Business resources

Mount Alexander Shire Council and program partners are pleased to announce the finalists for the Mount Alexander Business Awards.

An independent judging panel has selected 23 finalists from more than 69 entries, following 339 nominations from the community.

Congratulations go to the finalists across eight award categories.

Manufacturing, Construction and Trade - Edifice Constructions, Fred's Tiny Houses and Oakwood Smallgoods
Agribusiness - Gung Hoe Growers and Pryor's Paddock
Retail and Hospitality - Maldon Getaways, Mt Alexander Timber & Hardware and The Little Red Apple
Tourism and Events - Konjo Mama, Theatre Royal Castlemaine and Tread Harcourt
Micro Business - Jac the Hitcher, Mother Lover and The Good Life Careers
Professional Services - Grainger Legal, Smith & Maltby Accountants and We Push Buttons
Creative Industries - Cascade Art, Jac the Hitcher and Storyland Creative
Health and Wellbeing - Over the Moon Dance Studio, Pearl Skin & Beauty and Real Strength

In addition to running a successful business, the judges were impressed by the finalists’ entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and contribution to community.

“I found each business unique and inspiring in its own way. It was a privilege to be part of the judging, and on their journey for a snapshot in time,” said Rebecca Pedretti, Coordinator Economic Development, Hepburn Shire Council.

The winners will be announced at a gala event at the Castlemaine Town Hall starting at 6.00pm on Thursday 5 December.
Performer and entertainer John Fleming will MC the evening.

Tickets are $40. Drinks and dinner will be provided. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event. Book tickets.

The awards are run by Mount Alexander Shire Council in partnership with the Midland Express/Castlemaine Mail and proudly supported by Business Mount Alexander, Good Earth Garden Supplies, Maldon Inc., Maldon & District Community Bank®, Small Business Victoria and Workspace Australia.

Further information on the Mount Alexander Business Awards visit Business Awards or if you have questions, call Marg Barry, Business Awards Officer 5471 1851 or email.

Small business owners in Mount Alexander have the opportunity to build skills and knowledge in a series of low-cost workshops. Mount Alexander Shire Council has partnered with State Government – Small Business Victoria to deliver the workshops that support and encourage local small businesses.

The workshops will be held each month from February to November 2019 at the heavily subsidised cost of $20 – $30. Business Association members who attend at least one of the upcoming workshops will receive a 50 per cent discount for business mentoring sessions with the Small Business Mentoring Service.

Mentoring sessions are also offered as part of the workshop series. These comprise of a one-on-one 1 hour meeting with an experienced business adviser and is offered through the Small Business Mentoring Service and is sponsored by Council and Robertson Hyetts Solicitors.

Booking can be made online.

Workshops already conducted this year:

Business Planning Essentials

Effective Business Practices

Finance Fundamentals

Commercialising Your New Idea

Taking Your Business Online

Marketing Your Business

Starting Your Business

Business Awards Group Mentoring

Business Awards Group Mentoring

Taking Your Business Online

For enquiries about the small business workshops contact Eva Parkin, Council’s Economy Development Officer, on 5471 1805 or e.parkin@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Did you know that there are millions of grant dollars available for business through government funding programs right now?

There is Victorian State and Federal Government funding available for you to access, but you need to know where to look for the information, understand the criteria, eligibility and guidelines.

Council recently held an informal expo style event with the people who assess your funding applications. It provided a unique opportunity to talk directly with funding program managers about what grants are available, what they look for in a grant application and how to apply.

We have received great feedback about the event and are planning another information session for later in the year. In the meantime, check out the range of grants on offer.

• New Energy Jobs Fund
• Micro Grid
• Environmental Upgrade Agreements
• Boost Your Business Vouchers Program
• Food Source Victoria
• Wine Growth Fund
• Entrepreneurs Program (Federal Government)
• Regional Jobs Fund
• Regional Skills Fund

For enquiries contact Eva Parkin, Economic Development Officer 5471 1805 or e.parkin@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.