Welcome to the Business in Cockburn eNewsletter. We will update you every month on what is happening in the City of Cockburn and how it may impact your business. For information on business support and the latest business events please visit theBusiness in Cockburn website.
2021 grant recipient Claire O'Loughlin from Ocean Remedy said "the City of Cockburn Business Grant allowed me to step up my business and start producing locally. Previously I relied on offshore manufacturing. Now I have machinery and a combined making and retail space with the ability to make the highest quality activewear right here in WA from recycled fabrics. This reduces waste, avoids minimum quantities, allows me to be agile in the product I am offering and to offer special sizing to customers".
Apply for a grant up to $5,000
The Economic Development Grants program provides a focus on supporting the local business community through facilitating opportunities for local business, local activity centres and industry to thrive. Up to $5,000 is available for eligible projects that support innovation, technology, enhance our centres and streetscapes, and assist with recovery from COVID-19.
Am I eligible to apply?
To apply, an applicant must meet the following criteria:Have an ABNHave a business based in Cockburn or a project or initiative within CockburnBe a micro, small or medium business (1 to 199 employees)Have appropriate insurances and licenses.
What categories can I apply for?
Grants of up to $5,000 are available in the following categories:Enhancements to local retail and employment centresPromotion of innovationAssisting businesses with COVID-19 recoveryTechnology/digital enhancements* capped at $3,000 per application. Projects must be delivered within 6 months, with an acquittal submitted within one month of completion.
What is the deadline?
Economic Development Grants are open now, and applications must be submitted by 11.59pm on Friday 13 May 2022.
The City of Cockburn has expanded its Business and Economic Development Team with two new roles, so there are even more ways we can support your business. Michael Faulkner, Lead, Business and Economic Development and William Barry, Economic Development Officer, will be available to assist with any business queries. You can also reach them at business@cockburn.wa.gov.au. Sarah Kahle, Business Engagement Officer will be departing the City for new opportunities. Sarah stated that she has enjoyed her time assisting and supporting the businesses of Cockburn. "It's been a privilege to be part of such a dynamic and varied business community and to see the collaborations and innovations that have resulted in business success. I wish all of you all the best for the future".
Applications open for regular hirers of new facilities
Applications for individuals or groups to express their interest to become a regular hirer at Treeby Community & Sports Centre and Frankland Park Recreation Centre are now open!
If your business is located close by to our beautiful coastline, please be aware that the City is undertaking sand replenishment at Coogee Beach and C.Y. O’Connor Beach to manage erosion and maintain beach amenities and access. The process will begin in late May and should be completed by mid-June 2022.
A floating dredge is being used as, unlike in previous years, the sand required is in deeper water, too deep for land-based excavators to reach. The floating dredge will take sediment from the seabed and pump it via a pipe to the sand replenishment locations on the two beaches. The sand will initially look darker due to use of a different extraction and transport method. However, it will naturally bleach and lighten within weeks to match the existing beach sand.
Public health and social measures have eased from 12:01am, Friday 29 April, with the removal of masks in most settings, and density and capacity limits, proof of vaccination, and G2G Pass requirements all removed, as well as new asymptomatic close contact protocols. Improved access to Small Business Hardship Grants
More businesses will benefit from an increase in payments through the Small Business Hardship Grants Program, and more businesses will be able to apply for the boosted grants with adjustments made to eligibility requirements.
A new tiered grant will be available to businesses that have experienced a 30 per cent reduction in turnover over any consecutive four-week period between January 1, 2022 and April 30, 2022, relative to the same period last year.
Businesses in this category will be eligible for a grant between $3,750 and $37,500 depending on the size of the business and the number of employees.
The SBDC has published a blog that is focussed on encouraging small business people to ‘talk to your local government about your new premises’. Many small business owners are unaware that they may be required to obtain various local government approvals for their new premises, or to ensure they are operating in compliance with the relevant planning, building and health legislation. To avoid costly and disruptive mistakes check out their blog below.
The City has partnered with ClimateClever to provide a 50% discount to Cockburn based businesses who want to make a difference by tackling their carbon output and accessing tools to work towards becoming carbon neutral. The data driven ClimateClever Business Platform enables businesses from a variety of industries to accurately calculate and reduce their carbon footprint. Using the ClimateClever Platform encourages any team to take action on climate change, and even reach net zero emissions. The ClimateClever platform allows you to:Measure your baseline emissions using our accurate carbon calculatorAudit your appliances to understand how you are consuming resourcesUsing our action library, choose from a growing list of actions that will help you reduce your footprint and save you moneyTrack your progress using our smart analytical toolsChoose to offset your remaining emissions to become carbon neutral.
If you have any queries or would like to get in touch with the Business & Economic Development Team, please email business@cockburn.wa.gov.au or call 08 9411 3444.
