Keeping you up to date on the latest opportunities available for your business.  

From State and Federal Government resources, grants to webinars, conferences, and training opportunities available to help build, grow, and advance your business, this is the place to stay up to date.   

To sign up to receive direct communication as these opportunities become available email our Economic Development Officer on ecodev@ccc.tas.gov.au   

Business Support Services

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To find out about support services that might be available to your business, please see below. All of the sites mentioned are updating their information regularly, so we encourage you keep checking in.

Business Resources

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Tasmanian Government Releases New Practical Guide to Starting a Small Business

Starting a business is exciting but making the right decisions about the benefits and risks can be overwhelming.

The Tasmanian State Government has developed a free practical guide to help you on your business journey.

The guide focusses on the Tasmanian operating environment and includes:

  • Useful contacts to help you find support.
  • guidance on how to do research, gather information and assess a business idea.
  • help with preparing a business plan and determining a business structure.
  • information to help you consider legal requirements, manage finances and deal with staff, customers and suppliers.

The guide will help you ensure your decisions are evidence-based and right for you.

For information on how to download the guide and worksheets head to the Business Tasmania website

 

Thinking about a new business idea but not sure where to start? Then you need the Business Plan Tool

To help you at the start of your business journey, the Australian Governments business.gov.au team has developed a tool to help put a business plan together.

The tool can be used by anyone thinking about starting a business or already running a business.

It will help you to:

  • evaluate a new business idea
  • set goals for the year ahead
  • keep you business on track

Topics covered include:

  • key people in the business
  • market opportunities
  • customers
  • competitors
  • communications
  • finances
  • goals for the next year

To start your business journey head to Develop your business plan | business.gov.au

 

New Online Home for Free Business Advice Services in Tasmania

A new website – businessadvice.tas.gov.au is now online, connecting you with information on the Tasmanian Business Advice Service, which provides existing businesses with up to five hours of advice, and the New Business Support Pilot Program, which offers up to two hours of advice for start-ups and early-stage businesses.

The site also lists the advisors who will support businesses under both services.

For more information and to express your interest, visit businessadvice.tas.gov.au

 

Prepare your Business for Bushfire Season

The 2023-24 bushfire season is already underway. Given the predicted heat, dry conditions, and volatile wine, businesses are strongly advised to prepare early and have an emergency plan and an up to date business continuity plan in place as soon as possible.

You can find a Bushfire preparation checklist, emergency preparation toolkit and business continuity plan template on the Business Tasmania website.

Ensure your Alarm Signaling Equipment (ASE) is up to date – view more information on the TFS website.

Further information can be found on our emergency management and disaster recovery page.

 

Mentoring Support for First Nations Tourism Businesses

The First Nations Tourism Mentoring Program is a new, free mentoring program for First Nations tourism businesses across Australia that matches businesses with skilled and experienced mentors.

This program is designed to support mentees to grow their tourism businesses and achieve their business goals. Mentees will have access to expert advice, tailored learning, and culturally respectful industry specialists.

Eligible First Nations tourism businesses will be matched with an experienced mentor who will work one-on-one to support your business to achieve its goals and to flourish.

To find further information and apply go to the First Nations Tourism Business Mentoring Program Website.

 

Employer of Choice Assist 

Employer of Choice Assist is a free service providing tailored assistance to small businesses in Tasmania to help them build a positive workplace culture.

For businesses with 20 employees or below, the service will assist with:

  • attracting new employees
  • keeping great employees for longer
  • developing workforce policies and procedures
  • building a positive workplace culture
  • being recognised as an Employer of Choice

Employer of Choice Assist is delivered by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry 

 

Zero Waste Event Toolkit

The Zero Waste Events Tasmania (ZWET) program, led by Visit Northern Tasmania, aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable waste practices among event organisers and attendees.

Recognising a need for guidance, strategies, and shared resources for event waste management and litter prevention in Tasmania, the Zero Waste Events Toolkit was developed.

The assets and tools in the toolkit were designed in consultation with the events sector and are now available for use. Find the toolkit on the Visit Northern Tasmania website. 

 

Defend Your Data

TasAlert have developed simple information to help you protect your data online. The TasAlert “Defend Your Data” information outlines how you can:

  • Screen for scams: how to detect a scam and what to look out for
  • Shield yourself: what to do to protect yourself online
  • Be ready to act: know what to do if you are a victim of a scam

You will also find a list of resources for further information on data protection.

View the Defend Your Data information

 

Free Trade Mark Checker Tool

A trade mark is a sign used to differentiate your business amongst others out in the market who are providing goods and services similar to yours. The most common types of trade marks are brand names, logos or a distinctive phrase.

A registered trade mark gives you the ability to:

  • stop others from using it
  • license others to use your trade mark
  • sell it (as a business asset)
  • use the (R) symbol

If you think a registered trade mark might be right for your business you can start by using IP Australia’s free trade mark checker tool, TM checker. The tool will give you an indication if there are already trade marks that might be similar to your proposed brand or name – from there you can start the application to register your trade mark.

Note: for detailed advice on trade marks and your business, please consult with a legal professional.

 

New Migration Tasmania Website

If you are a Tasmanian business interested in recruiting skilled migrants or someone looking to migrate to Tasmania, the new Migration Tasmania website provides essential information.

The website outlines the range of options for Tasmanian businesses who are having difficulty finding suitable candidates for vacant positions locally. It also details Migration Tasmania’s State Nominated Skilled Visa Pathways and application process.

The site covers the following key topics:

  • skilled migrants
  • business migrants
  • employer resources
  • live and work in Tasmania.

To find out more visit Migration Tasmania.

 

Plastic Free Places in Tasmania

We’re excited to announce that a new program – ‘Plastic Free Places Tasmania’, will be working with our local food retailers as they adapt to a single-use plastic free future, ensuring Tassie remains clean and green.

With grant funding from the Commonwealth Government, the Plastic Free Places program will offer free assistance to our local businesses as part of a national effort to combat plastic pollution.

Food retailers – like cafes, bars, restaurants, kiosks & vans are eligible for the program. Businesses will receive free tailored support on reducing single-use packaging, including money saving strategies, Instagram promotion, and signage recognising you as a sustainable business.

The Tasmanian State Government has announced a proposed ban on some single-use plastic items, but many local businesses are not yet prepared. So we’re thrilled they’ll be able to receive free on- ground support with Plastic Free Places Tasmania.

If you, or anyone you know, own a food or beverage related retail business within the City of Clarence, you can register your interest at plasticfreeplacestas.org. You can also show your support by following the efforts on Instagram or Facebook and by encouraging your local cafe or bar etc… to join.

 

Digital Solutions Tasmania

Through the support of the Australian Government, The van Diemen Project delivers the Digital Solutions Australian Small Business Advisory Services program – a subsidised, low cost program which helps businesses receive relevant and solutions focused business advice. 

Delivered by a range of multidisciplinary advisors, businesses can benefit from 3 hours of one-on-one tailored mentoring to help you discover opportunities for growth, overcome challenges, enhance your digital presence, and expand your customer base. You will also be able to join a range of interactive workshops and events that you can attend in person or online. 

The Digital Solutions program is $44 for a 7-hour packaged service that offers 3 hours of one-on-one tailored support as well as group workshops or webinars. If you currently have an active Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) or Health Care Card, the fee is waived.

To find out more about this program, what it offers, if your business is eligible and how to register for the program go to https://digitalsolutionstas.com.au/

 

Starting an agritourism business?

Are you thinking of starting an Agritourism business but not sure where to start?

Starting and operating an agritourism business can be complex and can involve specific timeframes, costs and challenges. To make it easier for agritourism businesses to get established in Tasmania, the Tasmanian Government has created a toolkit that provides important information for operators.

The toolkit guides anyone wanting to develop an agritourism idea through the approvals and permits they need to get started and then to maintain the business.

The toolkit includes detailed information about working with regulators, consultants, and technical professionals, holding events and functions, obtaining a liquor licence, setting up a food premises, and meeting fire protection, accessibility and wastewater system requirements.

To download the toolkit, visit Business Tasmania’s website at Starting an agritourism business | Business Tasmania

Grants and Funding Opportunities

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Business Advice and Financial Guidance Program Round 3 Grants Now Open until 30 May 2024

The Small Business Advice and Financial Guidance Program is now open for a third round, providing grants of up to $1,500 to help small businesses to access specialist advice.

The advice accessed through this program can assist business growth, transition, business recovery from unexpected events or the application of other management strategies.

Applications to this program close 2pm Thursday 30 May 2024 or when the annual funding has been fully allocated, whichever occurs first.

To review the guidelines and apply, please visit the Business Tasmania Website 

 

Business Growth Loan Scheme  – Open until 5pm Friday 20 December 2024 or until funds are allocated

The Business Growth Loan Scheme is now open for applications.

The $60 million scheme by the State Government provides loans of between $100,000 and $3 million to assist Tasmanian businesses to develop, expand or undertake new projects that promote growth in the Tasmanian economy.

The scheme is open for applications until 5pm, Friday December 2024 or until all funding has been allocated, whichever occurs first.

Click here for more information including program guidelines and how to apply. To arrange a discussion of your proposal or to ask any questions, email bgls@stategrowth.tas.gov.au

 

MicroBusiness Loans – by NILS (no interest loan scheme) Tasmania 

This scheme provides small, interest-free loans of up to $3,000 to people on low incomes who want to start their own business or grow an existing one. The loan can cover startup costs, insurance/registration costs, and/or equipment purchases. The find out more head to the NILS Tasmania website.

 

Webinars and Training

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Business Information Sessions on New Employer Requirements

The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce of Industry (TCCI) is organising information sessions to give Tasmanian businesses an overview of the recent changes made to the Fair Work Act. The sessions will explain what these changes mean for businesses and how to prepare.

Some of the key changes include the right to disconnect, the new definitions of employment and new wage compliance requirements. Employers will need to exercise greater caution to ensure compliance with these changes and obligations.

Both online and in-person sessions are available. For more information and to register, click on the following links:

Hobart session, Tuesday 9 April
Online session, Tuesday 16 April

 

Online Forums on the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework

Businesses that engage with children and young people are encouraged to attend online forums about Tasmanian’s new legally mandated Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework that will apply from 2024 onwards.

Organised by the Department of Justice, the online forums will provide an opportunity to ask questions, learn about how to prepare for compliance, and identify areas for future training, guidance, and support.

The forums will run through October and November 2023. For a full list of industry specific online forums and to sign up, refer to the Child and Youth Safe Standards online forums.

Learning on Demand – Business Courses for the Building Industry

The Housing Industry Association has developed a suite of custom designed courses to support those in the building industry with business basics.

Each course includes interactive learning components and topics include marketing, operating a business, business resilience and much more.

The Learning on Demand site provides flexible, self-directed online courses at a low cost that can also generate professional development points.

You can find more information about these courses at Learning on Demand or contact the team at pd@hia.com.au

 

TasTAFE Free SKILL UP Courses Now Available for Applications

TasTAFE has launched three new accredited SKILL UP courses that are fully subsidised by the Tasmanian Government. These free courses are ideal for people working in administrative and leadership roles who are looking to increase their career skills. Each skill set is delivered online with a blend of self-paced study and virtual workshops.

Applications are open with the following courses starting in late July:

For further information on these and other courses, including eligibility criteria and applications details head to the TasTAFE Website

 

Australian Taxation Office: Small Business Webinars

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) are offering a series of free webinars that provide advice on a range of small business topics. The webinars are live, interactive online seminars presented by experienced tax officers, with the option of asking questions to help apply the information directly to your situation.

Popular webinars include:

  • Employer: expense payment fringe benefits
  • Starting a small business
  • Claiming small business tax deductions
  • Introduction to business records
  • Goods and services tax (GST) introduction
  • Running a home-based business

Visit the ATO website to see the full list of webinars available and to reserve your spot.

 

Digital Ready Fundamentals Course

Build your ability to manage the digital aspects of your business with the free Digital Ready Fundamentals course from Digital Ready.

The online, self-paced course covers:

  • digital strategy fundamentals
  • branding and communications
  • web design
  • social media and more.

To find out more go to the Digital Fundamentals web page and click on a unit that interests you.

 

Tasmanian Manufacturing Pilot Program – Expression of Interest to Participate Now Open  

Are you a Tasmanian Manufacturer looking for opportunities to support the development of your workforce? 

UTAS with funding support from the Commonwealth Department of Education have a program of short courses that will be released, free of charge, over the coming 12 months to support Tasmanian manufacturing small to medium businesses to develop the skills and capabilities in its workforce (support the ongoing transition to Industry 4.0). 

The short courses will be a mix of fully online, self-paced learning and some practical, hands on workshops in early 2023. 

For more information about eligibility and how to register your interest head to https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VV3rFZEZvEaNp6slI03uCPhDf-fdW9dIuLPZthf362dUQkxUWDRLMEI2ODhYV1BPR1I0V1RVN0lQQS4u  

 

 

Awards, Nominations and Have Your Say Opportunities

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Have Your Say – Contribute to Tasmania’s Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan 2028

The Tasmanian Government’s 4-year Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan 2024 is drawing to a close and a new plan is now being developed.

Industry stakeholders are invited to provide their input through a short online survey, which takes around 10 minutes to complete, to help inform the Tasmanian Government’s priorities in supporting the manufacturing sector through to 2028.

The survey seeks a wide range of views to ensure that the new Action Plan meets the needs of industry and provides the greatest value possible for stakeholders, taxpayers and the Tasmanian economy.

The survey is available here.