workshops, including:

• Digital transformation: Enhancing customer journeys: Join Sonia Majkic from 3 Phase Marketing to learn how to build an online connection that establishes trust, authority and makes it easy for buyers to say yes.
   
• All aboard the investment bus: Journey through the heart of innovation with a tour of the Monash National Employment and Innovation Cluster (MNEIC).
   
• Lead generation and converting customers: Learn to engage customers at every stage of their buying journey, identify the perfect lead magnet for your business and deliver it effectively.
   
• Supporting, starting and scaling bio-led ventures in Monash: Join us for this panel discussion and networking evening bringing together industry leaders, startup founders and researchers.
   
• Future trends in AI and harnessing them for your business: Join tech consultant Luke Marshall as he breaks down the latest AI trends, what's coming next, and how you can start leveraging it today.

Browse the full program online. Spaces are limited so book early to avoid missing out! 

Businesses are welcome to attend multiple sessions. Eligibility requirements may apply.

Expanding Horizons: Overcoming barriers for employment

The Expanding Horizons project held their final Advisory Group meeting on 2 April in line with the project’s completion.

Funded by the Department of Social Services, Expanding Horizons has been successfully delivered by Monash Council and Holmesglen Institute to build employer confidence in hiring and retaining workers with disability.

Over 100 people participated in training or work experience through the project and the team reached out to over 250 employers and stakeholders across 9 local government areas.

We would like to thank everyone who worked with the project team to deliver this success.

Read about Phil's Expanding Horizons journey.

JobAccess is your guide to disability employment. Access advice, information and funding to support people with disability and employers.

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. 

Claiming deductions for your home-based business
Tuesday 29 April | 12pm - 1pm

Goods and services tax (GST)
Tuesday 21 May | 12pm - 1pm

Last chance to Shape Your Monash for four years and beyond

After extensive community consultation with our community throughout 2024, we’ve drafted a set of key plans and strategies to guide Monash Council for the next four years and beyond. And now we want your feedback to make sure we got them right. 

These strategies and plans include a refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, Health and Wellbeing Plan, Rating and Revenue Plan and Asset Plan. 

Visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/vision before 4 May to provide feedback on the plans and strategies and learn more about the consultation process that has informed them. 

The Creative's Marketing Blueprint

Join this hands-on, real-world workshop that demystifies marketing for creatives. With a focus on self-branding, the must-haves for your website, and stress-free social media.
 
This professional development workshop will provide a practical, straightforward introduction to the basics of marketing for creatives. Featuring two workshops from expert educators Creative Plus Business - focused on marketing and branding for artists - and an artist-led panel on Arts Marketing in Practice, this event is perfect for creatives of all levels and practices. 

Part of the creativeRISE Professional Development series presented by Monash Council, Greater Dandenong City Council and the Maroondah Arts Collective from Maroondah City Council.

When: Saturday 3 May, 10am - 4pm
Where: Wheelers Hill Meeting Room, 860 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill

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.

Changes to casual employment

Eligible casual employees can now provide written notice to their employer to change to full-time or part-time employment under the employee choice pathway.

An employer can only refuse the notice for certain reasons. This came into effect on Wednesday 26 February 2025.

2025 Australia Post eCommerce report

2024 broke new eCommerce records with 9.8 million households spending more than $69 billion online.

Take a deep dive into this report which features exclusive data, category deep dives and expert commentary that can help retailers improve their business. 

Affordable office space available at Eastern Innovation Business Centre

Step into a collaborative ecosystem designed to foster creativity and collaboration. 

Eastern Innovation provides a dynamic workspace where ideas flow freely, and innovation is celebrated. Office space has become available in the Jessie Tait Building, a modern, tech-focused facility completed with labs on site.

Join a community of entrepreneurs and founders shaping the future of business in the Monash precinct. 

Get yourself a 10sqm office for $800 per month + GST. 

Business Energy Savers Program

Businesses located in City of Monash can register with Energy Savers to receive free advice about how to become more energy efficient and take advantage of the Victorian Government’s Energy Upgrade initiative.

Energy Savers connects business owners with a selected panel of accredited and trustworthy suppliers who can take care of the upgrades and required paperwork to access the subsidies.

For more information call 1300 571 535 or register below.

Free webinar: Buy Circular: Support and opportunities for businesses

Sustainability Victoria (SV) will be sharing how they support businesses to promote their practices in the circular economy field, and how they work with local government to collaborate with the private sector in circular economy projects.

They help local government and businesses to connect through a number of projects and resources such as the Buy Circular Directory.

Webinar highlights:

• What key considerations are buyers making when they consider circularity in procurement decisions?
• Buy Circular Service and how SV works with local government and suppliers to drive Victoria’s circular economy through procurement.

When: Thursday 17 April, 1pm - 2.30pm

Free webinar: Getting paid on time

Cash flow is a major concern among Victorian small businesses. The cost of doing business is reducing margins and unfortunately many small business owners are not being paid on time for their goods and services.

Join Victorian Small Business Commissioner Lynda McAlary-Smith to hear practical guidance on how you can give yourself the best chance possible of being paid on time. 

The Commissioner will also provide guidance on how to follow up outstanding invoices, and what pathways of escalation are available to you.

When: Wednesday 28 May, 12.30pm - 1pm

Monash start-up Alt. Leather pioneers eco-friendly leather alternative with CSIRO support

Based at Monash Innovation Labs, start-up Alt. Leather is revolutionising the leather industry with its 100% bio-based, plant-based alternative to traditional leather.

Founded by Tina Funder, the company has developed a durable, animal-free material made from agricultural waste and natural fibres, offering a sustainable solution with zero plastics. This innovative product is designed for various industries, including fashion, footwear, upholstery, and automotive, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of conventional leather production.

Alt. Leather's journey has been significantly supported by CSIRO's Kick-Start and RISE Accelerator programs. These initiatives provided the start-up with access to specialised equipment and expertise, enabling them to refine their material production processes and scale up their operations. With successful trials and international collaborations, Alt. Leather is now poised for global expansion, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable leather alternatives.

Free workplace safety consultation session

Through WorkSafe's OHS Essentials program, you can get a free and independent consultation with an OHS expert on how to manage safety in your workplace.

The expert can come to your workplace, help identify safety issues and advise you on ways to resolve the issues.

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.

• Maximising your marketing – 30 April, 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.