Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works update. 

In March, we will be celebrating businesswomen in Hobsons Bay and invite business professionals to come together for a special International Women's Day networking event.  

Wednesday 8 March from 5pm to 6.30pm 
Little Ginger | Williamstown North

The evening will be MC'd by Ailsa Page, founder and director of AP Marketing Works, and includes a Q&A with a panel of local businesswomen: 
  • Andre Conate - Self Defence Hub and Goodness Greatness
  • Faye Tan - Mama Movement
  • Trina Gilchrist - Junction Beer Hall & Wine Room
To find out more and book your ticket visit Hobsons Bay Business. 

Over the coming months, the Economic Development team will be working out of our Council+ sites across Hobsons Bay.  We welcome businesses to pop in for a chat, to ask questions, or provide feedback.  

Join us for one of the following drop-in sessions: 

Tuesday 11 April 2023 | Altona North

Tuesday 9 May 2023 | Williamstown Library

Tuesday 13 June 2023 | Laverton Community Hub

The 2023 Hobsons Bay business Excellence Awards are coming! 

The awards provide an opportunity to come together and celebrate the achievements of local businesses and recognise their contributions to the community and economy of Hobsons Bay.

Nominations will open in the coming months.  In the meantime, please contact business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au if you are interested in finding out more or becoming a sponsor for this event. 
The Make it Happen grants program can provide support to enable activities, projects, programs, events and resources across all sectors including community projects, events and festivals.

Applications close 2 May 2023 or once funds are exhausted.  The grants support activities, programs and events that take place until December 2024.

To find out more about Make it Happen grants or to make a booking to attend an information session, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/grants.

Council is committed to supporting local businesses and sharing upcoming tender opportunities.

Current tenders include:
  • Kororoit Shared Trail Remedial Works
  • Insurance Broking and Risk Management Services 
  • Car Share in Hobsons Bay
For more information on viewing and applying for tenders visit Hobsons Bay Business. 

Interested in finding new ways to save money and become an environmentally friendly business?

Join us for this free event to hear from Co-Founder Duncan Gibson about Hop Nation Brewing Co's sustainability journey and celebrate the launch of the Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action's business support program. 

Drinks and light refreshments will be provided, and you will have the opportunity to chat one-on-one with officers from specific sustainability programs and like-minded business owners. 

Wednesday 29 March from 5pm to 7pm
Hop Nation Brewing Co | Footscray

For more information, and to register visit Eventbrite. 

The Western Opportunities Network was created to help local construction and related businesses win more work by growing your visibility with Tier 1 contractors and growing your skills to help you bid better. 
  • Build connections with Head Contractors and other businesses within construction 
  • Learn more about Social Procurement and find out how your existing work practices could be improved 
  • Build your skills in responding to tenders
  • Use the 'Contact an Expert' service to help you problem solve when you have questions 
  • Increase your chances of winning more work on construction projects. 
Email the Western Opportunities Network at wonsupport@arcblue.com.au to express your interest in joining the network.  
There are a number of grants and programs currently available through Business Victoria including the following: 

Made in Victoria - Manufacturing Growth Program 
The program supports manufacturers to introduce new technologies, expand operations, improve productivity and enhance sovereign manufacturing. Grants of up to $250,000 now available.

Jobs Victoria to attract future tech talent 
Jobs Victoria is partnering with Think & Grow is creating 115 ‘earn and learn’ jobs in digital customer marketing and can match your business with the talent you need to grow your e-commerce and digital marketing capacity.

Digital Jobs for Manufacturing 
Helps local manufacturers adapt and develop digital capabilities to maintain their competitive advantage through a 12-week online training course for up to five employees.

Ready for Growth
An initiative to support 1000 Victorian businesses with high growth potential to access new markets and create jobs. 

For regular updates on upcoming grants and programs sign up to the Business Victoria Newsletter. 

Want to get your business moving? Are you looking to start a small business but not sure how? Do you own a business and need expert advice on how to grow and thrive?

The Small Business Bus offers:

  •        FREE confidential mentoring provided by a small business specialist
  • ADVICE on developing your business idea, formulating a business plan, marketing your business, improving your understanding of cash flow management and more
  • Friendly ASSISTANCE from a Small Business Victoria information officer
  •       INFORMATION about Small Business Victoria’s programs and services

Bookings are essential.

If you are looking for free business advice, book in to one of the sessions below by calling 13 22 15 or visit the Hobsons Bay Business events page.

Tuesday 14 March 2023 | Williamstown
Friday 19 March 2023 | Altona Meadows

Are you starting, or have you recently started a new business? Take the guesswork out of your next steps and get your business off to the right start at this practical three-hour workshop led by an experienced small business operator with real-life know-how and lots of insight to share.

Tuesday 21 March 2023 from 10am to 1pm

Altona Civic Centre 
115 Civic Parade, Altona

To register and view future events visit Hobsons Bay Business.

Did you know we have a co-working space right here at the Civic Centre in Altona?

Our newly refurbished co-lab can be accessed anytime Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm.

You have told us you would love more co-working days when other Hobsons Bay businesses will also be on site! So, join the Eco Dev team and other businesses once a month to co-work in the co-lab.

The third Thursday each month 
Altona Civic Centre 
115 Civic Parade, Altona

All businesses are welcome, but space may be limited on set co-working days so please let us know you are coming by signing up on eventbrite.  All other days are first come, first served.

The Partners in Wellbeing Helpline is a free, confidential service offering small business owners and their employees one-on-one access to trained wellbeing coaches, financial counsellors and business advisors. Call the Partners in Wellbeing Helpline on 1300 375 330 for assistance between 9am to 10pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends. A live chat function is also available on the website. 

For a list of other resources available visit the Mental Health in Business webpage.