📋 Cardinia Shire Economic Insights | 👨💼 Upcoming Business Events | 📢 Government Announcements | 👩🏫 Workshops & Programs | 💼 Employment News | 💰 Grants
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February 2024
Greetings and welcome to the April issue of our business newsletter! With the arrival of Autumn, we are thrilled to bring you exciting news and valuable resources.
Firstly, we are delighted to announce that the Cardinia Shire Economic Report Card is now available. This comprehensive report provides invaluable insights into the local economic landscape, helping businesses strategize and thrive in our community.
In our ongoing commitment to sustainability, mark your calendars for the upcoming Detox Your Home and DrumMuster events. These initiatives offer opportunities for households and businesses to responsibly dispose of hazardous waste and contribute to a cleaner environment.
We're also thrilled to inform you that we've added new events to our business calendar, offering even more networking and learning opportunities.
Stay informed with the latest government announcements affecting businesses, including updates on employment regulations, handy checklists, a new solar consumer guide, and essential security tips to safeguard your operations.
Additionally, we're excited to introduce new government workshops and programs designed to support business growth. Whether you're looking to expand your skills or protect your business with cyber training, these resources are here to help you succeed.
Thank you for being part of our thriving business community. Stay tuned to Cardina Business for more updates and valuable insights to help your business flourish.
Local News
Cardinia Shire Economic Insights
The Cardinia Shire Economic Report Card serves as a valuable public tool for comprehending the essential metrics influencing economic prospects within our shire. It aids businesses and investors in gaining a comprehensive understanding of local developments. The data, sourced independently from .id Consulting, is updated as it becomes available on a quarterly basis.
Cardinia Shire Detox Your Home or Small Business and DrumMUSTER 2024
Detox Your Home (or small business) event on Saturday, April 20 from 9am to 2pm at Council Depot in Pakenham allows safe disposal of various household chemicals. Accepted items include those from bathroom, laundry, kitchen, shed, garage, or garden. Collected chemicals are recycled or repurposed at a waste treatment facility.
DrumMUSTER provides agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a way to recycle eligible empty agvet chemical containers. No registration needed for this event. Saturday 20 April from 9am to 12pm at Council Depot in Pakenham.
For more details, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au
2024 Cardinia Community Leadership Program
The Cardinia Community Leadership Program is a unique 6-month program, fully funded by Cardinia Shire Council. The program is for emerging and existing community leaders aged 18 and over who want to build or enhance their leadership capabilities.
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 7 April 2024.
Major Local Business Event
Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase
Join us for a morning of valuable insights on alternative recruitment methods to enhance your workforce. Explore strategies from experts, uncover the benefits of diversifying talent, and foster inclusivity in your team.
Breakfast & Breakthroughs: Exploring Innovative Workforce Development Strategies
Thursday 20 June 2024: 7:00am to 9:00am
$30 per person
Local businesses are encouraged to embark on a transformative journey with Workforce Australia at our exclusive business breakfast event and get ready to revolutionise recruitment with innovative solutions.
Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase and Workshops
Thursday 20 June 2024: 10:00am to 1:00pm
Jobseekers can meet local employers, explore job opportunities, discover courses, access support services, network with various industries, and learn about different career fields. Register for workshops on CV writing, interview techniques, skills development, networking, and job search strategies.
If you are a local business with job openings and would like to participate in the showcase, please email us at business@cardinia.vic.gov.au to express your interest.
Local Business Workshops
Explore a variety of events to boost skills, expand knowledge, and network with experts. More information on the events can be found on Cardinia Business website.
How to Thrive as a Culturally Diverse Small Workshop
Tuesday April 16, 2024: 10am to 11:30am
Business Victoria Mentor Session - Emerald
Tuesday April 30, 2024: from 10:00 am
Strategic Social Media Marketing Workshop
Wednesday May 1, 2024: 9.30am to 11.30am
FREE Business Planning Workshop
Tuesday May 21 & Wednesday May 22 2024: 8:45am to 3:30pm
Artificial Intelligence and Your Business Marketing Workshop
Wednesday 5 June 2024: 9.30am to 11.30am
Government Announcements
Small business guide to online shopping days in 2024
Helping businesses get the most out of solar
Read more
10 ways to grow your business in 2024
5 checklists to support your business
Security tips for social media and messaging apps
Stamp Duty Reforms To Back Victorian Businesses
State & Federal Government Programs
Horticultural Netting Grants Available
Grants are available for eligible horticulture businesses operating in Victoria to help maintain fruit quality, ensure continuity of supply, and manage production risks.
The program will provide up to 50% of eligible costs to purchase and commercially install new horticultural netting (fixed and demountable), to a maximum of $150,000 (ex GST).
Apply by 5 pm Monday 8 April 2024.
FREE Short Business Courses Available
Explore a free business skills short course by Transcend Services at Chisholm Institute. Program covers Micro Business Skill Set and New Business Ventures, offered online or in-person.
Melbourne Innovation Centre - Digital Solutions Program
Unlock the digital world with expert-led workshops! From SEO to TikTok, it's all covered. Engaging sessions with live Q&A for your burning questions.
Free Small Business Cyber Training
The new Cyber Wardens Program is making cyber security simple for Australian businesses. This free training program is a simple education tool designed to help you educate your team about cyber threats and protect your small business.
Victoria's Big Build Updates
If you’d like to receive email and SMS updates on Victoria's Big Build, click the link below and choose the road projects you’re interested in.
Employment News
Changes to the Fair Work Act
To help you stay up-to-date, Fair Work Ombudsman have published a new workplace laws section on their website that covers Legislative changes and Award changes.
They also have a downloadable timeline that summarises what is changing and when.
Helping Small Businesses Close The Gender Pay Gap Toolkit
Pay Equality Toolkit is designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in achieving pay equality in their workplaces.
Grants
AusNet Energy Resilience Community Fund
AusNet is providing financial assistance to individuals, offering $300, and small businesses, providing up to $5000. This aid is for those impacted by power outages lasting over 72 hours caused by severe weather in February 2024.
Individual eligibility:
- Must have an AusNet electricity account for a property without power for over 72 hours between Feb 13-22, 2024.
- Must hold a Health Care Card or Pension Card.
- Should not qualify for a Prolonged Power Outage Payment.
Business eligibility:
- Must have an AusNet electricity account for a location without power for over 72 hours between Feb 13-22, 2024.
- Must possess an ABN.
- Must demonstrate losses not covered by insurance (e.g., perishable stock).
- Must submit a statutory declaration confirming lack of insurance, an annual payroll of $10 million or less, and inability to access backup power.
Apply by 30 April, 2024, 11:59 pm.
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you! Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au, or visit the Cardinia Business website.
