Business News

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 Tasmania – Tasmanian Government Business Assistance – https://www.business.tas.gov.au/home
• Tasmanian Business Advice Service – Free and independent business advice tailed to your needs – Tasmanian Business Advice Service
• Digital Ready – Helping Tasmanian businesses take the next step online – https://digitalready.tas.gov.au/
• WorkSafe Tasmania – for all the rules that apply to operating your business safely – https://worksafe.tas.gov.au/home
• Tasmania Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) – Peak business body supporting businesses in Tasmania to thrive https://www.businessintasmania.com/
• Business Licence and Information Services – use this tool to find out which licences you need to start, run and grow your business https://ablis.business.gov.au/
• BEST (Business and Employment Southeast Tasmania) – employment hub delivering free employment, training and small business advice. Local People for Local Jobs https://bestas.com.au/
• Business Eastern Shore – creating a connected and supported business community https://businesseasternshore.com.au/
• AusIndustry – Commonwealth Government support to help businesses to innovate, invest and commercialise. To see if you are eligible for funding head to AusIndustry | business.gov.au or call 13 28 46.
• Skilled Migration Program – Department of Home Affairs. Available visa options can be found at Explore visa options (homeaffairs.gov.au). Information for businesses on employing overseas workers can be found at Employing overseas workers (homeaffairs.gov.au). To contact the Hobart-based Business, Industry and Regional Outreach officer for further information email Tiffany Brooks on BIRO.VIC.TAS@homeaffairs.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 commencing from Monday, 2 October 2023.

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 volitile 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 prepartion toolkit and business continuity plan template on the Business Tasmania webiste.

Further infroamtion 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

Tourism Emissions Reduction Grant Program Now Open until 11am Monday 16 October 2023

Applications are now open for the Tourism Emissions Reduction Grant Program, funded by the Tasmanian Government.

Grants are available to support projects that reduce emissions within a business and cover one or more of the areas of transport, waste reduction, carbon accounting training or new low-emissions technology or equipment.

For more information and to apply for the Tourism Emissions Reduction Grant Program visit the Business Tasmania website.

Applications will close at 11:00 am Monday, 16 October 2023, or when funds are fully allocated, whichever occurs first.

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 

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.

Tasmanian Business Advice and Support Roadshow – Hobart 23 October 2023 – 5:30pm – 7pm

In partnership with the Tasmanian Small Business Council, Business Tasmania is bringing the Tasmanian Business Advice and Support Roadshow to Hobart.

At the event you will hear about the Tasmanian Government’s new business advice services, as well as the range of free support available to assist you to start or run a business in Tasmania.

The roadshow is coming to eight locations around the state and will be hosted in Hobart on Monday 23 October 2023 from 5:30pm to 7pm at the Salamanca Inn, 10 Gladstone Street, Battery Point.

Everyone is welcome to attend the free events, whether you’re a business owner, operator or about to start your business journey to hear all about the new program along with guest speakers from organisations and government agencies that work to support small businesses.

To register for the event in Hobart click here

To register for another event being held around Tasmania click here

Create a futuremap® for your business – Hobart Wednesday 25 October 2023 – from 8am

Workshops delivered by Swinburne University of Technology, in partnership with the Tasmanian Government will support you to create a digital transformation strategy for your business.

Suited to Tasmania’s manufacturing and process related industries, the futuremap® — transforming Manufacturing with Industry 4.0 workshops will reveal how Industry 4.0 digital technologies, business model innovation and leadership can transform your business.

At the end of the workshop, participants will be provided a personalised futuremap® report identifying growth opportunities, areas of improvement and resources to assist tackling the next steps.

Workshops are free, but spaces are limited. Register via the links below:

Hobart, Wed, 25 Oct 2023, 8:00 am.
Launceston, Thu, 26 Oct 2023, 8:00 am.
Devonport, Fri, 27 Oct 2023, 8:00 am.

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:

• TASMSS0233 Managing Difficult Conversations and Relationships: Develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate challenging interpersonal situations
• TASMSS0234-V01 Using Emotional Intelligence in Project Work: Improve project outcomes by using emotional intelligence (EI) to relate with others effectively and constructively
• TASMSS0232-V01 Leading for Diversity and Inclusion: Discover the advantages diversity and inclusion can bring to your workplace

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  

Have Your Say – Contribute to the Tasmanian Sustainability Strategy

You are invited to help build Tasmania’s sustainability strategy and to contribute your ideas for Tasmania’s sustainability vision and goals.

Businesses are increasingly making positive impacts to Tasmania’s sustainability by reducing emissions, eliminating waste, providing fair and safe work, and being part of the community. Tasmania Positive: The Tasmanian Government’s sustainability strategy aims to coordinate these efforts and work with the business sector towards common goals.

To have your say on these common goals, simply visit www.sustainability.tas.gov.au/ before submissions close on the 6th of October 2023.

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. 

City of Clarence Business Excellence and Service Awards Now Open until 16 October

Nominations are now open for the 2023 City of Clarence Business Excellence and Service Awards.

Administered by Business Eastern Shore, these awards recognise excellence in business on the eastern shore for over 20 years. They contribute to the awareness and profile of eastern shore businesses and foster pride in the business community.

The Business Excellence Awards seek to reward excellence in overall business planning, management and operations. Short-listed entrants will receive a site visit from the judging panel.

Business Excellence Awards are awarded for the following categories:

• Enterprise and Innovation Award
• Environmental Sustainability Award
• Community Contribution Award
• New Business Award
• Inclusivity and Diversity Award

The Business Eastern Shore Award is awarded to the most outstanding recipient in the Excellence Awards categories.

The Customer Service Awards seek to identify and reward excellence in customer service across a range of industries. Nominees are assessed by a visit by a mystery shopper.

Customer Service Awards are awarded for the following categories:

• Retail
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Professional Services
• Other Business
• Vanessa Goodwin Memorial Mentoring Award

The Pride of Workmanship Award gives recognition to a high performing employee, apprentice or trainee, nominated by either a manager, owner or customer.

The Eastern Shore Sun Marketing Award includes free advertising for the successful recipient.

Nominations Now open and close Monday 16 October.

Anyone can nominate a business and businesses can also self‑nominate. Award winners will be announced at a Presentation Ceremony in November.

Business Eastern Shore thanks sponsors Accru Hobart, Clarence City Council, Eastern Shore Sun, Eastside Gymnastics Academy, and Hobart International Business Park for making the Awards possible.

For further information about the awards and how to nominate visit https://businesseasternshore.com.au/awards/