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The State Government's $200 million stimulus package to support businesses will be rolled out soon.

Key programs and voucher schemes relevant to Brimbank-based businesses include:

State-wide Dining Vouchers

Enable patrons to Redeem 25% of dining costs for meals outside Melbourne CBD from Monday to Thursday when spending between $40 to $500.

Entertainment Voucher Scheme

Enable patrons to redeem part of eligible entertainment costs for tickets to the cinema, theatre, live music, exhibitions, conferences and other events.

Metropolitan Travel Voucher Scheme

Enable patrons to access a $200 voucher when you spend at least $400 on eligible tourism and travel related services.

Ventilation Voucher Program

$500 to support businesses buying air purifiers, ventilators and other COVIDSafe items.

Small Business Digital Adaptation Program

A $1,200 rebate for businesses to access digital tools to modernise operations. These could include online menus, ordering systems, invoicing systems, stock management systems, business management tools, website development and e-commerce platforms. 

Jobs Victoria Fund 

Supports businesses looking for workers across hospitality, warehousing and logistics, tourism and food processing sectors.

Employers taking on eligible jobseekers for 12 months can apply for wage subsidies of up to $20,000.

Employees will have free support and mentoring from Jobs Victoria.

So if you are looking for staff, or run a hospitality, warehousing and logistics, tourism or food processing business, click here. 

iHarvest Coworking Sunshine has reopened!

If you are a start-up, freelancer or new micro-business owner seeking an affordable modern office space brimming with entrepreneurship, upskilling and networking opportunities, click this link.

iHarvest members enjoy the use of:

  • high speed broadband
  • printing services
  • an office desk & chair
  • a conference room
  • privacy booth
  • lockers
  • kitchenette
  • break out spaces
  • air conditioning & toilets
  • Free mentoring & business training.

iHarvest operates 9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

To celebrate re-opening, iHarvest members signing up between now to May 31, will receive a 25% discount on fees for this period.

Use the code REOPEN25 in the discount box on the iHarvest website before checkout to receive the 25% discount.

For more information visit www.iharvestcoworking.com.au, email enquiries to info@iharvestcoworking.com.au or call 03 9249 4429.

While most businesses have a focus on attracting new customers, it's just as important to keep your current customers coming back.

Click here for tips on how to encourage repeat customers.


Government and Industry are consulting on a range of projects and legislation that may impact your business.  

To have your say, click the titles below: 

Melbourne Airport – Draft Master Plan 2022 and Preliminary Draft Major Development Plan for the third runway

Review and comment on the Draft Master Plan and Draft Major Development Plan for the third runway. 

Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2022

Review and comment on the new draft safety regulations for the manufacture, transport, storage, sale, use, disposal and import of explosives.

Melbourne Airport Rail Advocacy Priorities

Brimbank Council is advocating for the State government to:

  • Redevelop Sunshine Station into a regional super hub
  • Reconstruct Albion Station into a fit-for-purpose public transport interchange that complements and celebrates the heritage value of the Darling Flour Mill
  • Integrate both stations into the surrounding precincts in a way that unlocks development opportunities, most notably within the Albion Quarter
  • Deliver long-term rail commitments made in the Western Rail Plan, such as the electrification of the Melton and Wyndham rail lines.


The Business Recovery and Resilience Mentoring Program
Receive up to four two-hour mentoring sessions with an experienced professional who will help you make informed decisions about your business.  Book here

Mindarma Mindfulness Online Learning App 
The State Government is offering free access to an app to support the mental health and wellbeing of small business owners and employees. Click here

The Partners in Wellbeing Helpline
Access free one-on-one support from experts who understand what you are going through. Call 1300 375 330 from Monday to Friday 9am–10pm or Saturday to Sunday 9am–5pm.   For a mentor or to receive translated information. Book here

Business Victoria Virtual Mentor Session
A business expert will help you identify a clear direction for your business, discuss key issues and priorities, and develop a business action plan to achieve your goals, all for free. Available Monday to Friday.   Book here 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the opportunity for business. 

The CSIRO Conversations event series on 10 March, will bring together leaders of the National AI Centre, and key experts to discuss:

  • The opportunity for Australia and emerging global trends in AI.
  • The role of the new National AI Centre, and ways it will work with industry.
  • Next steps in fostering AI development and innovation in Australia.
For more information and to register, click here. 

If you're new to eCommerce, wanting to start selling online or simply want to check out options like Shopify, then this free session is for you.  We will show you how to build, launch and grow your own online store.

For further information and to register click here.

The State Government’s Small Business Bus will visit Keilor Village (Kennedy Street) on 21 March between 10am-4pm.

A business adviser is available 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.

Book a session time here. 



Learn new skills to build your business: 

March
8th - Digital Marketing Essentials - register here 
17th - Engage Real Followers with Instagram - register here 
21st - Goods and Services Tax Introduction (ATO) - register here 
22nd - Enhance your Digital Presence - register here 
24th - eCommerce: How to set up an online store - register here 

April 
6th - Legal Essentials for Start-ups and Small Business - register here 
28th - Creating great content for Social Media - register here 

Upskill My Business
Develop your business skills and strengthen your business - for further information click here 

Small Business Victoria
A series of free interactive webinars to improve business success - for further information click here  

Digital Solutions – Australian Small Business Advisory Services - Make the most of digital tools and get advice specific to your business needs.  For further information click here 

ATO: Support for Small Business Webinar
A series of free interactive online webinars where you can ask experienced tax specialists questions - register here

Make sure you’re adhering to the current COVID restrictions

  • All businesses must have an active, up-to-date COVIDSafe Plan.
  • QR code check-in only apply to venues required to show your vaccination status, including entertainment, hospitality, adult/higher education, hairdressers, community premises, physical recreation and nightclub. Use the free Victorian Government QR Code Service â€¯to check in customers, workers and all other visitors. 
  • Download and display signage to remind people of the need to check in, and other safety measures.
  • Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au for more information or call Business Victoria on 13 22 15. If you need an interpreter, call the coronavirus  hotline 1800 675 398 and press 0. 
Other COVID Links
  • Current Restrictions for Melbourne, click here
  • Book your free vaccine appointment, click here
  • Where to get tested, click here
  • Vaccination Status Register (workers), click here 
  • Financial Support for Businesses, click here
  • Translated information about COVID-19, click here 
  • Victorian Government QR Code Service, click here
  • Translated information on how to use QR codes here
  • In-language updates can be found here
  • Health and Wellbeing, click here 
  • Coronavirus.gov.au, click here
  • Business Victoria, click here
  • Department of Health and Human Services, click here
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Copyright © Brimbank City Council, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
PO Box 70, Sunshine 3020

For further information about this newsletter please contact the Economic Development Unit on 9249 4000 or email ecodev@brimbank.vic.gov.au

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