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September 2023
Welcome to the September edition of our business newsletter!
In this edition, we examine the vital value of the Cardinia Business Landscape Survey in evaluating the health of our local economy. Your participation will help us better understand the current business environment, which will help us improve the services and provisions the Council offers.
Find out more about the prospects provided by the Digital Solutions Program, the revolutionary potential of the Self-Employment Assistance Program, and the new Cardinia Support Directory. We also draw attention to the Energy Bill Relief Fund, which is a vital means for dealing with economic challenges. As October approaches, we promote awareness of Mental Health Month and emphasise the need for holistic well-being in the workplace. Learn about the New National Employment Standards' as well as various grants that are offered by state and federal governments.
Every step of the way, we work to give you information and tools to support your business journey.
Cardinia Business announcements
Calling all local businesses in Cardinia Shire!
You're invited to participate in the Cardinia Business Landscape Survey.
This survey aims to gain valuable insights into the current business environment and gather your feedback on how the Cardinia Shire Council is doing. It will help us better understand the current business landscape and shape the support and resources that we provide.
Cardinia Shire Mayor, Councillor Tammy Radford, warmly encourages all local businesses to get involved. "We're excited to connect with businesses and ensure that our support and resources are perfectly tailored to your needs," Mayor Radford expressed. "Our community has emphasized the significance of backing local businesses, which is why we're eager to hear your thoughts and ideas about how we can contribute to your success."
The survey will be active until the end of September and will help us shape a stronger business landscape in Cardinia Shire!
Council has launched Cardinia Support
Introducing the Council's Community Services Directory, a comprehensive resource featuring local community, social, and health services.
This online platform allows both community members and service providers to promote their offerings at no cost and update them easily. The directory covers diverse community services such as financial counselling, mental health support, housing aid, food relief, family violence interventions, and more. It's also a hub for disability support, cultural diversity, and comprehensive family services.
We encourage you to learn more about this useful tool, which improves connections between service providers and those in need and helps the community as a whole.
Grant Writing Workshop
Cardinia Shire Council is offering a free “Grant Writing” workshop for community members or groups to attend before funding rounds open.
What will be covered?
This session is designed to provide the tools, strategies, and confidence necessary for writing successful grant applications. Come along to find out what grants are available, where to find them, and how to put your best foot forward when applying for them.
Details:
Wednesday 13 September
6.30–8.30 pm
Cardinia Civic Center, 20 Siding Avenue, Officer
Regardless of whether you’re a member of a sporting club, neighbourhood house, or community asset committee, there are many grant funding opportunities available to you, and this workshop will help to provide a background on the opportunities that are currently available to you and your group.
If you have any questions, please email ccwg@cardinia.vic.gov.au for assistance.
Business information
Self-Employment Assistance
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations offers the Self-Employment Assistance program to help individuals turn ideas or small businesses into successful ventures.
With customisable support levels, the program provides workshops, business plan assistance, free accredited small business training, advisory sessions, business health checks, and coaching.
Eligible participants may also receive financial support for starting and managing their businesses through Small Business Coaching.
Grow your business with the Melbourne Innovation Centre
The Melbourne Innovation Centre is excited to announce the commencement of Round 2 for the Digital Solutions program. This new phase introduces a compelling range of services aimed at bolstering the digital capabilities of small businesses in Victoria.
Participants in Round 2 have the opportunity to enrol in the program at no cost. Upon registration, they will enjoy unrestricted access to workshops and our online learning portal until June 2026.
Energy Bill Relief Fund for small businesses
Businesses can receive bill relief if they are considered electricity ‘small customers’ due to energy consumption under the annual threshold of 40 MWh.
Eligible small businesses will start receiving this bill relief from 1 July 2023 onwards, depending on when they receive their electricity bill.
#RUOKDay2023 is coming up on Thursday 14 September!
Are you hosting an R U OK?Day event? Perhaps you want to share the message in your workplace, school or community.
The #RUOKDay digital and print resources include guides, posters, activities, social media tiles, presentations, videos and much, much more.
Everything is FREE to download and can be accessed by registering at R U OK?
Age diversity is good for business
New research shows that employing mature-age workers is good for small businesses, helping to increase productivity, innovation, and workforce reliability.
Mature workers (45 years and over) have valuable life and work experience, knowledge, and skills. They can also mentor younger staff.
Check out the support and information now available for small businesses looking to embrace age diversity.
Big Blue Table
Participate in Beyond Blue's Big Blue Table and contribute to the cause of mental health funding and awareness.
Throughout this October, which marks Mental Health Month, you have the opportunity to take part in challenging the societal misconceptions surrounding mental health. This initiative encourages you to make a difference step by step, or rather, meal by meal. Whether you choose to arrange an extended lunch at your workplace, or transform your kitchen into a sea of blue, every meal you share can pave the way for profoundly transformative conversations.
Government programs & grants
Wine and cider producers: grants are available!
The Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant is aimed at supporting wine or cider producers who add value by encouraging visitors to wine regions and thereby encouraging wine tourism.
Wine producers who have met the eligibility criteria in the preceding financial year may apply for a grant payment of 29% of the notional wholesale selling price of their eligible rebatable domestic cellar door sales.
Applications close - 30 September 2023
Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee
The Victorian Government is helping more casual and contract workers access sick and carer’s pay, increasing the number of jobs covered by the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee and extending the pilot until March 2025.
Casual, contract, and self-employed workers, including community support workers, arts workers, childcare and early childhood workers, fitness instructors, tourism and outdoor recreation workers, factory workers, fruit pickers, and hairdressers, can check their eligibility and sign up to the scheme today.
New National Employment Standards
Take the time to find out more about the New National Employment Standards (NES). The NES are the minimum standards of employment, which include some of the following:
- Maximum weekly hours of work
- Requests for flexible working arrangements
- Family and domestic violence leave
- Casual conversion
- and much more
You can find out more about NES entitlements on the National Employment Standards page.
Hiring outside the box
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has introduced a fresh webinar series titled 'Innovative Hiring Strategies.' This series aims to aid employers in redefining their approaches to hiring and workforce training.
In case you weren't able to attend the webinar last month, you can catch up by accessing the link provided below.
Government assistance
Find government assistance, grants and training / events
Explore the government services available to assist businesses with the business.gov.au finder tools.
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you! Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au, or visit the Cardinia Business website.
