Monash Business Awards Gala

Join the Monash Business Awards for a night of celebration, networking and recognition of outstanding businesses in the Monash area.

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

When: Friday 2 August, 6.30pm for a 7pm start
Where: Huntingdale Golf Club, Windsor Avenue, Oakleigh South
Dress Code: Formal/cocktail attire
Cost: $175 (group table discounts available)
RSVP:  Wednesday 24 July

Monash Women's Business Network: Sustainability and small business

How can small businesses integrate sustainability in a way that is both environmentally and financially sustainable?

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.

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

Expanding Horizons - Overcoming barriers for employment

The Expanding Horizons project is a partnership between City of Monash and Holmesglen Institute focused on building employer confidence and increasing employment opportunities for people with disability.

The project team is actively seeking potential employers to provide opportunities for work experience/workplace internships for Expanding Horizons participants.

Internship opportunities provide experiences that benefit both participants and employers. They provide individuals with hands-on experience, an ability to learn new skills and develop an improved understanding of the workforce.

Please contact michelle.bloch@monash.vic.gov.au for more information.

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:

Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Tuesday, 30 July 2024 | 2pm - 2.45pm

Using your business money and assets
Wednesday, 14 August 2024 | 10am - 10.45am

Engage with Monash University talent through the Industry Innovation Program

The Monash University Industry Innovation Program (IIP) is now recruiting for summer projects. Connect with the brightest STEM students to tackle commercial challenges and create real value in your business.

The IIP allows you to shape the project's scope, benefit from a dedicated academic supervisor, and access cutting-edge research facilities at the Monash Innovation Labs.

Partner with Holmesglen students to benefit your business

Holmesglen Institute’s Business and Financial Student Practical Placement Program can connect your business with skilled and motivated students to help with activities such as office administration, customer relationship management, invoice processing, digital marketing and industry research.

Local businesses can also collaborate on IT industry projects with Holmesglen students on areas such as web development, game design, cyber security and more.

Read a brief overview of the programs here. Please register below to attend an online session to receive more information on both programs. 

When: Thursday 25 September, 2pm - 3pm  

CSIRO Innovate to Grow: Digital technologies and AI

Innovate to Grow is a free 10-week online program for eligible small to medium enterprises (SMEs) who want to progress their research and development opportunities or are in the early decision-making stages about engaging in research and development.

Various courses are offered across a range of high priority sectors. Each course has individual intake streams for different sectors.

Applications close 21 July 2024. 

Manufacturers' Monthly Endeavour Awards

The annual Manufacturers' Monthly Endeavour Awards serve as a prestigious platform to honour the brightest minds and most innovative projects in the manufacturing industry.

Nominations are now open in 10 categories. The awards are a chance to inspire others and highlight the exceptional work happening in the industry. You can nominate yourself, a colleague or someone you think deserves national recognition for their great achievements and hard work.  

Defence Industry Development grants program

The Defence Industry Development grants program is designed to help small to medium enterprises enhance Australia's sovereign capability, boost global competitiveness, achieve technical superiority, and strengthen national security. It offers funding across four key streams: sovereign industrial priorities, exports, security and skilling. 

The four grant opportunities will be assessed in batches, with the first stream applications closing Wednesday 31 July 2024.

Minimum wage increase from July 2024

The Fair Work Commission has announced a 3.75% increase to the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages. The new National Minimum Wage will be $915.90 per week or $24.10 per hour.

Other award wages, including junior, apprentice and supported wages that are based on adult minimum wages, will get a proportionate increase.

Changes to casual employment laws

Recently there have been multiple changes to casual employment laws.

These changes include:

• How casual work is defined.
• The pathway to permanent employment.
• Employee and employer responsibilities.
   

Last chance to apply for Sustainability Skills Lab

Eastern Innovation, Kandu Earth and the City of Monash have partnered to create a free program specifically designed to help small to medium sized manufacturers navigate carbon reporting and become more sustainable. 

The Sustainability Skills Labs program equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand carbon footprinting, craft a winning sustainability strategy, develop a decarbonisation plan, and stay ahead of the curve to meet supplier and investor requirements.

Applications close 23 July 2024.
 

Entrepreneur Exchange Networking night - 25 July

Join us for a night about marketing and branding your business! Build a stronger brand and improve your digital presence.

The night includes: networking opportunities, insights from expert speaker Jill Absolom, the opportunity to create an edited digital pitch with Cruz Ignatius, and a professional photographer to provide you with new professional headshots.

When: Thursday 25 July, 6pm - 8pm
Where: Eastern Innovation, 5A Hartnett Close, Mulgrave
Cost: $19.84 inc booking fee
RSVP: Monday 22 July

Sustainability for Business website

Monash Council is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within our business community and has launched a new special sustainable business section of our website. You can find out more about:

• Business Energy Savers Program
• Waste management for businesses
• Grant opportunities
• Eastern Innovation, a purpose-built business facility for coworking and startups

Find out more on the Sustainability for Business page linked below, or contact the Business Economic Development Unit at ecodev@monash.vic.gov.au

Renewable homes construction training

Solar Victoria is investing $1 million to deliver training on the design and construction of energy efficient homes to move to 7-star rated and all-electric homes in Victoria.

This fully subsidised training will help people working in an eligible construction industry trade or profession in Victoria comply with the National Construction Code 2022.

Congratulations to Monash Business Awards nominees

10 nominees were announced at the recent Monash Business Awards (MBA) breakfast event held in June. These are the final nominees ahead of the Monash Business Awards Gala Awards night to be held in August.

Congratulations to Elite Staffing Solutions, Tuition Zone, Elegant Media, STEM Birds, NYC Conveyancing, Flagworld Carroll & Richardson, Victorian Hearing, Bakers Workshop, LoveDobara.com and Auswara on your nominations.

New laws passed to support small business owners

The Australian Government has recently passed new laws supporting small business owners, including laws about instant asset write off and the small business energy incentive.

Find out more about these laws and eligibility requirements for your business.

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

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.