Here is our business bulletin with the latest information affecting our community during this challenging period of COVID-19.
Please contact the Economic Development team at business@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au if you would like to share any stories or suggestions on how we can assist.
Best wishes,
City of Maribyrnong Team
Health registration fees waived for all new businesses
All new business applications received by City of Maribyrnong are being waived until 30th June 2021 to help support our new business community during this time.
Existing businesses will be offered a 50% discount on their renewal fees for 2021 with more information to be communicated shortly.
If you have a new business idea and would like to know how to get started, please email our Business Concierge or call Council on 9688 0200.
Do you have a COVID Safe Plan?
There are practical actions you can take to keep your staff and customers safe by implementing hygiene and physical distancing measures in your workplace. A COVID Safe Plan will ensure that your business is ready to go once restrictions ease.
Digital hub to support small business mental health
The Ahead for Business digital hub has relaunched with an expanded range of resources to support your mental health and wellbeing as a small business owner.
Run by mental health organisation Everymind, the digital hub was the recipient of a $3.1 million investment from the Australian Government as part of a small business mental health package.
The Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) is Australia's national platform for digital tourism information on Australia. By listing a product in the database, Tourism operators benefit from being listed on ATDW's extensive network of tourism distributors including their State Tourism Organisation's consumer website.
If you believe your business is a tourist hotspot in the city of Maribyrnong and you'd like to be included on the ATDW database, email your details to Council by 16 October 2020.
Expansion of ASBAS Program - Free training and mentoring for small business
The Australian Government has announced it will expand the Australian Small Business Advisory Service – Digital Solutions (ASBAS-DS) program, by an additional 10,000 places. The ASBAS-DS program has been critical in supporting small businesses to remain open due to COVID-19, by providing low-cost, expert, independent and tailored advice to small businesses.
The expansion of this service will help meet an increased demand for information and advice on:
business websites and selling online
social media and digital marketing
using small business software
online security and data privacy
business crisis management and business continuity planning
finance management and boosting cash flow
staff management and creating a safe work environment
retaining and staying connected to customers
resilience and wellbeing
advice on accessing COVID-19 stimulus packages for small business
Through this expansion, more businesses will be able to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the digital economy. Learn more
Makers Market Expressions of Interest now open
Held over two weekends in December, the Footscray Community Arts Centre (FCAC) will be running a Makers Market which will support local artisans in the community to sell their bespoke, handcrafted and high quality items.
Expressions of Interest for stallholder applications close 5pm Friday 23 October. For more information visit the FCAC website.
Business tip of the day
The Government recently handed down the Federal Budget which has been designed to pull Australia out of the most severe global economic crisis in a decade.
Some of the highlights include businesses being able to deduct the full cost of capital assets, tax cuts and paying businesses up to $200 a week to pay youth employees.
Keep up to date with Federal Budget information and how the new budget will affect your business.
