Cardinia Shire Council is committed to partnering with businesses by offering support during times of change. Whether these changes are planned, like streetscape upgrades, or unexpected, such as natural disasters or disruptions from neighbouring properties, we are here to help.
Our mission is to help businesses navigate these changes smoothly and continue to thrive. We provide a variety of services and resources tailored to the unique needs of small businesses.
Our Economic Development Team is ready to connect you with top-quality service providers who can offer the specific help you need. Whether it’s advice on managing disruptions, accessing financial support, or finding the right resources for your staff, we are here to support you every step of the way.
If you need help identifying the right support for you, your business, or your staff, please contact us directly at business@cardinia.vic.gov.au. We are here to help you succeed.
Business Support Services
Financial Support
Business Victoria offers a range of financial support and advisory services to help businesses build resilience and navigate challenges. This includes grants, low-interest loans, and tax relief to ease financial pressure, as well as mentoring programs that provide expert guidance. Additionally, businesses can access vouchers for digital adaptation and efficiency improvements, along with tailored support for regional and industry-specific needs. These resources aim to strengthen business performance, foster growth, and support recovery during difficult times.
Financial CounsellingVictoria provides free, confidential financial advice to individuals and small business owners. Their qualified counsellors help manage debts, bills, and financial issues, offering services like grant applications, debt negotiation, utility bill management, and financial health checks. They also assist with creditor negotiations, bankruptcy, and connecting to government assistance for long-term financial stability.
Partners in Wellbeing provides free financial support and advice to help small businesses manage financial stress and improve resilience. Their services include one-on-one financial counselling, assistance with cash flow management, debt negotiation, and strategies for financial recovery. Tailored to the unique challenges faced by small businesses, this program offers practical guidance to help business owners navigate financial difficulties, make informed decisions, and strengthen their financial wellbeing.
The SmallBusiness Debt Helpline offers free, confidential support for small business owners struggling with financial difficulties. Experienced financial counsellors provide advice on managing business debt, negotiating with creditors, and developing strategies to regain control of your finances. Whether you need assistance with cash flow issues, understanding your options, or navigating tough financial decisions, the helpline offers practical guidance to help you overcome financial challenges and move towards stability.
Mental Health
Ahead for Business is a digital hub designed to support Australian small business owners and sole traders in managing their mental health and wellbeing. It offers a range of personalised resources and tools tailored to the specific needs of small businesses. Key features include:
Beyond Blue’s provides the NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO) is a guided self-help mental health coaching program. It’s free, confidential and convenient. Available nationally by phone or video call, no GP referral is required.
Business Victoria provides mental health and well-being support for business owners and their teams. This includes free, confidential mentoring through the Partners in Wellbeing program, resources, and workshops on mental health and coping strategies.
The helpline offers confidential support via self-referrals and colleague referrals.
Visit the Partners in Wellbeing webpage or call 1300 375 330 for more information.
The WorkWell Toolkit provides practical step by step ideas, tips and suggestions to help employers of different sizes prevent mental injury and create a safe and mentally healthy workplace. Use tools, templates and resources to focus on work-related factors that impact mental health and learn good practice. Check out the full range of topics on the Toolkit
Business Activity
Cardinia Business Coaches Program offers business owners access to professional and confidential coaching sessions with experienced industry experts. Business are able to access up to three 60 minute sessions free.
More information can be found on the Cardinia Business Coaches webpage.
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Casey Cardinia Jobs Portal is a one-stop-portal for employment in the Casey Cardinia region. Job vacancies can be posted on this portal at no cost using this easy online system. Simply upload your job advert onto Casey Cardinia Jobs portal (using easy copy and paste functionality) and your job will be advertised to all jobseekers online, or you can nominate to restrict advertising to local jobseekers for a limited period.
The What's on Cardinia Business Hub is a great way for the Cardinia community to learn about the businesses in and around Cardinia. They can browse by category, region or tag to find what’s available locally.
The Business Hub is designed to put the spotlight on you and your business and increase your profile.
Add your business here
What’s On Cardinia is an events calendar detailing all upcoming events happening across Cardinia Shire, showcasing the unique and diverse region. It provides businesses with a powerful platform to amplify their reach and engage the local community, fostering a sense of connection and loyalty.
Read more information here
Explore local workshops, seminars, conferences, and specialised training sessions designed to empower professionals across sectors.
Find a list of local events at Business Events and Training
Free access to short courses, online events and resources from the state’s top education providers and industry experts to help you upskill and run your business.
Business Victoria offers extensive support and services to help small businesses in Victoria start, grow, and succeed. Their resources include a free 45-minute virtual session with a business expert, available once per year. These sessions cover topics like marketing, website development, and digital strategies, providing a customized action plan to achieve your goals.
For more information and to book a session, visit Business Victoria.
The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) is committed to creating a fair and competitive environment for small businesses in Victoria. The VSBC focuses on:
- Advocacy: Championing the interests of small businesses.
- Dispute Resolution: Offering low-cost services to resolve issues like leasing and contracts.
- Monitoring: Keeping an eye on the business landscape to ensure fairness.
- Engagement: Connecting with the business community to provide support and resources.
The VSBC also offers information and fact sheets in multiple languages to help businesses resolve disputes. Additionally, they have published the Guide to Managing Disruption.
For more details and resources, visit the Victorian Small Business Commission website.
The Australian Small Business and FamilyEnterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) supports small businesses with services like dispute resolution and legal referrals, helping them manage conflicts with other businesses, landlords, or government agencies. Additionally, the ASBFEO’s My Business Health portal offers business health checks and resources to help owners improve financial management, marketing strategies, and workplace safety, enhancing overall business performance and resilience.
The Australian Government’s business page on business.gov.au provides extensive resources to support businesses at every stage. Key offerings include:
- Comprehensive Information: Guidance on starting, running, and growing a business, including business structures, registration, and planning.
- Free Resources: Access to government grants, funding programs, and professional help from financial advisors and business consultants.
- Online Tools: Health checks to evaluate operational efficiency and legal compliance.
- Workshops and Networking Events: Opportunities for skill development and community engagement.
For more details, visit the Australian Government Business page.
The Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water offers initiatives to help small businesses in Victoria become more sustainable and reduce energy costs. Key programs include:
- Small Business Energy Saver Program: Assistance in identifying energy-efficient equipment upgrades.
- Rebates and Financial Assistance: Support for energy efficiency upgrades to offset initial costs.
- Free Online Resources: Access to sustainability toolkits and energy efficiency calculators.
For more information, visit the Department’s website.
Self-Employment Assistance Program is funded by the Australian Federal Government and can help you turn your business idea or existing small business into a viable business. The program allows you to choose the level of support that meets your needs and the needs of your small business.
This program is offered locally by:
Workshops & Events
There are numerous face-to-face and online workshops and events where you could improve your abilities, network with others, and get business guidance from a professional or mentor.
Visit the following websites for upcoming events and workshops:
Resources and further information
General resources
- Starting a business in Victoria - Learn the essential steps and resources needed to successfully launch your business in Victoria, from registration to compliance.
- Create opportunities to grow your business - Discover strategies and tools to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities for your business.
- Grow your business with a business plan - Develop a comprehensive business plan to guide your growth and secure funding.
- Grow your business through a new product or service - Explore how introducing new products or services can drive business expansion.
- Grow your business through employee innovation - Leverage the creativity and ideas of your employees to foster innovation and growth.
- Grow your business through exports - Expand your market reach by exploring export opportunities and navigating international trade.
- Business Victoria Event Planner - Plan and participate in events that can help you network, learn, and grow your business.
Government websites
Recruitment assistance
Businesses can seek help from recruitment agencies, which can provide services such as job postings, candidate screening, and interviewing to ensure that they find the best fit for their open positions. Additionally, there are online job boards and networking platforms that businesses can utilise to expand their reach and connect with potential candidates.
Tools and templates
Business.gov.au
Offers a variety of free templates and tools, including:
Business Victoria
Business Victoria offers a range of free templates and tools, including:
- Final notice email templates
- Follow-up contact scripts
- Letter of demand templates
- New customer engagement letter templates
- Financial statements templates
- Marketing plan templates
- Job description templates
- Making it easier to do business with government | buyingfor.vic.gov.au
- Investment tools and templates | Tourism and Events
Small Business Mentoring Service
Have a comprehensive online library designed for small businesses to help start, run and grow.
Including:
