Jobs and Skills Showcase | Agribusiness Audit | Business Workshops | Online Webinars | Grants and financial support | Government Announcements | Employment News and much more ...
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Get ready for an energising February edition of the Cardinia Business Newsletter—packed with opportunities to help your business grow, innovate and connect!
This issue highlights major upcoming events, including the Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase on Wednesday 18 March, the launch of the Lean Business Series 2026, plus a wide range of workshops, grants and training programs designed to boost capability and support local business success.
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
Exhibitor spaces are limited!
Time and space are running out for you to register to attend the Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase on 18 March 2026 at Cardinia Cultural Centre. This event is a great chance to connect with local job seekers, network with businesses, promote opportunities, and support career development in Cardinia Shire.
Review the Draft Agribusiness Audit Report
The Draft Agribusiness Audit Report for Cardinia Shire offers a detailed look at the region's food and agriculture sector, based on input from 330 stakeholders. It outlines challenges like soil protection and opportunities such as workforce development. The council is hosting in-person events to gather feedback on the report and accept applications for a new advisory committee until mid-2026.
Transform your business for the future
Cardinia Shire is proud to present the Lean Business Series 2026—a practical, six-part program designed to help local businesses boost productivity, streamline operations, and prepare for sustainable growth. Businesses can attend one or all of the sessions depending on their area/s of interest.
Apply for a Wellbeing Support Grant
The Wellbeing Support Grant Program is available to assist with the establishment of new community organisations, projects and services, as well as the enhancement of existing projects and programs, for the benefit of our diverse community.
Business events and training
Local opportunities
2026 Lean Business Workshop Series
Workshop 1 – Doing More with Less: Practical Productivity for Local Business
Learn simple Lean principles to identify wasted effort and boost productivity without extra cost. Leave with a one-page action plan for immediate improvement.
Register to attend
Business Victoria - Generating Cash Flow Workshop
Join us on Wednesday, 18 February, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm for a FREE Business Victoria workshop tailored to small business owners and entrepreneurs seeking insights on enhancing cash flow management.
Register to attend
Business Planning Workshop
Attend our FREE Business Plan Accelerator Workshop at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on 23-24 February 2026. Fast-track your business plan alignment with goals in just 2 days. Learn key success factors, customise your plan, and leave with a tailored plan for expert review to achieve your objectives.
Book here
Volunteer Training Workshop: Grant Writing Workshop
Join us at Cardinia Shire Council Civic Centre on Wednesday, 18th February for a FREE grant writing workshop. This workshop is for local organisations and community groups whose work directly benefits those in Cardinia Shire. This workshop will provide the tools, strategies and confidence necessary for writing successful grant applications.
Book your place by clicking here
Business Coaching Program
Local businesses are invited to join Cardinia Shire Council’s Business Coaching Program, where they can receive tailored expert guidance and personalised support from matched coaches. Participants can benefit from three FREE one-on-one advice sessions, offering independent and confidential insights from industry experts.
Learn more
Online training opportunities
Victorian Government's Digital Jobs program
Explore fully funded training courses for construction or advanced manufacturing businesses interested in implementing digital technology. Attend an online Business Information Session on Wednesday, 4 February, at 11:00 am. Register to receive a follow-up email with the session recording even if you can't attend. Visit Digital Jobs Program for more details and to apply now.
Training for small business success
Enhance your business skills with Essentials to Strengthen Your Small Business, a free online platform offering 30+ short courses on topics such as record-keeping, cash flow, GST, and more. The ATO is also hosting a masterclass series to guide you in starting and managing a successful business. Join the 'Starting a Small Business' session on February 12 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm AEST by registering here. Upcoming sessions cover GST, cash flow, paying workers, and e-invoicing – register early!
Free encore webinar: IP and brand protection
Did you know female founders are less likely to protect their intellectual property (IP) than their male peers? Back by popular demand, IP Australia and Future Women are hosting a special follow-up virtual session about protecting your brand on Thursday 5 February.
Webinar: Ending employment – FAQs every employer should know!
Fair Work's next webinar Ending employment: FAQs every employer should know on Wednesday 11 February, will give you practical insights and answers to the most common questions about ending employment. It will answer common questions about notice periods, final pay, redundancy, unfair dismissal and unlawful termination.
Business Victoria free upcoming webinars
- Social Media and Content Marketing - Wednesday 4 February
- Maximising Your Marketing – Thursday 5 February
- Starting Your Small Business – Monday 9 February
- Winning Government Grants and Tenders - Tuesday 10 February
- Social Media and Content Marketing - Monday 16 February
- Generating Cash Flow – Thursday 19 February
- Maximising Your Marketing – Friday 20 February
- Starting Your Small Business - Wednesday 25 February
- Cyber Security – Monday 2 March
More information on training and events can be found on the Cardinia Business website.
Grants and financial support
Growing Leaders applications open
Growing Leaders is a specialised national leadership program for the vegetable and onion industries. The program covers conflict resolution, communication skills, meeting efficiency, team building, change management, and media exposure. Applications close on 6 February 2026.
Industry Growth Program
Supporting innovative small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups to commercialise their ideas and grow their businesses. Innovative SMEs and startups play a crucial role in the economy but many have difficulty bringing their ideas to market. The Industry Growth Program supports early-stage businesses in their most challenging development phase.
Click the video above to hear about the Double the Goodness Grant and how it works.
Sponge Australia – Double the Goodness Grant
This program aims to help businesses achieve more good through awesome branding and storytelling, making it accessible to purposeful businesses and organisations that do not yet have the budget they wish they had.
Coles Nurture Fund
This program aims to help small- to medium-sized businesses in Australia's food and grocery sector to innovate and grow.
Looking for business grants and programs? Discover government grants, funding, and support for Australian businesses with the business.gov.au grants and programs finder. Answer questions to find eligible programs.
Government programs and announcements
Tobacco Licences have commenced
The Victorian Government is encouraging all tobacco retailers and wholesalers to submit an application for a tobacco licence prior to the commencement of the state's new licensing scheme on 1 February 2026.
More than 3,300 businesses have already applied, and those who submit before the deadline can continue trading while their application is assessed.
New rules for branded SMS
Businesses and organisations sending branded text messages with sender IDs, including SMEs, not-for-profits, or agencies, must register sender IDs with their telco or message provider before July 1, 2026.
Failure to do so may result in your text messages being classified as 'Unverified' and grouped with other 'Unverified' messages, including scams, on mobile devices.
Protect your intellectual property (IP)
IP First Response is a free tool aiding small and medium-sized businesses and IP rights holders in understanding IP enforcement options. Initiated by IP Australia, the tool helps users assess risks, benefits, costs, and outcomes of enforcement methods. It also guides on actions to take if accused of copying someone's IP.
Agriculture Victoria's free farm visits
For help with new food safety standards, Agriculture Victoria offers free on-farm visits to berry, leafy vegetable, and melon growers. These visits are for education only, not compliance or audits. Contact Agriculture Victoria for more details. Visits can be one-on-one or in small groups based on location and numbers.
Employment news
Are you prepared for PayDay Super?
Starting July 1, 2026, employers must pay super guarantee to employees on payday with their salary. ATO released a fact sheet for employers on key changes. Details on qualifying earnings are online. The Small Business Superannuation Clearing House will close permanently from July 1, 2026 under PayDay Super reform. Visit the ATO website for info on preparing for this change if using the clearing house.
Need hiring help?
Check out Fair Work's hiring info, online courses and ready-to-use employment templates. They also have a Guide to Casual Employment with common questions and practical tips on managing casual staff with confidence.
Piece-rate resources
February is peak harvest season for many growers who are hiring extra staff. Fair Work's Horticulture Showcase, a virtual hub with info, tools and resources, can help make compliance easier.
In case you missed it
- The Closing Loopholes Fair Work Act amendments are being reviewed. Businesses are invited to have their say on the changes through a consultation, open until 26 March.
- A new version of the Fixed Term Contract Information Statement has been published.
- A discussion paper has been released about the proposed Secure Australian Jobs Code. Submissions are open until 20 February, and businesses are encouraged to provide feedback.
- The National AI Plan was published on 2 December 2025, outlining the Government's plan to grow the AI industry in Australia.
Business operations and support initiatives
Small business guidance
Starting, running and growing a small business can be an incredibly rewarding experience, though there can be challenges along the way. The Victorian Small Business Commission can offer support and information so you can grow your knowledge and make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities.
5 free education and training resources to help your small business thrive
Investing in education and training boosts business competitiveness, fosters growth, and supports team development without high costs. Business.gov.au offers free online resources to enhance skills and capabilities for you and your employees efficiently.
5 free education and training resources to help your small business thrive
Protect your customers' information
You may be legally responsible for protecting your customers' personal information. Find out what customer information is personal and how to protect it.
Marketing and the Olympics: know the rules
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games are starting soon. If your business wants to get involved with promotional content, materials or events, make sure you know the rules.
Growing Farmers' Wellbeing
The ifarmwell website has been designed by Australian farmers to help other Australian farmers cope effectively with life’s challenges and get the most out of every day. It does this by sharing practical ways of coping with difficult circumstances, thoughts and feelings (especially worries about things you can’t control) and helping you to work out where it is most useful for you to put your attention and energy.
Small Business Debt Helpline
For assistance with business finances, contact the Small Business Debt Helpline. Their financial counsellors offer free, confidential advice to small business owners nationwide. Services include debt understanding, grant access, viability assessment, disaster relief information, payment arrangements guidance, closure advice, dispute resolution help, and emotional support.
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you!
Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit the Cardinia Business website.
