Over the past month, our team has been out and about visiting businesses and collecting feedback from residents on the draft outdoor trading framework.

Consultation closes Thursday 31 August 2023 with over 1300 responses already submitted. Thanks to everyone who took the time to provide feedback.

The purpose of the engagement was to seek community and business feedback on the draft framework for the future of outdoor trading including parklets, options for Pier St in Altona, and fixed infrastructure to inform the future outdoor trading program.  

We will now collate the feedback with a report to be considered by at an upcoming Council meeting.  

Come together for our Business Networking series to promote your business and share ideas, while meeting business professionals from a range of different industries.  

Next event: 
Tuesday 5 September 2023 | 5.30pm to 6.30pm

Spotswood Hotel 
62 Hudsons Rd, Spotswood 3015


Join leadership mentor, career strategist and executive mindset coach Sarah Gibbons in this special wellbeing workshop where you will learn: 
  • how we get stuck in the "busy culture" mindset
  • key myths and obstacles that keep us stuck there
  • three strategies to feel less rushed and overwhelmed
  • how to create calm and clarity in your busy day
  • how to prioritise yourself without guilt
Tuesday 12 September 2023 | 10am to 12pm 

Hobsons Bay City Council
115 Civic Parade, Altona 3018


Nominations for the 2023 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards are now closed.

We had an overwhelming response from the local business community and look forward to announcing our finalists next week. Winners will be announced at the Business Excellence Awards Gala on Wednesday 25 October, with more details to be released soon.  Keep an eye out as it is an event you won't want to miss!




Feeling lost in the maze of setting up an advertising campaign, understanding the ins and outs of building a website, or getting found online with SEO?
The Melbourne Innovation Centre are a business incubator supporting small businesses and startups across Victoria.  Join their Digital Solutions Program to get access to tailored support to help grow your brand online.   The program offers: 
  • three hours of 1:1 mentoring for $110 inc GST 
  • weekly live workshops and webinars 
  • over 20 short courses



Energy Bill Relief Fund for small businesses

Businesses on a separately metered business tariff with their electricity retailer and with an annual electricity consumption less than 40MWh are eligible.  You don’t need to do anything, if eligible you will automatically receive bill relief on your electricity bills from 1 July 2023.



Business Renewables Buying Group for medium to large businesses 

Are you interested in accessing discounted rates on renewable energy?

We have partnered with the Yarra Council to establish a council-facilitated buying group. Businesses can benefit from the bulk purchasing power that comes from a group contract which enables a discounted rate to be negotiated to access 100% renewable power.

The program is open to businesses that are medium to large electricity users and spend over $100,000 or use more than 500MWh of electricity a year.

Interested? Click here to find out more information or get in touch via email at sustainability@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au to have a chat and learn more.


ICN Victoria supports local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to compete for work on major projects. 
ICN Victoria invites all SMEs looking to connect to major projects to register on the ICN Gateway.  Ranging from free subscriptions to more tailored packages, you can search for work opportunities, get project alerts, or access free training on how to showcase your company in its best light to win the work. 


The Australia Council for the Arts is offering grants to indidviduals, groups and organisations.  Grants are available to support artists to tour their work nationally, develop their craft and/or performances, and reach an engage new audiences.  

The following three grant categories are now open with applications closing 5 September 2023. 
  • Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups 
  • Arts Projects for Organisations 
  • Contemporary Music Touring Program

The state government is undertaking the Victorian Business Innovation Survey to help the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) gain a better understanding of what innovation looks like across different parts of Victoria. The results of the survey will help DJSIR to create more effective place-based policies to support innovation by Victorian businesses.

The survey takes around 10-15 minutes to complete and is a great opportunity to help inform future innovation policies and tailor support to businesses across Victoria.

To participate in this survey click here and submit your response.



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.