Stay informed with the latest opportunities, insights and support for local businesses.
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November 2026
This edition brings together opportunities, support and updates to help local businesses plan ahead, build capability and stay informed. From securing a stall at the 2027 Jobs and Skills Showcase and applying for community event grants to accessing business training, industry events and government support programs, there are plenty of ways to connect, grow and strengthen your business.
You'll also find information on grants and funding programs, workforce and workplace updates, changes to business regulations, and practical resources covering energy costs, exports, artificial intelligence, mental health and consumer law. We also reflect on the recent Opportunity on the Horizon Business Breakfast, where local business leaders came together to discuss the economic outlook and future opportunities for Cardinia Shire.
As always, we encourage you to explore the opportunities available, stay up to date with upcoming changes, and connect with the support services designed to help local businesses succeed.
Dive into this edition for all the details and make the most of these fantastic opportunities! If you have any enquiries, please contact us via email at business@cardinia.vic.gov.au.
Local news
Don’t Miss Out - 2027 Jobs and Skills Showcase
Secure your stall at the 2027 Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase. If you’re a local business, employer, or community organisation, we invite you to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) today, as spots are filling quickly.
Getting involved is a great way to promote your organisation, connect with local talent and showcase the jobs, apprenticeships and training pathways you offer. It also provides an opportunity to support workforce development in Cardinia Shire by helping local people explore career options and build the skills needed for future employment.
- Date - Wednesday 17 March 2027
- Time - 10.30am to 1.00pm (setup from 9.30am)
- Venue - Cardinia Cultural Centre, Pakenham
Another great Cardinia Business Breakfast!
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Opportunity on the Horizon: Cardinia Business Breakfast at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
It was wonderful to see local business owners, leaders and stakeholders come together to connect, share ideas and discuss Cardinia Shire’s economic future.
Special thanks to Ryan Felsman, Senior Economist (Director) - Business and Industry at Commonwealth Bank, for sharing valuable insights on economic trends and what they mean for growth, investment and resilience across the region.
Festivals and Events Grants
Do you have an idea for a community event, festival, celebration or activity? Applications are now open for Cardinia Shire Council's Festival and Events Small Grants Program, with funding (up to $5000) available to support eligible community-led events across the shire.
Help shape our shire's priorities
Help us understand what is important to our community who live, work, and play in Cardinia Shire!
Every year, Council’s budget funds the services, facilities and infrastructure that our community relies on every day.
What you tell us will help determine how we should prioritise funding for the 2027-28 Budget
Read our 2025-26 Annual Report
We’re proud to present the 2025-26 Annual Report, providing a comprehensive overview of Council’s activities, service delivery and financial performance over the past financial year.
Business events and training
Local opportunities
- Small Business Bus - Pakenham
Monday 23 November from 10am-4pm
The Small Business Bus provides advice and support for small businesses. Business advisors from Monarch Institute can help you with 1:1 tailored advice to help you start, build, or transform your small business. Small Business Bus: Pakenham (Business advice)
Online training opportunities
- Powering Your Business with Cost-Effective Energy Procurement
Thursday 5 November from 11.30am - 12.15pm
Sean Anderson, Senior Energy Analyst at 1Circle, will explore the financial feasibility of solar and other on-site generation. We will explain what the recent changes to government grants mean for your solar business case. SECCCA Energising Business - Webinar series
- Free WorkSafe session on psychological health
Tuesday 10 November 2026 from 10am - 11am
Ask our health and safety specialist questions and get practical advice on managing psychosocial hazards in your workplace. Psychological Health Basics – Q&A sessions
- Visit Victoria ATDW webinar
Thursday 12 November from 10am - 10:45am
Tourism operators are invited to learn more about the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) platform and discover how to optimise their profiles to drive increased traffic and generate more leads to their websites. Join a FREE ATDW Training Webinar
- Information session for packaged liquor licence holders
Tuesday 27 October from 10am - 11am
As the holder of a packaged liquor licence, you need to be aware of liquor laws and regulations and understand the conditions of your licence. This online information session will explain your obligations for operating a business with a packaged liquor licence. Information session for packaged liquor licence holders
- Business Victoria Webinars
Learn new skills to start, build and grow your small business by attending a free Business Victoria workshop or webinar. Workshops & Small Business Bus
- Melbourne Innovation Centre - Explore upcoming workshops and webinars
Free hands-on workshops, webinars and networking for small business owners.
Melbourne Innovation Centre | Business Events
Business events
- Stock Sense - Heath Hill, Stock Handling & Yard Design
Thursday 12 November from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm
Hear from Mark Bennett on how designing stockyards with the future in mind can improve long-term efficiency, safety, and productivity across farm infrastructure, while Jack Briscoe will present effective stock handling techniques that improve livestock flow and reduce the risk of injury to both farmers and animals. RSVP
- Melbourne Build Expo 2026
25 & 26 November 2026
Melbourne Build is Victoria’s largest construction and design show, bringing together 20,000 attendees, 350+ exhibitors and 500+ speakers across 15 CPD-accredited stages. It connects industry leaders through exhibitions, conferences and networking. Register to attend Melbourne Build Expo 2026
More information on events can be found on the Cardinia Business website.
Grants and assistance programs
On-Farm Energy and Electrification Demonstration Program
The On-Farm Energy and Electrification Demonstration Program aims to accelerate the uptake of proven and new-to-market energy technologies across Victoria’s agriculture sector.
Digital Jobs Program
The Digital Jobs program provides training to upskill leaders and workers in the construction and advanced manufacturing sectors with in-demand digital skills.
Return to Work Innovations Grants
This WorkSafe Victoria program drives systems-level change to improve recovery and return-to-work outcomes for injured workers and employers. It is a key action under the WorkSafe Victoria Strategy, supported by a $50 million investment to pilot new return-to-work innovations through strategic partnerships.
2027 Victorian Tourism Leadership Program
Applications are now open for the Victorian Tourism Leadership Program (VTLP), the Victorian Tourism Industry Council’s flagship leadership program. VTLP builds skills in emotional intelligence, strengths-based leadership and performance, with practical tools to apply in the workplace.
American Express grants for small restaurants
The Backing International Small Restaurants grant program, supported by American Express, is designed to help restaurants grow, recover, and continue supporting their local communities. Funding may be used for a variety of initiatives.
Looking for business grants and programs? Cardinia Shire Council Grant Finder is a free tool that consolidates grants from the Australian Government, Victorian Government, and Cardinia Shire Council. Register to get email alerts for new grants, save favourites, and access application tips.
Government announcements
Bird flu information
Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a viral disease affecting birds and other animals. A highly pathogenic H5 strain has been detected in wild birds in Australia. While the risk to the public is low, everyone can help protect wildlife, poultry and the agricultural industry.
$20,000 instant asset write-off here to stay
The $20,000 instant asset write-off is now a permanent feature for eligible small businesses. If you're planning to buy business assets, learn how the write-off works and whether your purchase may be eligible.
Changes to Director ID reporting are coming
From 1 July 2027, companies will need to provide director IDs to ASIC through company reporting processes, including annual reviews and updates to director details. Now is a good time to check your company and director information is accurate and up to date.
More time to prepare for ATO payment changes
If you pay your tax obligations by credit card, you now have more time to prepare for the change. The ATO will continue accepting credit card payments until 30 June 2027, giving businesses extra time to consider other payment methods.
Workplace updates
Changes to apprenticeship incentives
Commonwealth incentive changes are making it easier for businesses to access support when hiring apprentices, with a stronger focus on skills shortages, priority industries, and small and medium businesses across Australia.
5 practical ways to create a safer workplace
Discover 5 practical ways to identify hazards, support staff wellbeing, improve safety procedures and reduce business disruption.
Changes to the Working with Children Check
Upcoming changes to Victoria's Working with Children Check will introduce new requirements for employers, sole traders, volunteers and clearance holders.
Guide to managing the risks of slips, trips and falls
Slips, trips and falls can happen in almost any workplace. Safe Work Australia's new guide helps businesses identify hazards, reduce risks and create safer workplaces with practical control measures and a downloadable checklist.
Psychological health basics workshops
Psychological health is just as important as physical safety at work. WorkSafe Victoria's free Psychological Health Basics workshops help employers understand psychosocial hazards, support worker wellbeing and create healthier workplaces.
Business operations
Free webinars to support going global
Looking to grow your business internationally? The Go Global Export Academy offers free webinars to help Australian businesses build export knowledge, explore new markets and make informed export decisions. Learn from industry experts and discover opportunities to take your business global. View the Go Global Export Academy webinars and videos.
Not sure what type of IP protection you need?
You’ve built a standout product and brand — but do you need a trademark, a design right, or both? A design right can protect a product’s look, while a trademark can protect its name or logo. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right protection. Choose the right IP tool
Help build Australia's picture of AI use in business
The National AI Centre is conducting a survey to find out more about how Australian organisations are using AI. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to take part. The findings will help build a clearer picture of how Australian organisations are using AI, where they're finding value, and the challenges they're facing. Register your interest in completing the survey.
Reduce your business energy costs this summer
Is your business paying more for energy than it needs to? With summer approaching, now is a great time to review your energy use. Small changes can help reduce energy waste and lower your business costs. Find practical tips to help lower your business energy costs. Learn how to make your business more energy efficient and reduce your energy bill
Looking after yourself is good for business
When you're busy running a business, it's easy to put your own wellbeing last. As business activity ramps up towards the end of the year, make time to look after your mental health. Explore services and support designed for business owners. Read about mental health and wellbeing support for business
Planning for online sales success
Online sales events offer a great chance to attract new customers, clear seasonal stock, and boost revenue. Start planning now to handle higher demand, improve the customer experience, and make the most of major online shopping events. Get the tips.
Repair, replace or refund? Know the rules
When products or services don’t meet customer expectations, understanding your rights and obligations can help you save time and avoid disputes. Learn what your business needs to do to comply with Australian Consumer Law. Understand your obligations.
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you!
Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit the Cardinia Business website.
