Support for your business wellbeing

With R U OK? Day last week, it's a timely reminder to check in with yourself, colleagues, friends and loved ones, and to prioritise mental health and wellbeing. 

To help support local businesses, Monash Council has launched a new Business mental health and wellbeing hub, offering practical resources, tools and support services for business owners and employees.

Businesses can also download the Quick Reset flyer, a simple resource designed to help manage stress during challenging moments. The flyer is available in English, Simplified Chinese and Vietnamese.

Hopeful Horizons: Navigating the Australian job market

Join Hopeful Horizons, a free 2-day workshop for multicultural jobseekers, and gain the skills, confidence and connections needed to succeed in the Australian job market.

Learn how to strengthen your resume, prepare for interviews, use AI tools responsibly in your job search, and access employment support services to help you find work.

When: Wednesday 21 October and Thursday 22 October, 9am - 2.30pm each day
Where: Holmesglen Institute Chadstone campus, Corner Batesford and Warrigal Roads, Chadstone
Cost: Free, lunch included on both days

Food and Beverage Innovators

Step inside one of Australia's leading food innovation centres and explore how research and technology are shaping the future of food – and how your business can be part of it.

Tour world-class facilities, hear from industry leaders, and connect with suppliers, businesses and experts from across Melbourne's south east.

When: Thursday 29 October, 4pm - 7.30pm
Where: Monash Food Innovation Centre, Monash University, 13 Rainforest Walk, Clayton
Cost: $20, includes light dinner and refreshments

Monash Business Association Awards Gala - rescheduled event

Join the Monash Business Association, as it recognises outstanding businesses in Monash with a night of celebration and networking.

Enjoy live entertainment and a 3-course meal with drinks included. Secure your spot now via the link below.

When: Saturday 17 October, 6.15pm - 11pm
Where: Huntingdale Golf Club, Windsor Avenue, Oakleigh South
Cost: From $160.14

Help shape our budget for 2027-28

As we start planning the 2027–28 budget, we want to hear your ideas first.

Whether it's the business programs you take part in, the local roads you travel on or the parks you visit, tell us what you think matters most to the Monash community.

Share an idea that could benefit Monash or complete a survey to help us understand the services our community needs and values the most. 

You can submit on behalf of a club, organisation, school, neighbourhood, or yourself. 

Visit Shape Monash before 11 October.

Bird Flu: What to do if you find sick, injured or dead wildlife

With bird flu (H5N1) now confirmed in the City of Monash, residents are being urged to take precautions if they encounter sick, injured or dead wildlife. While the risk to people in Australia remains low, it’s important not to touch birds or wildlife, and to keep children and pets away from affected animals and surrounding areas. 

Bird flu events should be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, rather than to Council. Dead wildlife found on Council land can be reported to Council for safe disposal.

Learn more about when and how to report wildlife, safe disposal practices, and the latest advice from Agriculture Victoria on the City of Monash website.

Want to bring more people into your activity centre?

Council's newly adopted Special Rate/Charge Scheme – Traders Association Policy outlines how trader associations can deliver marketing, events and business development initiatives that attract visitors and strengthen local precincts.

New standards for delivery workers

New minimum standards are now in effect for gig delivery workers, introducing stronger protections around pay, expenses, insurance, record-keeping and workplace rights.

If your business uses food delivery apps, learn more about what these changes mean for you.

Pitch Ready: Business Clarity and Communication program

Whether you’re pitching to customers or partners, applying for funding, or introducing yourself at a networking event, communicating your value clearly can turn conversations into opportunities.

Enrolments are now open for Eastern Innovation's Pitch Ready Program. Over 6 weeks, you'll work through focused modules, join group sessions and get tailored feedback to help you refine and confidently deliver your message.

When: Starts Tuesday 6 October
Where: Online
Cohort size: 5-8 entrepreneurs
Cost: $795 plus GST

IGNITE Your Voice: From Idea to Impact 

You don't need to have all the answers to move your business forward.

Whether you're shaping an idea, launching a business or building momentum, IGNITE will help you gain clarity, confidence and visibility through purposeful action.

When: Tuesday 13 October, 11am - 1pm
Where: Eastern Innovation, 5A Hartnett Close, Mulgrave
Cost: From $80. Choose your package option

Entrepreneur Exchange: Facilitated networking  

Designed for business owners and entrepreneurs who want to connect with purpose, this event replaces awkward introductions with guided activities that help conversations flow naturally. 

When: Wednesday 11 November, 6pm - 8pm
Where: Eastern Innovation, 5A Hartnett Close, Mulgrave
Cost: $17.50 (two-for-one tickets available)

Join the Great Spring Clean Up

Engage your team on a fun, practical, and impactful volunteering day with The Great Spring Clean Up this September or October.

Organised by Clean Up Australia, the nationwide program encourages businesses, schools and community groups to register a Clean Up event and help prevent litter from entering our environment.

It’s a great way to get together with colleagues, and make a positive impact in your local community. Individuals can also organise their own event or enquire about volunteering at an existing clean up event in Monash.

Let us know: Once you’ve registered, contact Joanne.Palmateer@monash.vic.gov.au and we can help share your business’ achievements via Council channels.  

Business Energy Savers Program

Businesses in the City of Monash can register with Energy Savers for free advice on improving energy efficiency and accessing the Victorian Government’s Energy Upgrade initiative. Energy Savers connects owners with accredited suppliers who handle upgrades and subsidy paperwork.

For more information call 1300 571 535 or register below.

Business Renewables Buying Group

The Business Renewables Buying Group aims to help businesses move to 100% renewable electricity by using collective buying power to lower costs. An external facilitator will support the group to maximise purchasing power while reducing the complexity, time and cost of switching.

This group is open to Victorian businesses that use over 500MWh of electricity annually, spend around $100,000 a year on electricity, and have energy contracts ending in 2025 or 2026.

SEMMA Australian Manufacturing BLUEPRINT forum 5: Evolve

Hear the latest policy ideas and industry thinking ahead of the Victorian State Election at SEMMA's Australian Manufacturing BLUEPRINT Forum 5: Evolve.

In this forum, learn how SEMMA is challenging policymakers to move beyond rigid frameworks and embrace a nuanced approach that supports manufacturers and SMEs.

When: Thursday 24 September, 9.30am - 1.30pm
Location: Hawthorn Football Club, 94 Tootal Road, Dingley Village
Cost: Tickets from $40 

Multicultural Business Skills Fund grant program

Grants of $5,000 are available for business associations (including trader groups, business chambers and industry organisations) to help multicultural small business owners and their workers build their business skills.

Funding can be used to deliver projects that provide business advice, training and mentorship.

The Multicultural Business Skills Fund grant program will support eligible business associations to:

• educate, inform and upskill multicultural small business owners and their workers
• enable improvements in business and operational capability
• build the connectedness of multicultural businesses.

Applications close at 4pm on Monday 28 September 2026, or earlier if all funds are allocated.

8 practical tips for sole traders to grow their business

Running a business on your own can be rewarding, but it also comes with plenty of responsibilities. Business Victoria has shared eight practical tips to help sole traders improve profitability, manage cash flow, build a stronger online presence, embrace digital tools, and stay cyber safe.

Read the full guide for simple steps that can support long-term business success.

Tax tips for tradies

If you're a tradie or run a small building business, the ATO has launched a new Tax Essentials Hub to make tax, super and registration obligations easier to understand.

Find information on common deductions, employer responsibilities, record keeping and support options, to help you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

Small Business Peak program

New workplace laws have been introduced across Australia. The Small Business Peak Program helps small businesses understand and implement the new workplace legislation.

The program provides free and instant access to essential information and quick insights to keep business owners informed - with step-by-step guides to save time and make it easier to apply the latest workplace changes.

Free business mentoring for Monash businesses

Monash Council works with the Small Business Mentoring Service to provide eligible local business owners with up to 4 FREE one-hour sessions with an experienced business mentor.

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

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 through Business Victoria.

Check out these upcoming webinars:

• Advanced strategies to taking your business online - 16 September, 10am - 1pm
• Winning government grants and tenders - 21 September, 5.30pm - 7.30pm
• Generating cash flow - 29 September, 10am - 12pm
• Winning government grants and tenders (repeat) - 30 September, 10am - 12pm
• Taking your business online - 5 October, 5pm - 8pm