The CUL-TI-VATE start-up program accelerates the validation of your business idea and helps you work out if there is a market for your idea big enough to make a living or side hustle out of it. 

The program runs for six weeks starting on 12 March 2025 (Wednesday evenings, 6-8pm). 

Limited places available, so don't miss out.

Apply Now!

Join us for a free, fun-filled morning of networking that promises to be a game-changer for your business connections. This isn't just another meetup – it’s the perfect opportunity to grow, learn, and connect in ways you've never imagined.

Secure your spot now!

Date: Tuesday 4 February 2025

Time: 7-8.30am

Where: Mt Derrimut Golf Club, 475 Mt Derrimut Rd, Derrimut   

Cost: Free  

Register Here 

Networking & Live Cooking Demonstration Event  

 

Don't sit around watching your operating costs rise - join us at this insightful networking event for practical tips from industry leaders and experts on energy savings and waste management options proven to cut costs and boost efficiency.  

You’ll also see how gas and electricity options compare during the live cooking demonstration at the Luus Look + Cook Kitchen at the Luus Industries Experience Showroom.  

 

This event is co-hosted by Melbourne’s North Food Group, Melbourne's North Advanced Manufacturing Group, Brimbank City Council and Luus Industries. 

 

Date: Thursday 20 February 2025 

Time: 4.30-7.30pm 

Where: Luus Industries, 250 Fairbairn Road, Sunshine West  

Cost: Free  

Register Here 

 

Join one of these low-cost or free business development workshops to set your business up for success in 2025.

 

FEBRUARY

Small Business Bus: Sunshine, 301 Hampshire Road
Monday 17 February, 10am-4pm, Free 

 

Whether you’re starting, building, or transforming your business, the Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities.

 

Getting Started with Social Media 
Wednesday 12 February, 6-8pm, $20

 

Are you new to using social media for your business? Join us for an interactive workshop designed to help you understand how social media can work for your business and how to get started.

 

Register here

 

Confidence on Camera & Video Creation Workshop 
Wednesday 26 February, 9am-3pm, $40

Take your on-camera presence and video creation skills to the next level with this full-day, hands-on workshop designed to empower you with confidence and technical know-how.

 

Register here

 

MARCH

How to Build a Website to Grow Your Business 
Thursday 13 March, 6-8pm, $20 

 

Take the mystery out of website design by getting the tools and confidence you need to create your own business website at this interactive workshop. 

 

Register here

 

Zero to 100 CANVA Skills 
Tuesday 25 March, 6-8pm, $20

 

Unlock the power of Canva for your business at this hands-on workshop that shows beginners how to create professional-looking on-line content with ease.

 

Register here

 

APRIL

 

AI tools to Market your Small Business 
Wednesday 30 April, 6-8pm, $20

Find out how AI can help your small business at this fast-paced workshop for cost-conscious business owners needing practical, budget-friendly AI tools to streamline their marketing efforts and grow their business.

Register here

 

MAY

Creating Social Media Content 

Thursday 8 May, 6-8pm, $20
Get your social media on track at this workshop that helps small business owners get the skills to plan, create and distribute great content to drive sales and grow your audience.

 

Register here

 

Boost your Business with Google Ads
Wednesday 21 May, 6-8pm, $20

 

Make your Google Ads work harder for your business. This hands-on workshop assists small business owners to set up and run profitable Google Ads campaigns. 

 

Register here

 

JUNE

Creating and Effective Email Campaign 
Thursday 8 May, 6-8pm, $20

Don’t underestimate the power of email! This workshop is designed to show you how to harness and customise you email direct marketing to cost effectively convert your audience and boost your reach. 

Register here

Join us for a special International Women’s Day edition of the Brimbank Women in Business Lunch with guest speaker Jelena Dokic. 

 

A prodigious talent that rocketed to fourth in the world in women’s tennis by age 19, Jelena is now a popular sports commentator with two best-seller books about her remarkable life. 

 

Jelena will share her incredible journey of survival on and off the court facing fierce competition and her personal battles with poverty, racism, bullying, abuse, injury and depression.

Jelena’s raw honesty and resilience to survive has captivated audiences worldwide, offering a powerful message of hope, strength and perseverance. 

 

Seats are limited, so secure your seats now. 

 

Date: Thursday 6 March 2025
Time:  11.30am-2.30pm
Where: Lakeside Banquet & Convention Centre, Taylors Lakes
Cost: $75

Register Here 

Did you know that Business Victoria have many practical tools, templates and calculators to help you start and run your business?  

To find out what is available, click here.

The Federal Government’s Jobs and Skills Australia wants to know what you think of their 2025/2026 work plan.  

If you have a view on priorities for skill and job development, now is your chance to have your say. Make a submission before 28 February 2025.

To participate, click here.

 

 

Now is the best time of year to experience Brimbank’s Major Festivals.  

 

 

St Albans Lunar New Year Festival 
Sunday 19 January, 10am-10pm, Alfrieda St, St Albans 

 

The St Albans Lunar New Year Festival attracts tens of thousands of people and embraces the cultural diversity that makes St Albans one of Melbourne’s most inclusive and diverse communities.

Soak up the atmosphere, the food, the culture, entertainment, and finish off with the signature fireworks display!
For more information click here.

 

Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival
Sunday 26 January, 12-10pm, Hampshire Road, Sunshine 

The Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival or Tét Festival is a huge day of free family fun, live entertainment, children’s rides, street performers, music, dancing, street food, face-painting, magical Lion and Dragon dancing, red-pockets and firecrackers ending with spectacular fireworks.

 

For more information, click here.

Copyright © Brimbank City Council, All rights reserved.

 

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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