This weeks eBulletin
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Easing of Restrictions - Victoria
- Business Opportunity Brimbank.Localised
- Business Opportunity Think. Shop. Buy Local
- Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Support for Business
- Upcoming Webinars
- GOV4U Update for Business
- Webinar Recording - Financial Survival Planning
- Council's Community Support Response - Financial Hardship and Resources
- Business Support and Assistance (COVID-19)
- COVID-19 Business Impact Survey
- Small Business Mentoring Service
- Business Development Program
- Good News Stories
- Helpful Links
- Contact the Economic Development Team
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Easing of Restrictions - Victoria
The Victorian Government has announced it will gradually ease restrictions – while continuing to ensure the safety of our state.
This announcement builds on new investments to further boost the ability to test, trace and monitor the virus in our community, with rapid response outbreak squads, expanded testing and support for additional research.
These measures – combined with the commitment shown by Victorians – has given health authorities vital insight and information, allowing some restrictions to be safely and cautiously lifted. Under the changes, it means that there will be five reasons to leave your home:
- shopping for food and supplies that you need
- care and caregiving
- exercise and outdoor recreation
- work and education – if you can’t do it from home
- visiting friends and family – if you really need to
These new arrangements will come into effect at 11.59pm on Tuesday 12 May. Until then, please continue to comply with the existing restrictions.
As the Government continues to introduce changes, they're also asking Victorians to use their judgement and common sense. Lives are counting on it.
The message remains the same: if you can stay at home, you must stay at home.
Aligning with the outcomes of National Cabinet, the changes mean:
- outdoor gatherings being permitted with up to 10 people
- indoor gatherings at home are permitted, with 5 visitors able to visit the normal residents of a household
- the ability to leave the house for exercise will be expanded to include outdoor recreational activities. These activities can occur in groups of up to 10 people outside, but the requirements on physical distancing remain
- for weddings 10 guests are allowed, plus the couple and the celebrant
- for funerals, 20 people will be allowed at an indoor ceremony and 30 people at an outside ceremony. This is in addition to the minimum people required to conduct the funeral
- religious gatherings and ceremonies will be permitted with up to 10 people, plus those required to perform the ceremony
For more information about restrictions, click here
Business Opportunity - Brimbank.Localised
Brimbank.Localised is a new initiative connecting business-to-business to help them find customers and local suppliers, increase business visibility, search for business events and network with other local business.
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. If you're a business in Brimbank - create your profile to upload business information, articles, check out upcoming business events and more – Council's website has more information and a handy guide to getting started, click here.
Business Opportunity - Think. Shop. Buy Local Map
The Think. Shop. Buy Local Alpaca map aims to make it even easier for locals to find out who is open, and to support and stay connected to their local business community.
All businesses in Brimbank are welcome to have their business listed on the Think. Shop. Buy Local map - and if you're offering take-away, delivery, online shopping, online fitness classes or virtual services during COVID-19 it's even more important to let locals know.
To find out more about the Think. Shop. Buy Local map, click here
If you’d like to have your business listed, contact the Economic Development Team.
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) - Support for Business
Given the rapid development of the COVID-19 situation in Australia, many businesses need extra support. In recognition of this, VCCI has waived the fees for Essentials membership (originally worth $700).
Membership with VCCI provides business with access to networking events, member-only offers, training, consulting, and much more.
For more information about the VCCI Membership offer, click here.
If you’d like to speak directly to a VCCI Relationship Consultant, please email Nicholas McLaren with your business name and details to organise a phone chat.
Upcoming Webinars
COVID-19: 5 Steps to Ensuring Business Success in Extreme Times
This webinar will be facilitated by Anthony Turner, co-author of Are You Ready? Surviving Small Business Disaster and mentor with the Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS). Anthony will provide an overview of the current COVID-19 impacts on running a business and will also discuss how to best prepare your business for recovery.
In addition to gaining useful knowledge, you'll be provided with tools and templates to use the 5 steps of knowing where you are at, deciding your new normal, planning finances, attracting core clients and quick management tools to ensure your business stays on track - register online here
Creating Smartphone Videos for Small Business (delivered by ASBAS)
Learn how to make high-quality video using nothing but your smartphone. Video captures and audience's attention faster and for longer than any other form of media. 90% of user feel that product videos assist in their buying decision process - register online here
Mental Health Essentials Webinar (delivered by Victorian Chamber of Commerce)
In these challenging and uncertain times, maintaining a mental healthy workplace becomes more important than ever - register online here
Find out more about upcoming Webinars in the Business Development Section below.
GOV4U Update for Business
Presented by representatives from the Australian and Victorian Governments, the GOV4U Update for Business webinar will provide you with the advice and support you need to help you grow or embrace new markets for your business in a post-coronavirus world. Topics covered will include the range of grants, programs, advice and information that can help you innovate and become more competitive.
For more information, click here.
Webinar Recording - Financial Survival Planning
Last week we heard from Ken Matthews, Managing Director at Matthews Steer and Peter Guy, Director at Kennedy Guy Lawyers with practical information on financial planning for your business during the COVID-19 and advice about Mandatory Leasing Code of Conduct - view the webinar recording here
Council's Community Support Response
Council’s Community Support Response (Financial Hardship and Resources) is centered on the development and implementation of Council’s new COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy, and the Rates, Charges and Fee Review which seeks to assist local businesses, residents and other affected ratepayers.
For more information on Council’s Community Support Response as part of the Coronavirus Response & Recovery Strategy please click here.
Business Support and Assistance (COVID-19)
Council’s Business Support and Assistance website page provides information, support and resources for businesses affected by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis. Find out about:
- Council's Business Support
- Victorian Government Business
- Victorian Government Economic Survival Package
- Australian Government Business
- Australian Government Stimulus Package - Business
- Australian Government - JobKeeper Payment for Employers and Employees
- AusIndustry Contact Centre
- Australian Taxation Officer (ATO)
- Victorian Chamber of Commerce Industry (VCCI)
- Working for Victoria Fund - Support for Displaced Workers
- Small Business Mentoring Service (SMBS)
- Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
For more information and contact details for the Economic Development team, click here
COVID-19 Business Impact Survey
We would like to gain an understanding of how COVID-19 (coronavirus) is impacting local 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
Small Business Mentoring Service
The Small Business Mentoring Services (SBMS) offers low-cost mentoring sessions designed to provide support for businesses in these extreme times. Sessions are held with a mentor of your choice by Skype, Zoom or telephone. For further information about the SBMS service, please contact ecodev@brimbank.vic.gov.au or phone 9249 4000.
Business Development Program
How to build a professional website in WordPress - register here
Storytelling for influence - register here
Visual Merchandising - register here
Get on Facebook Fast - register here
Facebook Marketing for Entrepreneurs - register here
GOV4U Update for Business - Register here
Pitch Perfect! - register here
Legal Essentials for Start-ups and Small Business - register here
DIY Public Relations for Entrepreneurs - register here
Small Business Victoria
A series of webinars to improve chances of business success - for further information click here
Key Business Advisors: Survive and Thrive
A series of webinars to get you through challenging times - for further information click here
ATO: Support for Small Business Webinar
MyGovID: your small business digital Identity - register here
Tax Support for Small Business – register here
Melbourne Innovation Centre: Business Resilience Program
- Business Resilience Mentoring Webinar with 4 hours of free mentoring
- A range of Business Resilience Workshops
Good News Stories
Are you doing something different in your business during the COVID-19 crisis? Let us know, we are looking for good news stories to share about business innovation and changes made to allow your business to continue running during the current crisis. Email us at ecodev@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Helpful Links:
Need to Speak to someone in the Economic Development team?
If you need assistance finding information, please contact the Economic Development team at ecodev@brimbank.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 9249 4000 Translation and interpreting services are available here |
