Is your company looking to accelerate new ideas using insights from the latest research and technology? 

Launching a start-up or new initiative in a current business is exciting​, yet risky. Some of these risks may even stop you from progressing due to the perceived financial or reputational dangers.

But what if you could get a better understanding of these unknowns and a stronger evaluation of your chances of success? This could fast track your project and may be what your investors are looking for.

The City is partnering with Knodes to sponsor four projects to be completed in October 2022.

Established in 2020, Knodes represents UWA PhD students. The students will complete an intensive three week research investigation on the strength and viability of your project aims and deliver a confidential and objective report for your consideration and use. Guided by principles of peace and prosperity of the planet, all projects must be linked to the maritime or ocean sectors and address at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Each project costs $5,000 (USD), but through a collaboration with UWA and the City of Cockburn, each Cockburn-based business will receive a $4,000 (USD) grant to cover 80% of the costs.

The application form can be found on the Knodes website (under "Register your interest today")

​An information session will be held at UWA on Friday, 16 September 2022 to learn more.

Incentives to small and medium businesses for Australian Defence Force contracts

Problems getting invoices paid?

The new "Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Act 2021" has been created to help protect contractors in the construction industry.

This piece of legislation is a huge reform to the industry. The Act gives contractors a right to claim minimum monthly progress payments to ensure subcontractors are not left with large outstanding invoices. It also delivers an effective, rapid dispute resolution process to speed up the receipt of outstanding payments.

These measures improve the likelihood that, in the event of an upstream insolvency, contractors will have already been paid. It will also provide a robust dispute resolution process. 

The Act is being implemented in stages. Stage one: "Security of Payment" came into effect on 1 August 2022 and all new construction contracts in Western Australia need to comply with the Act.

Follow the link below to the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) for a summary of the changes and how to make sure your contracts are compliant 

New Access for Small Business

NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a free and confidential mental health coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners, including sole traders, the support they need. 

Over six sessions, coaches with a small business background will work with you to overcome difficult issues, providing you with practical skills to manage stress and get you back to feeling like yourself. 

At your first appointment your coach will complete an initial assessment with you, and develop a program tailored to your individual needs. 

This service is available nationally by phone or video call. Call 1300 945 301 or enquire below.

Kick off your carbon reduction with discount

• A carbon calculator to measure your baseline emissions 
• Auditing your appliances to understand how you are consuming resources
• An Action library, to learn some great ideas and give you inspiration to help you reduce your footprint and save you money
• Smart analytical tools to track your progress 
• How to offset your remaining emissions and become carbon neutral.