People with disabilities make great employees

Disability inclusion in the workforce makes good business, social and economic sense.

The stats say it all. Employees with disabilities take fewer sick days and are six times less likely to be involved in an OHS incident. Employing people with disability can increase productivity and morale. This can reduce absenteeism and staff turnover.

Everyone benefits from an inclusive and diverse workforce - fellow workers, the business, customers and the community as a whole.

Council is driving a program supporting businesses to avail themselves of inclusive employment opportunities.  

Women'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, which can bring valuable skills and a new perspective to your business, while improving outcomes and the lives of people with disability.

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

When: 13 March, 11.30am-2pm
Where: Riversdale Golf Club
Cost: $60 (includes two course meal)

Monash Business Awards Networking Breakfast 

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

With the economy an ever-present topic of conversation, as we head into the new year, hear from one of Australia's most senior financial experts and get the ultimate insider's take on the 2024 financial forecast.

Always a great networking opportunity!

When: Thursday 29 February, 7am to 9am
Where: Huntingdale Golf Club
Cost: Early bird price - $49.95

Public holidays for 2024

To enable you to plan your staffing requirements throughout 2024 find out which days are considered public holidays in Victoria and whether it will affect your ability to operate your business.

In particular, find out which public holidays are considered ‘restricted trading days’ and the differing levels of restrictions attached to these days.

Reminders and changes as 2024 begins

As 2024 begins, there are some changes that your business should be aware of. Changes to tax, superannuation, contracts and more are coming into place in this year.

Check out the list to make sure your business is on top of the changes.

The Australian Taxation Office has launched a new website

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has introduced new enhancements to its online platform to support your business. This new platform has been designed to provide seamless access to resources and information.

The enhanced site covers everything from starting, registering or closing a business, information about GST, superannuation responsibilities and much more.

Creative Projects Fund applications now open

Applications are now open for the Creative Projects Fund, which invests in the development of new home-grown creative work and experiences and helps take them to local, national or international audiences and markets.

Grants of $5,000 to $20,000 are available.

Applications close 3pm, Thursday 1 February 2024

Latest Research Grants

The Australian Government Cooperative Research Centre's (CRC) program funds industry-led collaborations with researchers and end users across a multitude of sectors.

Find out how to improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of your business.

Applications close 5pm, Tuesday 5 March 2024

Partners in Wellbeing Helpline: Supporting small business owners

The challenges faced by sole traders and small business owners can be intense. Recognising the unique needs of the small business community, the Partners in Wellbeing Helpline stands as a free and confidential lifeline.

Wellbeing coaches and financial counsellors are available to guide you in managing finances and navigating economic uncertainties. If you need support, call 1300 375 330.

Partners in Wellbeing is funded by the Victorian Government and is being delivered by Neami National, EACH and the ACSO across Victoria.

Abolishing Commercial Stamp Duty To Benefit Business

To enable businesses to invest, grow and expand, the Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas has announced a landmark reform that transitions away from stamp duty for commercial and industrial properties, replacing it with a more efficient Commercial and Industrial Property Tax.

Do you want to help lead Australia’s adoption of AI?

Grant applications are now open for the AI Adopt program. The program will fund organisations and partnerships to help Australian small to medium enterprises identify opportunities and adopt AI to grow their business.

Grants of between $3 million and $5 million over four years for up to 50% of eligible project expenditure available.

Closing date: Monday 29 January

Engineered stone ban to come into effect

On 13 December 2023, Work Health & Safety ministers representing the Commonwealth, states and territories agreed to Safe Work Australia’s recommendation to prohibit the use of engineered stone to protect thousands of workers from respirable crystalline silica (silica dust).

The ban will start on July 1, 2024 in most states and territories.

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.

• Social Media and Content Marketing – 6 February, 10am-1pm
• Starting Your Small Business – 7 February, 1pm-4pm
• Winning Government Grants and Tenders – 13 February, 7pm-9pm
• Cyber Security - Live Webinar – 15 February, 1pm-5pm

Free business mentoring for Monash businesses

If you are a local business located in the City of Monash, you are eligible for up to four FREE one-hour mentoring sessions with an industry expert. Email ecodev@monash.vic.gov.au if you are interested in accessing this service.

Gift cards: know the rules

Gift cards are popular at this time of year, but there are strict rules that businesses have to follow when it comes to expiration dates, faulty cards and purchasing restrictions. Make sure your business is up-to-date with the laws and regulations regarding gift cards. 

Do you run a hospitality business?

Consumers Ministers have voted in support of introducing mandatory country of origin labelling for seafood in hospitality settings. Find out what the changes mean for your business.

Pitch night at Eastern Innovation

Get ready for Eastern Innovation Pitch Night coming in early 2024. 

Are you an innovative business interested in 6 months of free rent in an inspiring innovation and coworking hub?

Want to receive specialist training, mentorship and guidance to fine-turn your branding and pitch? 

Join our Business Renewables Buying Group

Monash Council is joining other councils across Victoria in supporting a Business Renewables Buying Group designed to bring together a group of like-minded businesses seeking to switch to 100 per cent renewable electricity. With the support of an external facilitator, the group will work collectively to scale up their buying power while cutting down the complexity, time, and cost associated with going 100 per cent renewable.

The group is open to businesses across Victoria consuming more than 500mWh per annum of electricity (spending approximately $100,000 per annum).

EOI & funding to commercialise Net-Zero Innovations

Industry partners from the SE region of Melbourne are invited to take part in a $250M initiative from the Net Zero Cities Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

Expressions of interest are being sought from technology providers, developers, utilities, engineers, urban designers, investors, and other innovators who want to commercialise net-zero innovations, products and ideas.

Expressions of Interest close COB, Friday 26 January 2024

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.  Watch a video on how local business Ferrari Pizza replaced an old electric heater with a new reverse-cycle split system through the Small Business Energy Saver Program.