As we kick off 2026, there’s no better time to sharpen your skills, strengthen your business foundations and explore new opportunities.

These upcoming business events are all about helping you work smarter, boost cash flow, plan with purpose and connect with local job seekers. From productivity and business planning workshops to a dedicated Jobs and Skills Showcase, there’s something here to support every stage of your business journey. Let’s make this your most successful year yet.

Upcoming Business Events

Cardinia Lean Business Series 2026

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.

Delivered throughout the year, each session gives you tools and strategies to:

• Eliminate wasted effort and improve workflow
• Harness AI for smarter decisions
• Focus time where it truly adds value
• Stabilise processes before scaling up
• Engage teams in continuous improvement
• Celebrate success and plan next steps

Workshop 1 – Doing More with Less: Practical Productivity for Local Business

Date: Friday 13 February 2026
Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Venue: Cardinia, Cultural Centre, Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham
Cost: $30.00 (includes morning tea)

Learn simple Lean principles to identify wasted effort and boost productivity without extra cost. Leave with a one-page action plan for immediate improvement.

You can attend one or more sessions, depending on your areas of interest.

Read more about the Cardinia Lean Business Series on the Cardinia Business website

Generating Cash Flow Workshop

Learn why cash flow is the lifeblood that keeps your business running.

Date: Wednesday 18 February 2026
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Venue: Cardinia, Cultural Centre, Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham
Cost: Free

This Business Victoria workshop is for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to know how to better manage cash flow.

You will learn to:

• Spot the difference between profit and cash
• Follow the business cash conversion cycle
• Manage suppliers and improve customer collections
• Maintain control over marketing and inventory to ensure a healthy cash flow.

You will create a cash flow forecast that gives you a clear roadmap to future financial strength by improving your cash flow.

Join us and take control of your business finances today.

Business Plan Accelerator Workshop

This workshop will help you create a business plan that meets your goals faster.

Dates: Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 February 2026
Time: 9:00 am to 3.30pm
Venue: Cardinia, Cultural Centre, Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham
Cost: Free

Over 2 days you will understand the critical components required for business success and to help you tailor your plan to your business’s situation.

After the workshop, you'll have a personalised plan ready for experienced advisors to review. This plan will be set for you to start working on to reach your business goals.

Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase

Hurry, only a couple of exhibitor tables remain for this exciting event.

Date: Wednesday 18 March 2026
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Set-up from 8:30 am)
Venue: Cardinia, Cultural Centre, Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham
Cost: $40.00

This annual flagship event is a great opportunity to connect with local job seekers, promote employment and volunteer opportunities, and support the development of future career and educational pathways in Cardinia Shire.

More information on events can be found on the Cardinia Business website.

Questions? Feedback?   We would love to hear from you!
Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit the Cardinia Business website.