Knox Economic Development eBulletin

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Election period begins soon

election period

Local government elections will be held on 26 October 2024 via postal vote.
 
Knox City Council will assume a caretaker role from Tuesday 17 September 2024 to Saturday 26 October 2024, during which time, there will be a reduction in the amount of content on Council's social media channels and comments will be turned off.The next edition of the Business e-Newsletter will not be till late October. 

Find out more

Workshop: Master the Art of Visual Merchandising

visual merchandising

Date: Wednesday 25 September 2024

Time: 5:30 – 7:30pm

Location: Boronia Library

Did you know that visual merchandising impacts businesses of all kinds—from retail shops to cafes and restaurants? Your store’s appearance can directly influence foot traffic and sales. First impressions are everything, and how your store looks plays a crucial role in your success.

Join Pop Creative Collective as they showcase global and local examples of retail design and visual merchandising. Learn about brand identity, shopfront presentation, window displays - and more.

Bonus: Every attendee will receive a copy of the Visual Merchandising booklet – a mini guide to help you improve the presentation of your business!

Book

Partners in Wellbeing Helpline

partners in wellbeing

Free access to wellbeing coaches, financial counsellors and business advisers.

Running a small business is an exciting and enjoyable experience, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges and responsibilities. It is common for people to feel stress or concern about their business. Many people may not have someone to share their concerns with or would prefer not to discuss these issues with family members or friends.

The Partners in Wellbeing Helpline offers eligible sole traders, small business owners and their employees free and confidential support. You can speak with trained wellbeing coaches, financial counsellors and business advisers who understand your business and the unique pressures you face.

Find out more

AI in Manufacturing speaker and networking event

AI in manufacturing

Join Monash Innovation Labs to explore the transformative potential of 'AI in Manufacturing.' Hear from the panel of expert speakers about how AI is revolutionising the industry and learn how to embrace AI to drive efficiency, innovation, and sustainability in manufacturing.

When: Wednesday 11th September, 2024
Time: 4.30pm to 6.30pm
Where: Monash Innovation Labs, Monash University, 23 College Walk, Clayton, VIC

Find out more

Free one-on-one marketing mentoring session with Kirrily Romero

kirrily romero

We've received an overwhelmingly positive response to our digital marketing course. We're now offering a complimentary one-hour, one-on-one marketing mentoring session with Kirrily for local businesses. This personalised session will delve into the specifics of creating a tailor-made marketing strategy for your business. Limited amount of spots, book in fast!

Book now

Circular economy 101 course

circular economy 101

This course will introduce the concept of a circular economy and its opportunities through a combination of theory and practical applications. You will learn what circularity is and is not, why it is important, and how to get started with circular initiatives in your organisation. The course will provide practical information on circular approaches and how to take business-level action, combined with plenty of real-world examples.

  • CE101 provides a starting point for a circular transition in your organisation, by offering:
  • up-to-date research from Sustainability Victoria and other experts in Australia and overseas.
  • a combination of videos, case-studies, practical approaches, and discussions.
  • a balance between fundamental theory and practical guidance.
  • trends and practices in circular economy as a long-term solution.

Course dates: 14 October to 4 November 2024

Find out more

Workplace essentials for small business

VSBC

Are you currently running, or looking to start a small business? The Fair Work Ombudsman has free tools and resources to help small business achieve workplace compliance.

Join this free webinar to learn about:

  • Fair Work Ombudsman role and services
  • employing for the first time – what you need to know
  • common workplace issues – what to watch out for
  • how to stay up to date on workplace law changes including Closing Loopholes
  • a demonstration of the free tools and resources available.

When: Thursday 24 October 2024

Time: 2pm

Register

Designing with Canva Workshop (Part One)

restaurant table

When: Tuesday 12 November 2024 10:00 am to 01:00 pm

Where: Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham

Cost: $20 per person

Get started with the fundamentals of using Canva so you can use it with confidence and ease in your business. Learn how you can use Canva to craft captivating marketing content and brand touchpoints for a cohesive visual brand.

What will be covered:

  • How to get started with Canva by learning the fundamental basics,
  • How to use Canva to build your brand’s marketing content and materials and
  • How to use Canva’s essential tolls with confidence for your business. 

This workshop delivered in collaboration with Melbourne Innovation Centre, as part of the Digital Solutions Program.

The workshop is accessible to small businesses only with a registered ABN, have fewer than 20 full-time employees and is exclusively available to participants enrolled into the Digital Solutions Program, which is free to join.

Register

Research and development support for SMEs

CSIRO�s SME Connect program

CSIRO’s SME Connect program connects Australian small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to world-class research and development (R&D).

Through three key programs, SME Connect can provide support, funding and expertise:

  1. Kick-Start: Offers dollar-matched funding to address scientific or technical R&D challenges faced by Australian start-ups or SMEs.
  2. The India Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator: Supports cross-border expansion opportunities for Australian and Indian late-stage start-ups and SMEs. 
  3. Innovate to Grow: A free, self-paced online training and mentorship program for SMEs looking to explore R&D for their business.

Hear directly from Dr Angela Wu, SME Program Facilitator, for more details about these programs at the SME Connect information session.

When: Wednesday 25 September, 12pm-1pm via Zoom

Find out more

Local Ferntree Gully business Creating Change named finalist for 2024 Australian Women's Small Business Champion Award

CHRISTY ROBERTS Life & Results Coach, Grief Educator

Creating Change, a professional development workshop provider, has once again been named a finalist for the 2024 Australian Women's Small Business Champion Award in the Alternative Therapy category. After winning this prestigious category in 2023, the Ferntree Gully-based business continues to be recognised for its outstanding female leadership, innovation, and transformative contributions. Specialising in wellbeing and professional development, Creating Change empowers leaders, teams, and individuals to thrive through workshops focused on mental, emotional, and psychosocial wellbeing, designed for both business events and community settings.Congratulations Christy Roberts on this great achievement. 

Find out more

The Night Shift Sessions: PR For Main Street & Precinct Management Success

mainstreet

Join Main Street Australia for their final Night Shift Session for 2024: PR for Main Street & Precinct Management Success.

Featuring: Jules Brooke Serial Entrepreneur | PR Expert | Founder of She’s The Boss Group 

Facilitated by: Troy Stuchbree Vice President of Mainstreet Australia | Manager Sydney Road Brunswick Association

This session will explore key PR strategies to enhance the visibility and economic vitality of precincts, focusing on community engagement and competitive positioning. Participants will gain actionable insights from Jules Brooke’s expertise in public relations and Troy Stuchbree’s experience in precinct management.

  • Why Should Trader Associations, Placemakers & Economic Development Managers Attend? 
  • Enhance Your Precinct's Visibility: Learn strategies to elevate your precinct’s profile and attract more foot traffic. 
  • Engage Your Community: Discover PR techniques to build stronger relationships with local businesses and residents. 
  • Boost Economic Development: Understand how effective PR can drive investment and economic growth in your area.
  • Stay Competitive: Get insights on positioning your precinct as a leader in the market. 
  • Tailored Strategies: Benefit from Jules’ expertise in PR, especially in the context of managing and promoting precincts.

Date: Tuesday, 15th October

Time: 7-8 pm AEDT

Where: Online

PRICING: Members – $0; Non-members – $50

BOOKINGS CLOSE: Monday 14th October, 2024 @ 5 PM AEDT

Book

For further assistance, please contact Economic Development via email: business@knox.vic.gov.au or call 9298 8000.