Learn how to use Canva and create stand-out graphics and reels in our Mastery Series of three free workshops:  

1. Creating Graphics with Canva (in person) 
2. Canva: beyond the Basics (online) 
3. Creating Reels Using Canva (in person) 

Workshop one will introduce you to Canva and build your confidence to create your own unique branded graphics. This in person session is held at the MCCC offices in the Cockburn Health & Community facility  on Wednesday 19 October and you can register to attend here. 

Workshop two will show you new features, short-cuts and functionality in Canva, building on the skills developed in workshop one. This online training includes a replay and is running on 2 November. Confirm your attendance here.  

In workshop three you’ll learn all about reels and how to use the video and animation features in Canva to create your own reel (no dancing required!). This fun in person workshop is held at the MCCC offices in Cockburn Health & Community facility on 16 November and will be sure to fill fast! Register to attend here. 

All three workshops are FREE and you can pick and choose which ones to attend, but please register to secure your place. 

Our expert Canva workshop series is brought to you  by SBDC exclusively for the City of Cockburn. 

Calling all micro and home-based business owners. 

• Are you ready to build your local network?  
• Do you want to connect with other business owners? 
• Are you looking for a group that’s welcoming and fun? 

It’s time to get out of the home office and meet like-minded local business owners at the new City of Cockburn Micro Business Networking Group. 

This is perfect for you if:  

🏡You’re a home-based business owner 

👩‍💼You’re a solo operator or sole trader 

⏰You run a family business or partnership 

This free, friendly and local business group, is launching with our first meet-up on Wednesday 26 October, from 9.30-11am. Join us in the MCCC offices at the Cockburn Health and Community facility, Success. 

Supercharge your socials 

Each month we have an expert speaker who delivers a skill booster session covering a hot topic from social media to wellbeing or finances.  

October’s speaker is Sarah Thomson, founder of Online Social Butterfly. She’ll be sharing 20 Quick and Easy Content Ideas to Supercharge Your Socials 

Registration is essential for catering purposes.  

Want to hear about net zero, ocean energy and sustainable operations? 

Cockburn showcase; creators, inventors, makers and doers

Cockburn was once again strongly represented amongst the brightest minds of Perth at the Curtin Ignition Program (5-9 September). 

Geoff Diver and Matthew Blackwell (of Bibra Lake and Beeliar respectively) were successful in receiving City sponsorship to join 60 delegates for this immersive startup experience. Over the 5.5 days, the program featured 19 speakers, two amazing panel sessions, 30 hours of mentoring and exposure to 150 people drawn from the who’s, who of the WA start-up ecosystem.

Igniting innovative solutions 

Geoff has developed ingenious solutions for addressing commercial water service leaks and Matthew has innovative methods to prevent the theft of security cameras and devices. They used the program to build their confidence, knowledge and the overall commercial viability of their proposals.  They were exhausted and exhilarated by the end and are now part of an amazing network of Ignition alumni  where they can continue the exciting journey of innovation and creativity. 

About Curtin Ignition

The Curtin Ignition offers a positive and supportive environment to test out business ideas which will make our future better.  The City is a very proud supporter of this program which is funded from the annual $1.2 M Grants and Sponsorship Budget.

To hear about the next round of business grants stay subscribed to the Business In Cockburn newsletter, and look out for an announcement in early in 2023.

Is your business export ready? 

If you operate within the food and beverage industry, mining equipment, technology and services (METS) or maritime sector, then we are keen to hear from you. 

The Perth South West Metropolitan Alliance (PSWMA) in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia (CCIWA) is seeking expressions of interest from small-to-medium businesses.  

If you are keen to participate in a series of free export-focused, capacity-building workshops, then we want to hear from you. These workshops will pave the way for an international trade delegation in 2023. 

To be eligible to participate you must have: 

• Up to $250 million aggregated turnover per annum  
• 199 employees or less  
• Operate within the Food and Beverage; Mining & METS or Marine & Maritime industries.  
• Be located within the boundaries of the City of Cockburn, City of Fremantle, City of Kwinana, City of Melville, City of Rockingham, or Town of East Fremantle.  

The opportunity for you 

If successful, you’ll join us for four FREE dedicated export workshops by CCIWA preparing you for a trade delegation to specific international industry events in Q1/2 of 2023.  

Download the EOI information sheet below and express your interest in participating. 

Join us for the business cybersecurity panel

Cybersecurity is top of mind for many business owners, with an estimated $33 billion lost to cybercrime in Australia each year.

As business owners you need the latest information and research to best protect your data, systems and IP. To assist you in being cybercrime aware we're excited to support nbn and Henderson Alliance to bring you the Business Cybersecurity event on 25 October from 5.30-7.30pm. 

You'll hear from industry experts and cyber security veterans in a panel discussion and Q & A session to help you understand how to protect your business from a cybersecurity attack. 

Hear from our expert panel and discover: 

• How to prepare your business to be cybersecure 

• The key issues impacting defence and manufacturing 

• Insights and answer to your cybersecurity questions. 

• Are you a marine innovator looking for investment?  
• Do you want to connect with brokers in the blue economy? 
• Are you an investor, lender or philanthropist? 

The Blue Growth Investment Forum connects entrepreneurs, investors, project proponents and brokers from marine and related industries with new investment opportunities in this exciting sector. 

Join us and discover : 

📈  New opportunities - Reviewing the trends in existing sectors such as offshore energy, fisheries, aquaculture and tourism. Exploring emerging sectors, such as new power sources, seaweed aquaculture, pollution prevention, and ecosystem restoration. 

🏦  Capital markets - Latest themes in markets relevant to ocean ventures, plus the emerging options. Trends in equity, grants and philanthropy. New mechanisms such as blue bonds, blue carbon, plastic credits and impact investing. 

🌏  WA’s positioning - How investors and projects in WA are positioned relative to international markets. A review of the strengths and preferences in WA and what that means for looking abroad. 

💼  Case studies - Case studies of recent and historical investments to understand the challenges and clever strategies, risks and returns.  

The Blue Growth Investment Forum is held from 8am-12noon on Thursday 10 November at Coogee Surf Club.