Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works update.

Earlier this year, a new Mobile Vendor Policy was adopted by Council to recognise the contribution mobile vendors make to creating a vibrant and diverse local economy, attracting visitors and providing residents in isolated areas with local access to goods and services. 

As part of the policy, a valid permit is required for any business wanting to sell goods and services from their vehicle. Applications for mobile vendor permits are now open.  To read the Mobile Vendor Policy and submit an application visit the Hobsons Bay Business website. 


Have you spotted an issue in your community like trip hazards, graffiti, illegal parking, dumped rubbish, or a fallen tree? Report it now via the Snap Send Solve app. 

Snap Send Solve is the free app that simplifies the reporting of community issues. So if you see an issue while you're out, you can let Council know with only a few taps. 
Download Snap Send Solve from the App Store or Google Play and get snapping!
For more information visit www.snapsendsolve.com 
Does your club or community group want to hold events or fundraising activities involving selling or handling food? Are you a hospitality business with new staff members you would like to upskill? 

The Laverton Community Education Centre offer a range of short courses including a Safe Food Handling Certificate and Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate.  To enquire about the certificates contact 9369 2726 or email info@lcec.vic.edu.au.  
Need guidance on Victorian Government programs and support services? 
If you are self-employed or have up to two employees, book a 30-minute phone consultation with a dedicated agent who can provide you with dedicated information and support. 
For more details visit www.business.vic.gov.au
The Small Business Ventilation Program is open for another round. This program supports public-facing small businesses to improve ventilation in areas accessible to customers, and help reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

Rebates of $500 and matched grants from $1,000 to $5,000 are available to support eligible small businesses' investment in equipment, works and services to improve ventilation.

Eligible small businesses have until 8 September 2022 to apply or until funds are exhausted. For more details visit www.business.vic.gov.au
Austrade’s Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program helps Australian businesses grow their exports in international markets. These grants encourage small to medium enterprises to market and promote their goods and services globally.

Round Two of the Export Market Development Grants (EDMG) program is now open. 
Applications close on Wednesday 17 August and must be submitted via the EDMG portal here. 
Be sure to look at the small business tax time toolkit this year to find useful information tools, calculators and fact sheets that can help make tax time easier. 
For more information visit www.ato.gov.au
Council invites business professionals from across Hobsons Bay to come together for the 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.  

Tuesday 9 August from 10am to 11am

The Coffee Brewmasters
2B/197 Champion Road, Williamstown 

To register and view future events visit Hobsons Bay Business.
Take the guess work out of launching yourself online and empower yourself to bring digital thinking into all aspects of your business.

Build your understanding of online advertising, search engines, websites, blogs and social media through practical exercises and real-life examples, then learn how to bring them all together into an effective online strategy that matches your objectives.

Tuesday, 23 August 2022 | 10am - 12pm

Altona Civic Centre
115 Civic Parade, Altona

To register visit Business Victoria. 
The Small Business Bus provides experienced business advisers to help you identify a clear direction for your business, discuss key issues and priorities, and develop a business action plan to achieve your goals. 

If you are looking for free business advice, book in to one of the sessions below by calling 13 22 15 or via this link www.business.vic.gov.au

Laverton: Monday 22 August
Williamstown: Tuesday 23 August

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.