JobKeeper payment changes
COVID-19 business operations changes
Rebates for going digital
Rebates for going solar
Business development program registration
Free QR code service for businesses

From 4 January, businesses claiming the JobKeeper subsidy for their employees need to be aware of two significant changes.

1. The ATO requires you to re-check your eligibility by completing and submitting the ATOâs Decline-in-turnover test, and

2. Fortnightly payments per employee are now $1,000 (before tax) for staff working 80 hours or more or $650 (before tax) for staff working less than 80 hours.

For more information, watch this video or contact your accountant.

Mandatory use of face masks has been reintroduced by the State Government in all indoor workplaces, on public transport, and in commercial passenger vehicles, apart from when eating or drinking.

For operational details regarding density limits and record keeping specific to your business, visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/how-we-work

Express your interest now with Solar Victoria.

The Victorian Government will soon offer small businesses a rebate and loan scheme to help businesses switch to cheaper renewable solar energy.

Solar Victoria is working with Business Victoria and industry bodies to finalise the program roll-out and further information will be available soon.

So if you want to lower your energy bills by switching to solar and would like to know more about the rebate scheme, register your interest below so you are the first to know when the program opens.

Register your interest Now!

Get cash back to trial digital tools and training in your small business under the State Governmentâs Small Business Digital Adaption Program.

Businesses can purchase and trial a new digital product, or upgrade from the list of approved suppliers, then apply for a rebate of $1,200 from the State Government.

The products must be selected from the programâs authorised website, e-commerce, financial or digital business management suppliers.

So if you are thinking of starting digital point-of-sale payments in your business, or adding a shop to your website, register your interest here before February 28.

IGNITE Food Passions is delivered by The Business of Food. The purpose of the IGNITE program is to provide ideas and information to get your food business venture started with interactive sessions covering business operations and food regulations, as well as providing an opportunity for participants to interact and share their journey.

The Program runs over five weeks every Tuesday commencing 16 February 2021.

Apply now!

âStart, Nowâ - a new pre-accelerator program.

Itâs designed to help you turn your idea into an actual business startup.

The program will run from the 15 February to 16 April 2021, and involves individual online learning and structured group learning, peer catch-ups and mentoring.

Find out more on nowdoit.com.au

Apply now!

Are you a woman in Leadership or do you know a woman in Leadership?

The Brimbank Women in Leadership Program provides meaningful, practical and holistic business support in a way that also enhances relationships, networking and support opportunities.

The program runs for 12 weeks commencing on 9 February 2021.

Apply Now!

Cul-ti-vate is a Brimbank City Council initiative delivered by VU Innovations and Roshambo.

Cul-ti-vate's purpose is to accelerate the process of finding a business idea, developing it, and scaling the business into a sustainable model.

Cul-ti-vate is designed for entrepreneurs or intrapreneurs, as well as small business owners, looking to future proof their business.

The program runs over nine weeks in a fast paced mode that mirrors the speed needed to succeed in the real world.

The program will commence in April 2021.

Applications opening soon!

The Victorian Governmentâs QR Code Service can be used by businesses and venues to keep records of visitors to help us stay safe and stay open.

Itâs as simple as registering your business, downloading and printing a poster with the Victorian Government QR Code and displaying it prominently in your business.

Businesses or venues with multiple outlets or spaces can register for multiple QR codes.

All businesses and venues are still required to have pen and paper record keeping on hand as an ultimate backup, if a visitor prefers to not use the QR code method.

Victorian businesses and venues can register and be sent their unique QR code to display for visitors to scan and check-in.

For more information and to register click here

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

Melbourne's North Food Group
Webinar - Economic Recovery: The challenges and opportunities for businesses - register here

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

ATO: Support for Small Business Webinar
A wide range of interactive online webinar seminars presented by experienced tax officers, where you can ask questions to help you apply the information to your situation - register here

Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS)
ASBAS is delivering FREE online workshops and Business Resilience programs for Victorian businesses:

Online Workshops - Register here
Business Resilience Program - Register here
Business Resilience Mentoring - Register here
Business Resilience Workshops - Register here

Business Mentoring

Council's partnership with the Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS) and ION Group provides businesses with vouchers to access mentoring sessions. Sessions are provided either online via Skype/Zoom or by telephone.

SBMS mentoring sessions are designed to provide operational support and identify resources for businesses in these extreme times. There are different mentoring options available, and they can be provided in languages other than English.

ION Group provides a strategic âwhole of businessâ approach to their mentoring sessions. These sessions include an opportunity to review your situation, undertake planning and business strategy, and prepare adaptation strategies for re-opening, reinventing and rebuilding your business.

For more information and a discussion about your mentoring needs, contact the Economic Development Team ecodev@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Have you responded to the Business Impact Survey?

We'd really like to hear from you to gain an understanding of how COVID-19 (coronavirus) is impacting your business. Your input will be used to inform action and advocacy for assistance, and inform government on short and long-term recovery priorities. This survey is mainly multiple choice and will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

Complete the Business Impact Survey here

Brimbank.Localised - itâs more than business to business â itâs business to people, people to business â itâs a business community â itâs letting people know where there is local expertise, local services and local opportunity.

There is no cost to sign up to Brimbank.Localised, and by signing up you will receive ongoing promotion and exposure to other Brimbank businesses, access to local supply chains and local business networks.

Brimbank.Localised is ready for Brimbank businesses to upload their profile, business information, articles and blogs - you'll just need a photo, logo, website and business details to create your profile account and get started.

Guide to getting started

Brimbank.Localised Getting Started guide (English)
Brimbank.Localised Getting Started guide (Vietnamese)

Find out more about Brimbank.Localised and upload your business profile here

Are you a local business looking for new staff and want to employ local?

There's no cost to join the Joblink community or to post your employment opportunities. Youâll also receive promotion for your business on the JobLink Facebook Page.

Check out Brimbank Joblink for more information and be sure to LIKE us on Facebook.

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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