Business in Cockburn | March News and Updates

March 2023 | View this in your browser

Welcome to the business in Cockburn e-Newsletter.
Here are your quick links: Networking I Defence supplier opportunities I Celebrating IWD I Business grants I MCCC I New funding opens I Cockburn ARC I Occupancy permits

Discover how to write an amazing 'About' page

This month at the Micro Business Networking Group we’re joined by professional copywriter Cindy Randall, who will show you how to write an About Page, so it’s love at first 'site'! 😉

Cindy will share why a good about page can be the difference between connecting with your customers – or losing them in three-seconds flat. If you are your business, your profile is your first date with your potential customers, so let Cindy help make it a memorable one.

Join us on Wednesday 29 March at the Success Library Conference Room, Success from 9.30-11am for networking, morning tea and this exciting guest presentation.

Save your spot now

Learn how to become a defence industry supplier

With the expected growth in WA's Defence Industry, businesses in Cockburn can be perfectly positioned to become suppliers.

At this breakfast event, you'll hear from guest speaker, Greg Blycha, Defence Business Advisor from the Office of Defence Industry Support, (ODIS) on:

How to become a defence supplier
Why you should get accredited in this growth area
What to expect and the support available to small businesses.

This relaxed breakfast information session is brought to you by ODIS and the Melville Cockburn Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) in partnership with City of Cockburn.

Inspiring women in micro business

'Inspiring, informative and thought-provoking' were some of the comments we received after our International Women's Day event on 8 March, co-hosted by the City of Cockburn and the Melville Cockburn Chamber of Commerce.

Giving back to the community was a common thread throughout the morning, as was seeing a greater representation of women in leadership roles, on boards and in business.

Our panellists eloquently explored the theme of #EmbraceEquity, with personal stories and professional experiences that brought into focus the difference between equality and equity.

Business owners enjoyed three practical sessions on boundaries, time management and styling for networking with our resident experts.

Thanks to the City's equitable programs and sponsorships, 16 Cockburn women in business have secured funding for our three-month Thrive program, commencing at the end of March.

Business grants opening soon

If you're a solo, micro or small business owner in the City of Cockburn, then you'll want to save this date!

Our Business and Economic Development grants are opening on Monday 17 April. You can apply for grants in three categories:

Technology or digital Grants
Enhancements to local retail or employment centres
Promotion of innovation

Technology or digital grants include up to $3000 for costs associated with online and e-commerce activities.

Enhancements to local retail or employment centres provides up to $5000 for costs associated with enhancing the destination and visitor experience in local activity centres.

Promotion of innovation provides up to $5000 to encourage new and innovative practices and products, across three areas:

Business Growth - development of new innovative ideas to expand your business
Supporting Export Growth - research and development of export-focused initiatives
Start-Up - support for launching an innovative business idea in the City.

For more information visit the City's website using the button below.

Explore business grants

Grow Your Business with the Melville Cockburn Chamber of Commerce (MCCC)

The MCCC are excited to share two new categories of membership for start-up or micro businesses operating within the City of Cockburn and Melville

Eligible businesses will be offered 50% off the full membership, making the investment only $179.50 including GST for the first year. Terms & conditions apply.

The MCCC is a not-for-profit organisation that cares about helping local businesses: Grow their skills, Grow their network and Grow their business.

Learn more about MCCC membership

X-TEND WA grants open now

If your business supports the development of entrepreneurs in WA, then you may be eligible to apply for the X-TEND WA Grants Program.

The X-TEND WA grant applications are now open for funding of up to $100,000. Funded under the New Industries Fund, organisations who deliver innovator and/or investor educational programs are invited to apply.

Consider applying for these grants if you deliver educational activities, whether workshops, forums, mentoring or incubator support, in one of more of the following areas:

Entrepreneurship Education
Investor education
Health and Life Sciences Capability Building

Grant applications close on Tuesday 28 March 2023 at 11am AWST.

Funding available for energy efficient equipment

The Energy Efficient Grants for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are now open!

You can apply for up to $25,000 to replace or upgrade existing equipment to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. Grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis, so although this grant does not close until 19 April 2023, you would be wise to apply early.

The goal of this grant program is to contribute towards the target of a 43% reduction on emission levels by 2030. Check to see if you are eligible to apply here.

Applications are made through the online portal, learn more about this grant opportunity and how to apply using the button below.

Apply for an energy efficiency grant

Exclusive Cockburn ARC membership offer for local businesses!

Cockburn ARC wants to support you and your staff by offering a membership deal to local businesses who want their team to get the benefit of staying active.

For a short time only, if you have five team members within your organisation, we are offering zero joining fee and a 20% reduction on our Lifestyle Active Membership.

As part of the membership, you will receive one on one appraisals, program design sessions, over 100 group fitness classes, pool access and more. Learn more using the button below or call 9411 3359

Find out about membership

When does your business need an occupancy permit?

If you are a business owner (or starting a business) and will operate out of a building in Cockburn, an occupancy permit may be required from the City. Buildings requiring occupancy permits don’t include houses, but may include:

Sheds
Apartments
Shops
Warehouses
Offices

When is an occupancy permit required?

New and existing buildings (doesn’t include houses and domestic buildings)
New parts of an existing commercial building
Stages of an incomplete building
Unauthorised building work on a commercial building (if a permit is not received when purchasing the building, works may be unauthorised)
If the classification of the building has changed permanently or temporarily

Occupancy permits are a legal requirement and help ensure your staff, clients, and contractors will be safe on your premises. A permit will also give you legal recourse from insurance companies if an incident or accident occurs within your building.

Before moving into a building to start a business, talk to the team at Cockburn on 08 9411 3444 or email customer@cockburn.wa.gov.au.

Learn more about occupancy permits

For our full suite of business support services including business security, business events, waste, management, licences, permits and more please visit Business in Cockburn.

To get in touch with the Business & Economic Development Team, please email business@cockburn.wa.gov.au or call 08 9411 3444.

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