City offering two scholarships to Curtin Ignition

The City of Cockburn is one of WA’s most successful commercial and industrial hubs that welcomes local innovators and entrepreneurs, which is why in 2025 we’re funding two Curtin Ignition scholarships.  

Cockburn resident Corey Gaidzionis applied to attend Curtin Ignition in 2024. He hoped to turn his book, The Little Book of Big Emotions, into a successful business.  

The book was all about improving emotional intelligence education in WA. In particular, it focused on helping address men’s mental health issues, reducing the incidence of suicide and domestic violence.  

Ignition is a weeklong intensive training program for aspiring entrepreneurs, academics and corporate innovators to trial and then prepare business ideas for the commercial environment. For Corey, attending Ignition was a game changer and it’s where his idea for the Big Emotions Academy was born.  

The Academy’s curriculum is about to start testing in schools, before a wider rollout in 2026. 

Corey was able to attend Ignition thanks to the City of Cockburn scholarship, valued at $3,750, and find new opportunities that changed the trajectory of his business.

Applications for this year’s scholarships close at 5pm, Friday 6 June. 

Get on the front foot with tax concepts sessions 

Understanding key tax concepts is vital to running a successful business. You can have a strong business idea, strategy and marketing but not knowing how to account for goods and services tax (GST), keep good records or make provisions for income tax can put you on the back foot financially.

These sessions give small business owners a high-level overview of tax matters impacting them and explain how to set up simple financial systems, record transactions and provide them with the knowledge needed to have informed conversations with an accountant or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

This topic covers:

• The ATO's definition of a business
• What is assessable income?
• Tax deductions
• Record-keeping obligations
• Business structures
• The basics of capital gains tax
• Capital allowances (depreciation and the instant asset write-off)
• GST.

​This session is ideal for anyone currently running a business or planning to start one, and keen to understand the key tax concepts needed to run a successful business.

When: Tuesday 27 May
Time: 9.30am-2pm
Location: Conference Room, Cockburn Health and Community Facility

Grant writing focus of next networking group workshop

Business owners are invited to a FREE Micro Business Networking Group workshop focused on grant writing on Wednesday 28 May at 9.30am.

This month's 'skill booster' session features business mentor John Tedesco from Business Innovation Services, who will provide valuable insights and strategies for crafting successful grant applications, just ahead of the City's Business Grants reopening on 1 June.

Attendees will learn essential elements and key documentation to strengthen their submissions.

Don't miss this chance to gain expert advice and prepare for the upcoming grant application.

Boost your business connections at sundowner

The City of Cockburn is hosting a dynamic Speed Networking Sundowner designed especially for local business owners looking to expand their professional contacts and refine their networking skills. 

Led by master networker, business coach and bestselling author Fleur Allen, this fun and free event is a great opportunity to perfect your elevator pitches and make valuable business connections in a welcoming and friendly environment.  

The sundowner starts at 5pm on Thursday 29 May with canapes and casual networking, followed by a welcome from Cockburn Mayor Logan K. Howlett, before the main speed networking session begins at 5.45pm. You’ll get to meet 10 other local businesspeople in five-minute rotations.   

The event takes place in the function room at the City of Cockburn Administration Building, 9 Coleville Crescent, Spearwood and runs until 7.30pm.  

Spaces are limited, so you’re encouraged to register promptly. Don’t forget to bring your business cards to share on the night. 

Attention all First Nations businesses in Cockburn! 

Would you like to supply your goods or services to the City of Cockburn? 

At this free, three-hour workshop designed for First Nations businesses, you will learn how to win city contracts and grow your business through successful tendering. 

You’ll find out about the City’s tendering process and discover how to dissect the technical parts of a tender document, how to make your bid stand out, how to take advantage of upcoming tendering opportunities and how to use the City’s procurement portal. 

A professional tender writer will give you all the insight you need to craft concise and impactful business descriptions within tender applications.  

The City’s Procurement Manager will also be on hand to explain the City’s procurement policies, including the definition of 'value for money', which is all about delivering long-term prosperity for the community. 

In-room support from Waalitj Hub will also be available. 

By the end of the workshop, you’ll know exactly how to write a tender submission that stands out from the competition! 

Join us from 2-5pm on Thursday 5 June in the dining room at the City of Cockburn Administration Building, 9 Coleville Crescent, Spearwood. 

Unlock new business possibilities 

The City is dedicated to empowering micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.

We proudly open a $50,000 business grant pool twice a year, aimed at accelerating your professional growth and unlocking new possibilities!

Businesses can apply for grants in one of three categories:  

• Professional training and development: Enhance your skills and knowledge in any area relevant to your business 
• Digital technology and cybersecurity: Invest in software, hardware, or services to improve your online operations and protect your data  
• Innovation and major projects: Drive new initiatives or expand your business with exciting projects.

Applications open Sunday 1 June to Sunday 6 July 2025.
 

Join WA delegation at astronautical congress

The Western Australian Government is inviting local organisations in the space sector to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to join its delegation to the International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025).

IAC 2025 is organised by the International Astronautical Federation and gathers leaders, experts, and enthusiasts from the global space community to share achievements and opportunities in space exploration and technology.

This year's IAC is being held in Sydney and runs between 29 September to 3 October 2025.

It is expected about 10,000 attendees will walk through the doors at IAC 2025 representing up to 100 countries.

The WA stand is set to hold a key position in the Australia Zone at IAC 2025 with space for co-exhibitor pods and 'rovers' from up to 20 WA organisations.

Submissions close on 30 May 2025.