Read about our upcoming Cardinia Business Breakfast, local news stories, workshops and webinars, business events and much more
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Welcome to the May 2025 edition of the Cardinia Business Newsletter!
This month's newsletter starts with an exciting Business Breakfast featuring futurist Steve Sammartino discussing integrating AI into businesses. The Cardinia Business Coaching Program provides personalised guidance from experienced coaches to help businesses succeed.
The Community Support & Share Initiative urges local businesses to aid residents in financial hardship by setting up donation points. The Power Up Program encourages businesses to offer power outlets for recharging electronic mobility aids.
Lastly, the newsletter showcases various workshops and webinars covering essential topics like cash flow and marketing, as well as upcoming business events like Australian Manufacturing Week and the Workplace Health and Safety Show, providing valuable networking opportunities.
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
Business Breakfast
Embracing AI: Small Steps, Big Impact for Your Business
Join us for an insightful business breakfast where we’ll explore the transformative power of AI.
Discover how AI can positively impact your business through real-world examples and practical advice from futurist and author Steve Sammartino.
Learn how to take courageous, small steps in adopting new technologies that complement and enhance your existing business practices. Let’s unlock the potential of AI together!
- Date: Wednesday, 14 May 2025
- Time: 6.45am - 9.00am
- Location: Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham
- Tickets: $45.00 ea or $410.00 for a table of 10
Community Support & Share
Connect community food donations with local organisations supporting Cardinia Shire residents facing financial hardship by joining the Council's Community Support & Share initiative. Your business can participate by setting up a donation point with a tub for customers and the community to contribute.
To become a distribution point, please contact Council’s Community Support facilitators on 1300 787 624 or email Council's Community Support
What's On Cardinia Update
From 2 May 2025, What’s On Cardinia website will be closing. Businesses can seek support through the Council’s Business Coaching Program for tailored assistance. Alternatively, Business Victoria offers a variety of resources to assist businesses, such as information on advertising and marketing strategies.
Cardinia Business Coaching Program
We're excited to invite Cardinia Shire businesses to join our Business Coaching Program. Our experienced coaches are ready to help your business thrive with their local knowledge and industry expertise. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to grow and succeed!
Power Up your business
Enhance customer experience with the Power Up Program. This initiative by Cardinia Shire Council provides power outlets for recharging electronic mobility aids, fostering increased accessibility, safety, community inclusivity, disability awareness, and customer engagement. To participate, ensure an accessible power point with clear access and RCD installation. Contact Cardinia Shire Council's Access and Ageing Team at 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au to join. Visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/powerupprogram for details.
Future Cardinia
Community input is essential in helping to guide Council in planning for the future of our shire. That’s why we’re inviting you to provide feedback on Council’s draft strategic objectives, which will guide the development of the new Council Plan 2025–29 and other key plans. Community consultation is open until 11 May.
Draft budget 2025–26 and draft Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-29
Council’s Draft Budget 2025–26 is available for community feedback until 9 May, along with the draft Revenue and Rating Plan 2025–29. Head to our Creating Cardinia website to view both documents and provide feedback.
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.
Workshops
Business Plan Accelerator Workshop
The Business Plan Accelerator Workshop will take place on 11 and 12 September at the Cardinia Cultural Centre and is designed for entrepreneurs and business owners to accelerate the development of a business plan to support individual business objectives.
Business Victoria live online webinars
- Generating cash flow, webinar, 7 May at 7pm
- Taking Your Business Online, webinar, 13 May at 1pm
- Advanced Strategies to Take Your Business Online, webinar, 20 May at 1pm
- Maximising Your Marketing, webinar, 22 May at 10am
- Winning Government Grants and Tenders, webinar, 27 May at 10am
Masterclasses to support small businesses
The Australian Taxation Office has an online learning platform designed by small businesses for small businesses: Essentials to strengthen your small business. This program provides free and professional courses to support small businesses improve their tax, super and business management knowledge.
More information on events can be found on the Cardinia Business website.
Business events
Australian Manufacturing Week 2025
Australian Manufacturing Week is the top event in Australia for advanced manufacturing. It will feature the latest innovations, technologies, and equipment. The event runs from 6 to 9 May 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Attendance is free but registration is required
Workplace Health and Safety Show
The Workplace Health and Safety Show in Australia is the top event for professionals to discover innovative solutions for safer work environments. It takes place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 21-22 May 2025, showcasing technology, educational sessions, and networking with industry leaders.
Government announcements
ACCC's new small business web page
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission launched a new web page to support small businesses and franchise owners. It provides essential information, tools, and guidance tailored for their needs. Whether starting or already in business, the page helps understand rights and responsibilities with customers, competitors, and suppliers.
The 2025 Governor of Victoria Export Awards
The Governor of Victoria Export Awards are the most prestigious export awards in Victoria. Winners receive business recognition in local and international markets.
Open to all Victorian businesses that export, apply for an award across 13 categories. Applications open Tuesday 29 April 2025.
Employment news
Fair Work Ombudsman
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s (FWO) website provides information on the recent Closing Loopholes Act changes, including the increased penalties for employers who breach laws.
The FWO’s Horticulture Showcase has self-audit tools, a piecework arrangements employer checklist, a piecework record template, and resources for migrant workers.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance about their rights and obligations in the workplace.
A free interpreter service is available on 13 14 50. Issues can also be reported online anonymously, including in languages other than English.
Business support initiatives
6 seasonal strategies for small businesses in 2025
Despina Karatzias, founder of the Institute of Excellence, offers 6 tips for businesses to navigate seasonal trends. Learn how to optimise peak seasons and boost sales in slower months.
6 seasonal strategies for small businesses in 2025 | Business Victoria
The best days to run sales in 2025
Leverage sales to clear old stock, introduce new services, and capitalise on seasonal events. Use holidays and events to drive sales, attract customers, and boost profits in 2025. Maximise revenue by planning for major sales days post-Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Securing your Wi-Fi and internet
Home and small offices are prime targets for cybercriminals due to vulnerabilities like old routers, outdated software, and default passwords. The Australian Cyber Security Centre provides 12 tips to secure your Wi-Fi.
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you!
Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit the Cardinia Business website.
