Surf Coast Business Collective

16/03/2026

⏰ Happening tomorrow – join online or in person!
Thinking about starting a business, or recently taken the first step? 💡
This practical workshop is designed to help new and early‑stage business owners build a strong foundation — and you can take part in the way that suits you best.
✅ Attend in person and watch together in Torquay
✅ Join live online via Zoom from anywhere on the Surf Coast
If you come along in person, a member of the Business Support Team will be onsite and available for a chat.
You’ll learn how to:
• set up your business for success
• choose and register the right business name
• select the best shop, office or online platform
• understand the insurance you need
You’ll also create a simple business outline and action plan to help take your idea from concept to launch.
📍 Hybrid workshop
🗓 Wed 18 March, 9am–12.30pm
🏠 In person: Kurrambee Myaring Community Centre, 12 Merrijig Drive, Torquay
💻 Online: Live via Zoom
👉 Register now:
https://business.vic.gov.au/learning-and-advice/workshops-and-small-business-bus/view?id=E25472

10/03/2026

Thinking about starting a business — or recently taken the first step? 💡Join this practical workshop designed to help new and early‑stage business owners build a strong foundation. You’ll learn how to set up your business for success, choose and register the right business name, select the best shop, office or online platform, and understand the insurance you need.

📍 Torquay, Wed 18 March, 9am–12.30pm, Kurrambee Myaring Community Centre, 12 Merrijig Drive, Torquay
👉 Register here:
https://business.vic.gov.au/learning-and-advice/workshops-and-small-business-bus/view?id=E25472

You’ll create a simple business outline and action plan to help take your idea from concept to launch — plus enjoy light refreshments and the chance to connect with other local business owners.

Find out more about training and workshops being held by other trusted organisations

06/03/2026

We’re excited to share that the draft design for the Aireys Inlet Top Shops is now ready for round 2 of community feedback!
📍Come and chat with Council staff at the Aireys Inlet Market this Sunday 8 March, 9am–1pm.
If you can’t make it to the market, you can still explore the draft design and share your thoughts online anytime.
👉 yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/AireysInletTopShops
The survey is open until Friday 10 April.

05/03/2026

🙌It was great to see local businesses come together to build practical skills at our most recent Better Business Skills event covering:
- setting up product catalogues on Meta for Facebook and Instagram
- email, automation and customer engagement
- retention strategies to turn clicks into loyal customers
Thanks again for being part of our local business community and for the wonderful feedback. 🙌

🔜 What’s coming up next (check our Events section)
This Saturday: How to Photograph Your Work (open to everyone — you don’t need to be part of the Arts Trail)
18 March: Starting Your Small Business — ideal for those just getting started

26/02/2026

🚀 Level up your eCommerce game! Join our FREE workshop in Torquay next Tuesday 3 March, 9am-1pm, to turn clicks into cash. Learn Google & Meta Shops, conversion tracking, short-form video, sales calendars, and email best practices. Register now and network over coffee ☕️!

This practical workshop is designed to help online store owners improve their digital marketing and turn more website visitors into paying customers.

26/02/2026

📢 Free eCommerce Workshop – Torquay next Tuesday 3 March

Are you running an online store and want better results from ads, email and data? From Clicks to Customers is a practical, hands‑on session covering:
– Google & Meta Shops
– Conversion tracking
– Short‑form video content
– Sales calendars
– Email & Klaviyo best practices

📅 Tuesday 3 March | 9am–1pm
📍 Surf Coast Shire Council, Torquay
🎟 Free, registrations required

Stick around after for networking and light refreshments ☕️

26/02/2026

📢 Free eCommerce Workshop in Torquay next Tuesday 3 March

Are you running an online store and want better results from ads, email and data? From Clicks to Customers is a practical, hands‑on session covering:
– Google & Meta Shops
– Conversion tracking
– Short‑form video content
– Sales calendars
– Email & Klaviyo best practices

📅 Tuesday 3 March | 9am–1pm
📍 Surf Coast Shire Council, Torquay

🎟 Free, registrations required
Stick around after for networking and light refreshments ☕️👊🏼

23/02/2026

Calling all Surf Coast creatives, designers and apparel innovators 👗🧵✨ If you're working in fashion, textiles or clothing design, here’s a chance to unlock real support for growing your ideas and bringing new products to life.

The Australian Fashion Council is running a new webinar — Fashion Meets Funding: Unlocking Grants for Growth — designed to help fashion and apparel businesses navigate government funding with confidence.

Webinar details
🗓 4–5pm, Thurs 26 Feb 2026
💻 Online via Zoom
👉 Hosted by the Australian Fashion Council
🎟 Free for AFC Members / $50 + booking fee for Non‑Members

You’ll hear from funding expert Trent Scheirs (Grant Help) about:
• how to access the R&D Tax Incentive for apparel innovation
• using Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) to grow overseas
• what “grant‑ready” looks like
• common pitfalls and how to avoid them

AFC Fashion's Meets Funding Webinar

10/02/2026

💬 February Surf Coast Business Collective newsletter is out now!

We’ve hit the ground running this year — talking to 68 businesses on-the-ground in Lorne after recent emergency incidents. They want help to spread the word that Lorne is open. Coming up we have Small Business Recovery sessions in Lorne and Torquay thanks to Finwell and Rural Financial Counselling Service, launch our first Better Business Skills workshop and share current grant opportunities.
If you run a business on the Surf Coast or you’re just getting started, there’s plenty here to help you plan, learn and stay connected.

👉 Read the newsletter:

Recent bushfires and the flood impacts at Lorne and Wye River have created real challenges for many local businesses. To support recovery Finwell Support, the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) and Council are hosting two Small Business Recovery sessions to help you navigate disruption, get....

04/12/2025

🎄𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝.🎄

With Australians using enough festive-season paper to circle the globe four times, customers are looking for businesses that package with care.
Whether you offer gift wrapping, sell wrapping paper or ship orders, going green helps you stand out.
Business Victoria provide some wrapping alternatives and practical ways for your business to be more sustainable👇
https://business.vic.gov.au/learning-and-advice/hub/unwrapping-the-benefits-of-eco-friendly-packaging