Business Resource Hub

Business Victoria offers easy-to-use resources that you can tailor to suit your needs. These range from templates for business plans to permit checklists, and performance management tools. They also provide business mentoring for new and expanding businesses.

Business.gov.au has a wealth of information on what you need to do to when starting or expanding your business. Read their step-by-step checklists and guides, or search for grants and events.

Victorian Small Business Commission helps provide information to small business about their rights and responsibilities to help avoid disputes. It can also assist small business in dispute by providing dispute resolution services.

Exercise in a Box helps you assess your business's cyber security and plan for a cyber incident.

Small Business Climate Adaption Toolkit is designed to help small business owners prepare for the impacts of climate change by building an adaptation plan for their business. The small business adaptation toolkit is a seven-step process and is free to access. 

National Mental Health Commission's Small Business Guides to Mentally Healthy Workplaces provide information about key topics, clear examples, helpful tips and links to further support and guidance.

Beyond Blue's NewAccess for Small Business program offers mental health coaching sessions for business owners, without a GP referral. 

WorkSafe's WorkWell Toolkit is a step-by-step approach to preventing mental injuries and promote safe and mentally healthy workplaces. Access free templates, policies, resources and more.

Sustainability Victoria has a single-use plastics ban centre, and you can access the reuse system guide for your business and download free posters to let your customers know reusables are welcome.

Neighbouring Hepburn Shire Council has created a Business Toolkit introducing circular economy concepts, and a useful  card deck illustrating strategies and their benefits to business.

Local Food Rescue organisations such as Bendigo Foodshare, the Salvation Army in Castlemaine, or Ozharvest, receive donations of good quality excess food. 

Sustainability Victoria has tips on managing energy use, improving efficiency and reducing emissions.

Business Energy Tips is an interactive tool designed for small to medium businesses. It offers simple tips and detailed information on energy efficiency, electrification, and saving money based on your business type. You’ll also find tips for different upgrades, details on government rebates and grants, and links to more helpful resources.

Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) allow you to make your business greener by reducing energy use and switching to electric solutions.

Australian law says that customers with disabilities should be able to access your goods or services just like any other customer. Providing good access makes your business available for more customers, suppliers, business partners or even employees. Making your business more accessible does not necessarily require expensive infrastructure upgrades. Staff training, customer service, or providing more information such as videos and floor plans on your website, can be easy ways to start.

Mount Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group (MASDAG) has information about making your business accessible, and a guide with a thorough checklist. You’ll also find information on how to hold accessible events.

Austrade  developed the WELCOME framework for tourism businesses, with many useful ideas to try to improve your communication, physical environment, operations, marketing and experience for those with disabilities.

Web Accessibility Checklist is a concise and useful list for creating accessible websites and web applications.

City of Melbourne’s Crafting an Accessibility Guide  is a valuable resource designed to help businesses create more inclusive environments.

Government of South Australia's Online Accessibility Toolkit is a useful tool co-designed with the community and industry experts to encourage digital inclusion for a diverse community.

Diversity Australia's The Good Practice, Good Business Factsheets are designed to help promote diversity and prevent discrimination in your workplace.