Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works March update.

Earlier this month, over 200 men and women attended our International Women's Day event in partnership with Maribyrnong City Council. We had the opportunity to hear from keynote speaker Julie Hirsch who gave an inspiring speech and encouraged us all to embrace our perceived disadvantages to build a truly authentic brand and to welcome mentors that give us the courage to value ourselves adequately.

Thank you to everyone who attended and mark your calendars for Friday 7 March 2025, when we come together again for this special event in Maribyrnong!
Join us as we host a unique networking session this month. Business professionals from across Hobsons Bay are invited to come aboard the St Kilda Ferry for an evening of networking whilst taking in the stunning backdrop of the Hobsons Bay coastline. 

Tuesday 16 April 2024 | 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Gem Pier
1 Syme Street, Williamstown


Do you own a business and need expert advice on how to grow and thrive? Business advisors from Monarch Institute can help you with free, 1:1 tailored advice to help you start, build or transform your small business.

Monday 15 April 2024 | 10am to 4pm
Central Square, Altona Meadows

Bookings are essential, so book now!

Are you ready to elevate your customer service skills? Look no further than our upcoming workshop designed to equip professionals in customer-facing roles with the essential tools and techniques to navigate challenging situations with confidence.

Ideal for small business owners, front-line staff and anyone aspiring to excel in customer service by mastering the skills necessary to provide outstanding experiences and build lasting customer relationships in the face of demanding circumstances.

Monday 29 April 2024 | 10am to 12pm
Altona Civic Centre
115 Civic Parade, Altona

Calling all small businesses!

Join the Digital Solutions Program today and receive government-subsidised 1:1 business mentoring, workshops and courses for all your digital needs. 

Start developing your AI literacy with a free introductory course. This self-paced course will introduce you to how machines learn from data and explore various use cases and applications that can be used in your business. 


Looking to improve your skills in business planning, finances, tax and record keeping management? The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released the 'Essentials to strengthen your small business' platform to help small businesses.

The platform is FREE and features short courses to help assist your everyday processes. 


The Industry Growth Program will support small and medium enterprises undertaking commercialisation and/or growth projects. As part of the program you will be connected with an Industry Growth Adviser who will provide tailored advice.

LaunchVic have unveiled new grants for eligible start-ups for: 

  • MedTech Market Growth program - $50,000 matched funding for scaling MedTech start-ups
  • Pre-Accelerator Programs - up to $400,000 to run programs providing advice, support and networks for aspiring entrepreneurs
  • Specialised Angel Groups - up to $300,000 to establish specialised angel investment networks


The Digital Jobs for Manufacturing Program offers grants up to $5,000 to assist Victorian manufacturing businesses in upskilling existing staff with high demand digital skillsets.  

Eligible businesses can receive funding for up to five employees to undertake training throughout the life of the program. Applications close on 5 May 2024. 


Starting a new business, expanding a business or taking over another business can be exciting but there is a lot to do. You will need to check and organise relevant registrations and permits. 

Council have produced a series of industry guidelines and fact sheets, to help you on your journey.


Click on the links to find out more: 
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.