The State Government's Small Business Ventilation Program supports public-facing small businesses to improve ventilation in areas accessible to customers and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Rebates of $500 and matched grants from $1000 to $5000 are available to support eligible small businesses’ investment in equipment, works and services to improve ventilation.

Applications for this program close 11pm on Thursday 8 September 2022.

Find out more and apply.

Austrade has announced the second round of its Export Market Development Grants.

This program helps businesses grow their exports in international markets, with small to medium enterprises encouraged to apply. The program also provides assistance with promotional activities and training to develop skills in marketing.

Applications close 4pm on Wednesday 17 August 2022.

Find out more.

Darebin City Council has partnered with Young Change Agents to deliver a youth entrepreneurship and leadership program for young people aged 18-25 in Reservoir. This program is funded by the State Government as part of the Reservoir Suburban Revitalisation Project.
 
The program will be delivered in three phases between August and September and will include a Hackathon, Virtual Masterclasses and a two day Accelerator.

Apply as a participant - Want to develop your entrepreneurship and leadership skills? Have a business idea but need help getting it off the ground? We are currently seeking expressions of interest from young people aged 18-25 that live, work, study, or are connected to Reservoir. 

Apply as a mentor - we're seeking expressions of interest from mentors from Reservoir and the broader entrepreneurship ecosystem. Mentors will coach a specific team and attend three mentoring sessions throughout the program, playing a key role in supporting participants to build self-esteem, confidence, skills and connections.

Applications close Sunday 21 August 2022.

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact grosvenor@youngchangeagents.com.

Darebin City Council and Business Victoria present
The Business Workshop Series. Tailored for our local business community, these face-to-face workshops are running August to November in Preston.

Register now:

Tuesday 16 August at 10am
Starting your Small Business

Thursday 8 September at 10am
Generating Cashflow

Tuesday 18 October at 10am
Strengthening Business Practices

Friday 21 October at 10am
Maximising your Marketing

Tuesday 8 November at 10am
Cyber Security

The Small Business Energy Saver Program has now closed. Funded by the State Government and delivered by Sustainability Victoria and the Darebin Sustainable Business team, the program:

• Engaged with over 250 local businesses
• Helped deliver over 100 upgrades, as well as around 40 Light$mart LED upgrades
• Facilitated many discussions about the VEU subsidy program, Energy Compare Website and Solar Vic rebates

Congratulations and thank you to all who engaged, learnt more and improved their business energy efficiency.

Register your interest to participate in future Darebin Sustainable Business Programs.

Photo credit: Program participant Thanh Phong from Dong Thinh International Food Store in Preston. With subsidies from the program, they upgraded some of their fridges to top quality, energy-efficient versions and replaced their lighting with modern LED panels. 

Footpath trading permits expired on 30 June 2022 and are now due for renewal. Permit fees are no longer exempt as part of Council’s COVID Recovery and Resilience package in 2022-23.
 

2022-23 Footpath Trading Fees
A-board	$115.00
Goods or Display units	$280.00
Table	$30.00 each
Chair	$30.00 each
Bench Seats	$117.00 each
Umbrella	$51.00 each
Heater	$50.00 each
Planter boxes	$51.00 each
Café Screens	$160.00

Find out more on our website or by contacting our Customer Service team on 8470 8888.

The level crossings at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road in Preston have been removed as part of the State Government's Level Crossing Removal Project.

Trains are now running express from Thornbury Station to Regent Station on the first completed rail bridge.

The new train stations at Bell and Preston will be open to the public by early September. Be sure to plan your journey with PTV and allow extra time.

For live traffic updates on Oakover Road, Cramer Street, Bell Street and Murray Road text 'PRESTON' to 0428 581 917.

For updates and information regarding changes to transport visit the Victoria’s Big Build website.

If you are experiencing difficulties with accessibility and require alternative transport arrangements please call 1800 105 105 (24 hours, 7 days a week).

Photo credit: Design by Rosalie Gascoigne, which incorporates the colourful and liveliness of the Preston area and the Market. 

Did you know that around 20% of our community experience disability?

Darebin Council is proud to launch our new Good Access is Good Business (GAGB) disability access resources.

These resources include handbooks and checklists to support businesses to improve their inclusive and accessibility practises for people with disability in Darebin. GAGB will also help businesses to meet their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

To download free copies visit our website and scroll down to 'online resources'.

For more information, email disability.access@darebin.vic.gov.au or call 0448 392 725.

Melbourne Innovation Centre is working with the Federal Government to deliver the Digital Solutions Program. Throughout August, Victorian small businesses can access these free online workshops:

Tuesday 2 August from 12-2pm
Elevate your Branding: Finding Your Brand Voice

Tuesday 16 August from 12-2pm
Elevate your Branding: Brand New You (Build your personal brand)

Friday 19 August from 12-2pm
Beginner SEO: Technical & Keyword 

Tuesday 23 August from 12-2pm
Streamline your digital touch points

Friday 26 August from 12-2pm
Boost Business with Facebook advertising

Tuesday 30 August from 12-2pm
Design like a Pro with Canva

For a once-off fee of $44, eligible Victorian small businesses can register to receive access to the full program. This includes 5 hours of mentoring, weekly live virtual workshops, over 100+ webinars and 21 online courses. Register now