Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works update.

The Hobsons Bay Business Has Heart (HBBHH) Grants 2.0 Program is now open. The grants program provides support to businesses across Hobsons Bay that have been particularly hard hit by the COVID pandemic. This year the program comprises of two streams:

  • Quick Response Grants (up to $1,500 per applicant) - The quick response stream will be open to individual businesses within the sectors that had no or very limited opportunities to continue to operate during the lockdowns such as those in the health and personal services, recreational, tourism and creative industries sectors. The grants will support businesses to obtain professional services to assist them through the rebuilding and recovery phase.
  • Business Precinct Reactivation; Two tiers: (i) up to $5,000 per group for smaller business precincts and (ii) up to $10,000 per incorporated trader association or group of applicants for larger business precincts - The business precinct reactivation and promotion/marketing stream is open to small or larger groups of businesses or trader associations representing multiple businesses.

Applications for the Quick Response Grants will be assessed on a first come, first served basis and remain open until the grant pool is exhausted or 30 April 2022.

Applications for the Business Precinct Reactivation Grants will need to be received by a deadline of Monday 7 March 2022 and will be assessed against simple criteria and objectives of the program thereafter.

Find out more on the Hobsons Bay Business website. 

Many COVID-19 restrictions have now been eased. Some changes include: 
  • density limits are no longer required in hospitality and entertainment venues and dance floors are now open
  • check-in and vaccination check requirements are no longer required at retail venues 
  • masks will no longer be required in most indoor settings however masks are still required for workers in healthcare, retail and hospitality, early childhood centres and primary schools
A recently updated COVIDSafe plan must be kept on site.  The COVID Business Support team are visiting businesses and can assist with more information about the change in restrictions.  

For further COVID-19 related resources for businesses visit the Hobsons Bay Business website.

Additional resources

To attend a free COVIDSafe Plan support service for businesses to ensure your plan is up to date and reflects current COVIDSafe settings, email covidsafeplanreview@ecodev.vic.gov.au 

Ventilation guidance and sector specific resources for retail, hospitality, enclosed offices and break rooms are available at the Coronavirus Victoria website.

Employers are required to have a vaccination status register but may implement their own system to keep a record of their workers vaccination status.  Businesses are not required to use a particular format or template.  A sample register is available at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

Business ratepayers financially impacted by COVID-19 can apply for 25 per cent off their 2021-22 rates (maximum $10,000) until the budget is exhausted or 30 June 2022. 

To view eligibility criteria and to apply, visit the Hobsons Bay City Council website.  Interest free rate repayment plans are also available. 


Tap into the parents and bubs market and become a breastfeeding friendly business. By joining the Breastfeeding Welcome campaign, you can effortlessly show families they are welcome to feed their baby in your premises by displaying a ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ sticker.

Parents who feel welcome will spread the word, come back to your business, become regular customers, leading to a boost in sales. It’s a win-win. 

All cafes, restaurants, retail shops, entertainment venues, sporting facilities and businesses can participate in the initiative by registering and being  listed on council’s Breastfeeding Welcome campaign webpage. For more information and to order a free sticker visit, www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/BreastfeedingWelcome

Is your ABN up to date?

The Australian Taxation Office have recently made a change to the number of Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) codes that can be recorded against an ABN.  Business owners can now include up to four additional Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) codes when updating your ABN details which will enable businesses to better record the full suite and diversity of their business operations.  

For more information visit the Australian Taxation Office website. 

The Victorian Government is offering free access to an online learning app to support the mental health and wellbeing of Victorian small business owners and employees. The app is designed to enhance mental health and grow business and personal resilience.  

To learn more about the app visit the Business Victoria website.

All events below are subject to change given current uncertainty. In the event that COVID-19 restrictions do not allow for these events to be held in person, they will either be moved online or postponed.  Businesses registered to attend the events will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.  Please register in advance so that we can keep you informed of any last minute changes.
Council invites business professionals from across Hobsons Bay to come together for the Discover Your Own Backyard Coffee Connect business networking series.  This is a great opportunity to enjoy a coffee, promote your business and share ideas while meeting business owners from a range of different industries.  

Wednesday 02 March from 7.30am to 8:30am 

Birdcage Altona Cafe 
7 Harrington Square 
Altona

To register and view future events visit Hobsons Bay Business.
Business Victoria, in collaboration with Monarch Institute are offering this live workshop to help potential small business owners find out about the essentials of starting your small business.

Thursday 17 March from 9am to 12pm 
Online workshop 

To register visit Hobsons Bay Business.
Whether you're planning, starting or growing your business, the Victorian Government's Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities.
Business advisers offer free 45-minute sessions and can help you to identify a clear direction for your business, discuss key issues and priorities, and develop a business action plan to achieve your goals.

Monday 22 March from 10am to 4pm 

Borrack Square
Off McArthurs Road 
Altona North

To register visit the Business Victoria website. 

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.