📢 Business Breakfast announced | 💼 Jobs & Skills Showcase | 🤝 Cardinia Business Coaching program | 👩🏫 FREE business workshops | 💰 Grants | 📋 Government announcements | 💻 Employment news
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March 2025
Welcome to the March issue of the Cardinia Business Newsletter.
In this edition, we are excited to share details about our upcoming Business Breakfast scheduled for May. Join us for insights from futurist and author Steve Sammartino on Embracing AI. Additionally, find out how you can request a business coach and seize your final opportunity to take part in this month's Jobs and Skills Showcase.
For those seeking further education, we have workshops coming up on 'Designing with Canva' and 'Accelerating your business plan'. Discover various government grants that have been recently announced in this edition as well. Learn about Liquor Licence renewals, strategies to attract new customers, and energy-saving tips.
Stay informed with our employment section covering details on the WorkWell Toolkit and explanations of the new Right to Disconnect laws. You'll also find information on obtaining a FREE workshop safety consultation, debt management support, and much more.
Dive into this edition for all the details and make the most of these fantastic opportunities! If you have any inquiries, please get in touch with us via email at business@cardinia.vic.gov.au.
Local news
Business Breakfast Announced
Embracing AI: Small Steps, Big Impact for Your Business
Early bird tickets are now on sale until 29 March
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.
- Date: Wednesday, 14 May 2025
- Time: 6.45 am - 9.00 am
- Location: Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham
Ticket prices:
- Single ticket: Early bird $37.00 / Full price $45.00
- Group tickets (tables of 10): Early bird $350.00 / Full price $410.00
Last chance to register for the Jobs and Skills Showcase!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your business at this month's Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase. Only 3 spaces remain, so act fast!
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, 26 March 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Location: Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Blvd., Pakenham
- Cost: $30.00 per business/exhibitor
This event is proudly supported by Local Jobs - South Eastern Melbourne and Peninsula, Star News Group and Chisholm Jobs and Skills Centre.
Cardinia Business Coaching Program
Join the Business Coaching Program for Cardinia Shire businesses! Receive free tailored coaching, get matched with expert coaches, and address your unique needs. Benefit from local knowledge to help your business succeed. Don’t miss this chance to grow and thrive!
Update on Pakenham Roads Upgrade
Racecourse Road and Bald Hill Road are undergoing major upgrade works, leading to overnight closures in March. Bald Hill Road's westbound section between O’Sullivan Street and Racecourse Road will be closed until mid-2025, with detours available via O’Sullivan Road, Peet Street, and Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road. The McGregor Road citybound entry ramp is set to reopen on Monday 17 March after a weekend closure of the Princes Freeway citybound from McGregor Road to Cardinia Road.
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.
Boost your Business Workshops
AI in Canva: How to Leverage Canva's AI Tools to Supercharge your Workflow
Streamline your workflow with Canva's new AI tools to save time and boost productivity. Learn about innovative workflows, speed up design processes, and excel in digital design. Discover how to use Canva's latest AI tools effectively, leverage the Magic Studio suite for easy designing, and create content efficiently for stronger brand presence.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, 18 March 2025
- Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Location: Cardinia Cultural Centre
- Cost: FREE
This workshop delivered in collaboration with Melbourne Innovation Centre, as part of the Digital Solutions Program.
Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase
This year’s Jobs and Skills Showcase includes over 50 exhibitors, activities and workshops for job seekers to discover future employment pathways.
- Date: Wednesday, 26 March 2025
- Time: 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
- Location: Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham
- Cost: FREE
Business Plan Accelerator Workshop
The Business Plan Accelerator Workshop is designed for business owners to accelerate the development of a business plan to support individual business objectives.
Event details
- Dates: 28 & 29 April 2025
- Time: 9.00 am – 3.30 pm
- Location: Cardinia Cultural Centre
- Cost: FREE
More information on events can be found on the Cardinia Business website.
Business Grants
Industry Growth Program
The Australian Government’s $392m Industry Growth Program will help develop the newest type of battery for long-term energy storage. Learn more about the Industry Growth Program and how it can help get your big ideas moving.
Distillery Door Program
Are you a distillery owner looking to elevate your business? The Distillery Door Program is a fantastic opportunity for Victorian distilleries to enhance their cellar doors, visitor experiences, and business capabilities. Funded by the Victorian Government, this initiative is designed to boost the local spirits industry by fostering growth, tourism, and innovation.
Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science
Acknowledge the value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems to community, place and our nation. Nominations close Tuesday 18 March 2025
Guide to registering R&D activities relating to software projects
Have your questions about software-related R&D answered during this free webinar. The session will focus specifically on software-related R&D and assumes participants have a basic understanding of the program
- Date: Thursday 6 March
- Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Looking for business grants and programs?
Discover government grants, funding, and support for Australian businesses by using this free search tool. Answer questions to find eligible programs.
Government announcements
Liquor Licence 2025 renewal fees
To continue trading, your licence renewal fee must be paid by 31 March 2025.You can renew your licence through Service Victoria. Alternative payment details are on your renewal notice, which you can download from your Liquor Portal account.
Fee waivers are available for licensees facing financial hardship due to difficult or exceptional circumstances such as natural disasters. For more information, visit the Liquor Licence fee reduction and waiver webpage
Big sales days in Australia in 2025
During your 2025 planning, note down major events and sales days in Australia Post’s e-commerce calendar until June 2025. Prepare by arranging extra stock, contractors, or unique marketing ideas for these occasions.
5 ways to reach new customers
New year, new customers! There are many ways you can reach new customers. We’ve put together 5 new strategies you can try to expand your customer base.
Victorian Energy Upgrades for businesses
Victorian Energy Upgrades provide businesses with discounts on a wide range of energy-saving products and services when accessed through accredited providers.
Solar Savers
Solar Savers have conducted extensive research to provide current and trustworthy guidance on solar power, heat pump hot water systems, and split system heating/cooling. Supported by Council, they can connect you with a reputable installer for high-quality solar solutions to power your property.
Employment news
The WorkWell Toolkit
The WorkWell Toolkit is a free online learning resource. To help promote a mentally healthy workplace and prevent mental injury through access to tailored and relevant research, tools and information.
Myth: An employer can’t contact an employee outside working hours
Recent rules on the right to disconnect do not ban employers from contacting employees after work. They allow non-small business workers to decline responding outside working hours unless it's unreasonable. Tips for addressing out-of-hours contact can set clear expectations.
Business support initiatives
Free workplace safety consultation
Part of any good risk management as a business owner is understanding your occupational health and safety obligations, to ensure your business is safe.
If you’re unsure or need advice, WorkSafe Victoria offers a free workplace safety consultation service, delivered by independent occupational health and safety experts.
Small businesses, sole traders with contractors, and farmers can apply online.
Support to manage debt and financial issues
If your business’ finances are feeling out of control, a second opinion might be just what you need.
Partners in Wellbeing offers eligible businesses qualified financial counsellors who provide advice, information, and support to manage debt and financial issues.
Have your say on the ASBFEO
The Independent review of the functions and operations of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is seeking further feedback from small business stakeholders.
The Little Book of Scams
The best way to protect yourself against scams is through awareness and education. The Little Book of Scams is recognised internationally as an important tool for consumers and small businesses to learn about scams.
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you! Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au, or visit the Cardinia Business website.
