New tourism partnership announced | Business and farmer support programs | Training opportunities | Grants | Government announcements and much more...
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July 2025
This month’s newsletter is full of opportunities to grow, connect, and stay informed. From new tourism partnerships and farmer support to tailored coaching and training, there’s something for every local business.
Highlights include:
- Farmer Support Hub—Access grants, mental health services, and resilience training.
- Business Coaching Program—Get matched with expert coaches for free one-on-one sessions.
- Emerald Lake Park Opportunity—Council seeks a new tenant for the display building.
- Training & Workshops—Learn about AI, tax, email marketing, and more.
- Grants & Funding—Explore support for energy innovation, social enterprise, and business growth.
Let’s keep building a thriving local economy—together.
Stay connected, stay inspired, and don’t miss out on the support available to you.
If you have any inquiries, please contact us via email at business@cardinia.vic.gov.au.
Local news
New tourism partnership endorsed
Cardinia Shire Council has partnered with Yarra Ranges and Nillumbik councils to create a new Visitor Economy Partnership, spreading tourism funding and initiatives across the outer-east.
Farmer Support Resources
Cardinia Shire’s Farmer Support page offers vital services for local farmers, including drought grants, business resilience training, mental health support, and financial counselling. It’s a one-stop hub for practical help and expert advice.
Future tenant sought for Emerald Lake Park Precinct’s ‘display building’
Cardinia Shire Council is looking for a new tenant for the 'display building' at Emerald Lake Park Precinct. The building offers 383.26 square meters of display space, along with shop, office, storage spaces, and toilet facilities. Ideal for a business or community group passionate about the local area and tourism.
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.
Connect+ - Your council news
Connect magazine and Connect+ e-newsletter provide you with updates and information about Council programs, services, facilities, events and activities. Connect and Connect+ also highlight the many ways we work in partnership with and support the local community.
Update on Pakenham Roads Upgrades
For updates, visit Pakenham Road Upgrade page or contact Major Road Projects Victoria or subscribe at roadprojects.vic.gov.au/subscribe or text PKHM to 0499 073 073 for updates.
More local news can be found on the Cardinia Business website.
Business training
Local training opportunities
Business Plan Accelerator Workshop
The free Business Plan Accelerator Workshop will take place on 11 and 12 September at the Cardinia Cultural Centre and is designed for business owners to accelerate the development of a business plan to support individual business objectives.
Online training opportunities
ATO’s tax masterclasses
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is hosting masterclasses, designed to strengthen your small business knowledge on tax, available until September 2025.
During these free online sessions, you will have the opportunity to speak with experienced tax officers, ask questions and gain insights tailored to your business needs.
New course on Safe AI for small business
Cyber Wardens’ new Level 2: Safe AI for small business course can help you embrace AI technology safely, while protecting your personal and business information. Learn about the risks for specific industries and practical ways to protect your business in this 1 hour course.
How to grow your email list from zero
Join this free Melbourne Innovation Centre (MIC) workshop on 22 July to gain invaluable insights into this essential marketing strategy. Discover the significance of email marketing in today's digital landscape and how automation can revolutionise your campaigns.
How AI solutions can drive business growth and productivity webinar
Discover how small and medium enterprises are integrating AI with the help of the AI Adoption Tracker at a free workshop scheduled for 23 July. Gain insights from AI adoption hubs on their strategies to boost confidence and facilitate the incorporation of AI into business operations.
Register to attend the National Artificial Intelligence Centre workshop.
Business Events
China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025
Austrade has supported Australian businesses at the China International Import Expo for 7 years, offering a platform for collaboration and delivering goods to Chinese consumers. Australian food and agribusinesses can join Austrade at CIIE 2025.
More information on events can be found on the Cardinia Business website.
Business grants
Energy Innovation Fund
The Energy Innovation Fund supports the commercialisation of innovative, emerging renewable energy technologies in Victoria.
Round 3 will support industrial electrification in Victoria, with a specific focus on the food and beverage processing and manufacturing sector.
Social Enterprise Capability Building Grants
Are you running a social enterprise and looking to grow your impact?
Funding of up to $120,000 is available through the Social Enterprise Capability Building Grants.
This funding aims to help you grow your business, expand your impact, and strengthen your mission to support those in need.
Victorian Business Growth Fund
The $250 million Victorian Business Growth Fund is now open to support long‑term growth opportunities for businesses and boost employment and economic development across the State.
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 announcements
Business changes from 1 July 2025
From Tuesday 1 July 2025, there were important changes that small businesses should be aware of.
These include changes to the National Minimum Wage, registration fees, superannuation, energy bill rebates and reporting obligations for business owners.
Read more from Business.gov.au
Changes to payroll tax, liquor licencing and planning permits
New changes to taxes, licences and permits will make it easier for cafes, bars and restaurants to do business.
From Tuesday 1 July 2025, there have been changes to the tax-free threshold, liquor licences and planning permits for outdoor dining for food and hospitality businesses.
Applications Open For Tobacco Licensing Scheme
The Victorian Government has opened applications for its new Tobacco Licensing Scheme, designed to curb the illicit tobacco trade and disrupt organised crime networks.
For more information and to apply for a licence through Service Victoria, visit vic.gov.au/apply-tobacco-licence.
Machete sales banned in Victoria
From noon on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the sale of machetes in Victoria was prohibited. Retailers should keep excess stock safe until disposal options begin on Monday, September 1, 2025.
Employment news
Young Farmer Upskill and Invest Scholarship
The Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship offers up to $10,000 for study and practical application to young farmers in Victoria, aged 18-40, with at least two years of on-farm experience. Apply by July 23, 2025.
Skills for Education and Employment Program
The SEE Program offers skills training for eligible Australians to enhance language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. Employers can receive customised training for their business delivered at their workplace.
Groundbreakers Program
Applications are now open for the 2026 evokeAG. Groundbreakers Program, a powerful platform for young Australian innovators aged 18–30 who are driving positive change across the agrifood system. Whether you're working in research, agtech, sustainability, or food systems innovation, if you're creating impact, this is your opportunity to go further.
Recruitment support to grow your workforce
Real Jobs, Real Wages can help employers not only find the right talent but also create a more inclusive and supportive work environment. Download the Real Jobs Real Wages - Employers Factsheet to find out more.
Business support initiatives
Defence Business Readiness Tool
The Defence Business Readiness Tool helps SMEs evaluate readiness, grasp 'Defence ready,' and prioritise actions for enhancing Defence business capability. It is securely hosted in the cloud, meeting Australian Government security standards.
Small Business Cyber Resilience Service
Get free expert support from the Small Business Cyber Resilience Service for Australian small businesses and sole traders with 19 or fewer employees. Enhance your resilience against cyber attacks and aid recovery. Visit IDCARE’s service if you need help boosting your cyber resilience or dealing with a cyber attack.
The new Victorian Industry Policy
The Victorian Government prioritises industry for economic, social, and regional prosperity. The new Victorian Industry Policy aims to enhance industry competitiveness and resilience.
Consumer Affairs Victoria
Consumer Affairs Victoria have developed a range of Business Resources to help all Victorian businesses meet their obligations under consumer laws
Business operations
Your tax time questions answered
Do you know your responsibilities as a business owner when lodging and paying tax? Business.gov.au has answered your top tax-related questions to help you know what to do when lodging your business tax return for the 2024-25 financial year.
Free tax assistance for Melbourne’s southeast
Need support with your taxes? The Chisholm Tax Clinic, supported by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) and guided by qualified tax professionals, offers free tax advice and services provided by trained students.
Country of origin labelling for seafood is here
Country of origin labelling for seafood in hospitality settings is mandatory from 1 July 2026. A transition period for businesses has begun.
Free mental health coaching program
NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a free mental health coaching program to support small business owners, providing practical tools through an 8-session structured program with a dedicated coach.
Liquor licencing signage - Display the correct signs
As part of your licensee obligations, you must clearly display the correct signage for your venue.These signs remind customers of Victoria’s liquor laws around underage drinking, intoxication, and public safety issues.
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you!
Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit the Cardinia Business website.
