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November Edition:
  • Victoria's Outdoors Activation Voucher Program
  • Visual Merchandising Workshops with Kylie Fordham
  • Binary Shift - Digital Innovation Conference
  • Information for agribusinesses
  • Information for tourism businesses

Victoria's Outdoor Activation Voucher Program 

The Victorian Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Voucher Program is providing more than 7,000 Victorian businesses, community organisations, not-for-profits and trader associations with vouchers for $2,000 to support initiatives such as outdoor hospitality and entertainment.

The COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Voucher Program assists businesses to move business activities outdoors by supporting their investment in equipment, permits and other tools needed to offer safe retail, personal services (e.g. hairdressing), recreation and dining options for the Victorian public during the remainder of 2021 and beyond. There are a range of eligible industries and activities which can be found on the program information page

Businesses can complete their application via service.vic.gov.au

Join Kylie's Visual Merchandising Workshops
We know as retailers, you have SO much to prepare for right now…but maybe taking a little creative and fun time out for yourself is just what you need?  

And the time is NOW to offer your customers an unforgettable shopping experience!

Join Kylie Fordham for her FREE visual merchandising workshops and learn how to...
  1. get them back
  2. get them in
  3. and keep them coming back!
With over 30 years’ experience in the Retail and Visual Merchandising Industry, East Gippslander, Kylie Fordham from Smashing Windows Design and Display shares her expertise and insights, offering tips and tricks for creating a Visual Impact in your space to help build your image, increase traffic and improve sales.

Secure your spot now! For question or if you have missed the date in your area contact Anne Kaiser on 0488 700 034 or send an email to economic.development@egipps.vic.gov.au 
Binary Shift - Digital Innovation Conference 2021
East Gippsland Shire Council has received an offer of 9 free tickets for local businesses to the Binary Shift Regional Innovation Conference coming up on Tuesday, 16 November

This year the conference theme is Solving Big Problems, and we are bringing together world class speakers who are solving some of society’s biggest challenges today, including climate change, food security and energy transition.

If you're a regional innovator, small business owner, student or social impact entrepreneur interested in learning how others are using digital innovation to solve the world's biggest problems, come along to Binary Shift, to be inspired by these stories and make connections that will foster innovation and change in our communities. For further information visit the Binary Shift website.

To receive a free ticket you can express your interest below by Sunday, 14 November. 
Register your interest
Good Shepherd introduces "LaunchMe"
LaunchMe is a free initiative giving people the opportunity to develop, finance and launch their own micro/small business. Successful applicants will work alongside a business coach to create their business ideas from scratch with support from experts in the field.  
  
Participants can complete a restart (3 session) program, or a longer 6 month program (12 session) working alongside a local coach who will guide and support the participant through the business journey. The participant will have access to business specialists and wraparound supports. A small provision of funds is provided for each participant which the coach can use to purchase business items, tools, training or support services (T&C's apply). 

To enquire, please complete the online form or visit the Good Shepherd website for more information.

LaunchMe Introduction Session - Lakes Entrance

Wednesday, 17 November, 2.30pm - 4.15pm at Mechanics Hall, Lakes Entrance

Join Good Shepherd and the team at an introduction session for the LaunchMe program and the Financial Capability Pop Up program.

Register yourself for the session.

Business Support

Startup Masterclass Series - first workshop
 
Startup Gippsland, in partnership with Latrobe Valley Authority, are proud to announce the Startup Masterclass Series!!
 
This is a 6 workshop series, designed to build capability and enhance existing business knowledge, in order to empower business owners to take the next step in continuing success.
 
The series runs from Nov-June 2022, with the first workshop kicking off on Nov 17th in Warragul. 

All workshops have face to face and virtual ticket options available.
 
Book your ticket here.
Small Business Debt Helpline - Financial Counselling
Business Recovery Advisory Service
 
The Business Recovery Advisory Service is available to any business in East Gippsland, Wellington and Northeast Victoria experiencing hardship, recovering from disasters and needing special assistance.

Qualified local advisers can help businesses with resilience building strategies, cash flow management, digital marketing activities and more. Business owners will receive personalised guidance based on their situation and a take home, recovery plan for the way forward.
Book an appointment now.
 
Grow Gippsland - meet the team
 
Sustainable Water Strategy - Public Consultation

The Victorian Government has started public consultation on the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy.

The Central and Gippsland region needs reliable volumes and quality of water for its
many uses – water for towns, tourism, businesses, industries, agriculture and recreation.
The Victorian Government has developed a Discussion Draft Strategy fand is looking for public
feedback and comment to inform the final strategy.

For further information and on how to provide feedback visit the Engage Victoria website.

Information for agribusinesses 

On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme

The Victorian and Commonwealth Governments are offering the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate to drought affected farm businesses in East Gippsland and Wellington Local Government Areas.

The rebate can be used to invest in on-farm water infrastructure that addresses the needs of grazing livestock or assists in maintaining existing permanent horticultural plantings.

 The availability of rebates is subject to funds being available. Find out more

Please note that businesses who have already received a rebate under Round 1 of this Scheme are not eligible in this Round 2.

Reminder - Small-Scale and Craft Program Closing

Stream Three of the Small Scale and Craft Program is now open and focuses on creating unique visitor or ongoing tourism experiences that involve and are directly linked to multiple small-scale and craft agribusinesses.

The program shall help producers to work together to put their high-quality produce on the tourism map. Program closes 19 November 2021. Find out more

Information for tourism businesses 

Reminder - Nature Based Tourism Forum #4 (virtual)
 
If you are a tourism business in East Gippsland with a strong interest in nature-based tourism, and would like to connect with from fellow operators, this 2 hours live webinar will inspire and inform you. We look forward to welcoming you and to sharing updates from some of key tourism projects for East Gippsland.

Register to attend. 
 Promote your business for free and list with ATDW
As Metropolitan Victoria is starting to plan their post lockdown regional getaways, now is the best time to get your business listed on all key websites for FREE and increase your chances to be featured in upcoming consumer campaigns led by state and regional destination tourism organisations!
 
Make the most of complimentary Australia Tourism Datawarehouse ATDW listing available until June 2022 to get your business listed on Tourism Australia, Visit Victoria, Visit Gippsland and Visit East Gippsland.
 
To receive your ATDW promo code and perhaps even learn more about East Gippsland VICs membership program contact Leah Fry on 1800 637 060 or email VICMembership@egipps.vic.gov.au

Visit the ATDW website and start your listing. 

COVID-19 update

Regional Victoria Roadmap

Understand the phases in our roadmap and how restrictions may be lifted.

The Roadmap out of COVID-19 released by the Victorian Government includes important information around current rules for Regional Victoria and the milestones and dates when restrictions change, so businesses can plan accordingly. 

All businesses are urged to review their employee vaccination requirements against Victoria’s Roadmap. Read the Regional Victoria Roadmap.

For more information and resources visit the Coronavirus website

Wellbeing and mental health support
Mental health support for Victorian small business owners include:
Partners in Wellbeing provides business owners access to financial counsellors and business advisors. 
Telehealth services are available if you or your employees need additional mental health support. 
Beyond Blue has tips to help you run your business and information on managing your mental health.

Get in touch

You can get in touch with the Economic Development Team by phoning 5153 9500 or via email.
 

Handy links

 
Website Website
Facebook Facebook
Twitter Twitter
LinkedIn LinkedIn
YouTube YouTube
The information in this newsletter is correct at time of publishing - please check each source carefully for up-to-date details. This newsletter is for information only, and does not constitute financial or legal advice.

Copyright © 2021 East Gippsland Shire Council, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are a registered business in East Gippsland, from time to time our Economic Development team at the Shire will forward information relevant to supporting the regions business operators.

Our mailing address is:
East Gippsland Shire Council
273 Main Street
PO BOX 1618
Bairnsdale, Vic 3875
Australia

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