In this newsletter:
- Hinkler Innovation Series
- New membership offering for Regional Business HQ
- Tick Personality Profiling
- Raising the Bar: The Bundaberg Region Promotion night
- BusinessBalance
- Business LEAP Client Testimonial – CC’s Kitchen
- Grants and Funding Opportunities
- Upcoming Events
Hinkler Innovation Series – ticket sales closing soon
Hinkler Innovation Series: Mark McCrindle
Thursday, 15 July 2021 | 6:45am – 9:00am | Multiplex Sports and Convention Centre, 1 Civic Avenue, Bundaberg
Please join us for the seventh Hinkler Innovation Series event with insightful discussion and a keynote from Mark McCrindle.
Mark McCrindle is a social researcher with an international following. He is recognised as a leader in tracking emerging issues and researching social trends. As an award-winning social researcher and an engaging public speaker, Mark has appeared across many television networks and other media.
Mark is a best-selling author, an influential thought leader, TEDx speaker and Principal of McCrindle Research. His advisory, communications and research company, McCrindle, count among its clients more than 100 of Australia’s largest companies and leading international brands.
To purchase a ticket for this event, visit: Hinkler Innovation Series 2021 and use our unique RBHQ30 code to get your discounted ticket.
Book Now – Ticket Sales Close 8 July
Membership offering
Regional Business HQ is excited to announce that we will be launching a new membership service in mid-July aimed at promoting local businesses.
Membership benefits include:
- a profile on our members directory on the website
- quarterly profile of members on our social media channels
- free attendance for 2 staff members at members networking events, launching at one event every two months
- one yearly profile feature in our newsletter (up to 250 words)
- participation in a future podcast series
- promotion of member specials on Regional Business HQ social media
- 10% discount on any Regional Business HQ offering (excluding tenancies)
If you would like more information on membership, or are interested in joining, please contact Brooke on em@businesshq.org.au.
TICK Personality Profiling Tool
Regional Business HQ are excited to partner with Tick Profiling Tools to offer TICK personality profiles and workshops!
What is TICK?
The TICK system is designed with the ordinary person in mind. While TICK is similar to other models on the market, where it differs is in its simplicity and practicality.
Many people find other models to be hard to understand and remember. Within a few days, the complex acronyms and 16 profiles are often largely forgotten. Therefore, other personality tests can have limited long-term effect on team behaviour or understanding.
Tick’s profiling tools are the simpler and more effective alternative:
- Tick personality profiles are based on a combination of four birds (eagle, peacock, owl, dove)
- The bird profiles offer instant understanding and don’t require very much explanation
- Team members will easily remember the bird profiles of their entire team
- The insights are so clear and intuitive that the team’s behaviour changes almost automatically
For more information on TICK Personality profiles, visit: RBHQ TICK Personailty Profiles
Tuesday, 20 July 2021 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | Regional Business HQ – Neville Room
Join Regional Business HQ Executive Manager Brooke Fossey in a 2 hour workshop introducing TICK personality profiles.
To RSVP for the FREE TICK personality workshop or to purchase a TICK personality profile (and RSVP to event), visit: RBHQ TICK Personality Profile Workshop
Raising the bar: The Bundaberg Region Promotion Night 2021
Regional Business HQ, along with the Generator, was proud to represent the Bundaberg Region at Queensland Parliament’s Bundaberg Region Promotion Night. This an annual event is designed to showcase the delights of the region, including the region’s finest produce, attractions and award-winning businesses.
The region was well-represented with the likes of Bundaberg Rum, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers, Kalki Moon, CRUSH Magazine, Across the Waves, CQU, Impact, Splitters Farm and Tinaberries, to name a few.
The evening provided an opportunity to speak directly with Ministers and MPs about important issues facing the region.
BusinessBalance
Supporting Small Business Mental Health and wellbeing
Small Businesses are significant contributors to the Australian Economy – yet they suffer more from symptoms of depression and anxiety than the general population and are under increased financial and emotional pressure as a result of the COVID -19 pandemic. To address this, the Australian Government’s BusinessBalance initiative is providing $7 Million in 2020-21 to support small businesses. This Includes:
- $4.3 million to provide free, accessible and tailored support for small business owners by expanding Beyond Blue’s NewAccess program in partnership with the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, and
- $2.2 Million to expand a free accredited professional development program that builds the mental health literacy of trusted business advisers so that they can better support small business owners in times of distress, delivered through Deakin University
BusinessBalance will help small business owners take proactive steps to improve their mental health.
NewAccess For Small Business Owners
The Australian Government is providing funding to expand Beyond Blue’s NewAccess program to deliver tailored, free and confidential mental health support to small business owners.
NewAccess for Small Business Owners is designed to support small business owners manage life stress by providing up to six structured sessions with a trained mental health coach who has a background in small business. No doctor’s referral or mental health treatment plan is required. The program is available nationally and can be accessed via phone or video call.
Counting On U
The Australian Government is providing funding to Deakin University to deliver Counting on U – a professional development program for small business advisers. Counting on U is run in partnership with Institute of Public Accountants, CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, Beyond Blue, WorkSafe VIC, and Mental Health First Aid integrates mental health first aid training with relationship – centred, business mentoring that will empower small business advisers to better support the mental wellbeing of their small business clients.
Business LEAP Client Testimonial
Hear from Business LEAP client and owner of CC’s Kitchen, Cecilia.
If you are looking to book a session with an Entrepreneurship Facilitator or looking for more information on Business LEAP’s Entrepreneurship Services, check out www.businessleap.org.au, phone 1300 249 482 or email a facilitator on:
The Generator
Mini Expert In Residence Experience : Michael Barber
Expert in Residence Experience: Michael Barber – Individual Sessions
Monday 26-28 July 2021 | The Generator Bundaberg, Level 1/155A Bourbong Street, Bundaberg
The Generator team is delighted to be hosting Michael Barber from IT Lawyers Brisbane for three days in July at The Generator Bundaberg. Michael will be running a group mentoring session and will offer one-on-one individual consults during his stay.
IT Lawyers Brisbane specialises in helping entrepreneurs get their startups off the ground and heading in the right direction. Whether you are considering a pure tech play or just using technology in your startup there are a raft of factors to consider and pitfalls to avoid. Michael Barber has been working globally in the Information Technology industry for almost 20 years. His multi-disciplinary approach and qualifications extends his capacity to service his clients by bridging the gap between business, technology and law.
To book a one-on-one session with Michael, submit the following form with your preferred meeting day and time: Individual Sessions: Availability Form
Expert in Residence Experience: Michael Barber – Group Session
Tuesday 27 July 2021 | 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm | The Generator Bundaberg, Level 1/155A Bourbong Street, Bundaberg
The Generator expert in residence, Michael Barber, will be delivering a group mentoring session on the legal consideration for business owners and startup founders.
The session will be an informal discussions across a range of legal topics including:
- How and when to engage with lawyers
- The advantages and disadvantages of various business structures
- Common business structures for businesses with intellectual property assets
- Contracts, corporate governance, how to avoid disputes and compliance risk
- Intellectual property
- Engaging contractors and freelancers
- Other issues which the group is interested in, time permitting
For more information or to register visit: Group mentoring: Legalities for Startups with Michael Barber
For more information on coworking and room hires, contact The Generator or check out www.thegenerator.org.au
Our Partners
Sometimes you come across a hidden gem, and you just can’t stop shouting their praises…
At Regional Business HQ, we are always on the look out for products and services that really help small businesses cut through red tape and remove administrative burden to free up valuable time for people already stretched thin.
Two of the products we are happy to partner with are the Australian Employee Manual and Driversnote. The Australian Employee Manual provides you with a ready to go product that is up to date with all current legislation. Driversnote is an app that makes FBT reporting a breeze! It is simple and easy to use and is available on desktops as well as Android and Apple phones.
Australian Employee Manual believes in making managing your team easy. When you are in a small business or a not for profit, you may not have a human resources professional on your team or cant afford to hire a consultant. That’s where Australian Employee Manual can help. Since 2007 Australian Employee Manual has easy to apply employee templates, processes and forms that have been helping small business owners get back to growing their business or delivering a service, rather than spending weeks bogged down writing policies.
Employee Performance Reviews can be one of the best tools to boost performance, improve morale and increase productivity … if they are done well. But too often people just fill in the forms and wonder why they didn’t get the results they were looking for. Or, they are suddenly faced by an employee in tears, or who gets angry during their performance appraisal. Or, they have to deal with a poor performer.
These everyday events can trip up the most experienced managers – and derail your whole employee review process unless you know what to do. Australian Employee Manual, Employee Performance Reviews: Tips Templates & Tactics can help you create a positive employee performance review that create effective and lasting performance improvements.
Driversnote‘s logbook app is always at hand to record your trips and calculate your reimbursement. Save addresses you visit frequently, add notes and set each trips purpose for a complete mileage log. Driversnote will keep your car logbook ready for download as a PDF or spreadsheet in line with ATO requirements. The best bit is that it is free for 20 trips per month! If, like us, after trying out the free version you think that the app is worth it to save the headache of manually counting logbook trips, head over to our affiliate page and purchase your subscription.
Driversnote also has an ATO Mileage guide, where you’ll find a collection of articles that will help you navigate the rules of reimbursing employees for their car expenses or deducting expenses as an employee or self-employed individual. Knowing the rules and requirements for mileage logs, and the like, is important, as it could mean the difference between being reimbursed or not.
Our Sponsors
NBN Digital Capability Tool
Do you know your Digital Capability? Do you want to improve your Digital Capability?
The new nbn™ Digital Capability Self-Assessment Tool takes just 5 mins for an individual to get an assessment. Whilst there will be many who will be comfortable with their result, there will be others who will want to grasp the opportunity to grow and become more digitally enabled. At the end of the questionnaire the individual will quickly be able to visualise where they fit on a rating scale guide that includes these types:
- Cautious Adopter – Typically someone at an early stage in developing their digital capabilities and only uses technology for very basic functions, such as sending a text message
- Digitally Responsive – Someone who might only engage with technology in response to a specific need or only when there are limited to no other options.
- Pragmatist – Someone who is still developing their digital skills however they are capable of figuring things out as they are required.
- Problem solver – Someone who has enough knowledge of most digital capabilities to get by in everyday situations involving technology and is growing in confidence.
- Learner – Someone who is digitally inquisitive is skilled in some digital capabilities but often developing in select areas, and therefore is always eager to learn more.
- Lifestyler – Someone to whom technology is seamlessly integral to everyday living.
- Visionary – Someone who is advanced across most digital capabilities, however, may still have more to learn in a certain area.
- Digital leader – Someone who is highly skilled in all things digital and is constantly imagining new and inspiring ways to enhance daily tasks using technology.
If you would like a copy of the IDG Pulse survey or have a question about your connection, please email Deborah Mead deborahmead@nbnco.com.au or call Deb on 0439 438 334.
Grants and Funding Opportunities
Grants and funding can play a key role in helping businesses grow, start-up or target new service offerings. Each month, we bring you a snippet of some of the grants available that you might find of interest. If you are thinking of applying for a grant and don’t know where to start, contact the team at Regional Business HQ, who are happy to help.
New Small Business Grants coming soon…
The Queensland Government has announced three new small business grants programs worth $25 million over two years.
The Business Boost grant will target specific groups within the sector and continue to deliver on the Government’s election commitments to small business. The grants are being rolled out based on direct feedback received from small business owners through the Small Business Roadshow and online survey which showed support programs are needed to assist Queensland businesses at different stages of the business lifecycle.
Grant programs are being delivered over the coming months to provide businesses with time to prepare prior to application periods. The upcoming grant schedule is now available on the Business Queensland website.
Small business operators should visit the Business Queensland website to access the grants schedule as well as guidelines and eligibility information for the Business Growth Fund to get ready to apply.
Round 2: Small business COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program
Between $2,000 and $10,000 is available for small or micro businesses to:
- Prepare for safe resumption of trading in the post COVID-19 recovery
- Introduce digital technologies to improve business operations, transition into a new way of doing business or to up-skill and re-skill business owners alongside staff to ultimately benefit the business
- Create and sustain employment to maintain potential long-term growth and continue to meet operating costs
Applicants have a maximum of 6 months from the date of approval to complete the project
For more information, visit: Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program
Back to Work Initiative – Employee Support Payment
The Back to Work program is designed to give businesses the confidence to employ Queenslanders who have experienced a period of unemployment. Support payments are available to eligible employers who hire a previously unemployed Queenslander who has experienced a minimum period of unemployment directly prior to commencing work with them.
The program is available throughout regional Queensland and in some areas of South East Queensland (SEQ).
Employers can make an online application through QGrants after the eligible employee completes four weeks of continuous paid employment. Initial applications must be received within eight weeks of the employee completing four weeks of continuous employment.
For more information, visit: Back to Work Initiative – Employer Support Payment
Business Boost
Business Boost grants of up to $15,000 will help small businesses to improve their efficiency and productivity through organisational development and upgrades through automated software and CRM systems. Grants can be used for website development and upgrades, strategic marketing, training and coaching, advisory services and planning for business continuity and succession.
Applications are expected to open late July 2021.
For updates on this grant: Business Queensland – Grants Schedule
Funding for 2022 Queensland Day events
Funding for next year’s Queensland Day events
As Queenslanders continue to celebrate Queensland Day events in 2021, community groups throughout Queensland can already start planning for next year with the launch of the 2022 Queensland Day Sponsorship Program. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has invited applications for funding of up to $15,000 for events and initiatives dedicated to celebrating Queensland’s birthday on 6 June.
“Having marked Queensland Day with a diverse range of COVID-safe events across the state, organisations can again lodge sponsorship applications,” the Premier said.
“For non-profit organisations, residents’ groups, Parents and Citizens’ Associations, Local Government Authorities or any other community group, now is the time to start thinking about 2022 Queensland Day events and applying for funding.
”Applications for up to $15,000 for Queensland Day events held 4-12 June 2022 can be made through the 2022 Queensland Day Sponsorship Program. “
Events or initiatives may include hosting a family fun day, a community festival, markets or an art display, to showcase our great state and support Queenslanders to gather safely to mark the day in 1859 that Queensland became separate.
For more information on the Queensland Day Sponsorship Program, download the 2022 Queensland Day Sponsorship Program guidelines on the Queensland Government website, or phone 07 3003 9200.
Applications for the 2022 Queensland Day Sponsorship Program close 5pm Tuesday 31 August 2021.
Incentives for Employers – Australian Apprenticeships
As an employer of an Australian Apprentice you may be eligible for financial assistance from the Australian Government to help with hiring and training an apprentice.
Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements
Through the subsidy, any business or Group Training Organisation that engages an Australian Apprentice between 5 October 2020 and 30 September 2021 may be eligible for a subsidy of 50 per cent of wages paid to a new or recommencing apprentice or trainee for a 12-month period from the date of commencement, to a maximum of $7,000 per quarter. There is no cap on the number of eligible trainees/ apprentices.
For more information, visit: Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements
Supporting Apprentices and Trainees
Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of an eligible apprentice or trainee’s wages paid until 31 March 2021. In addition to the existing support for small businesses, medium-sized businesses may be eligible for the subsidy, for wages paid from 1 July 2020 to 31 March 2021.
For more information, visit: Supporting Apprentices and Trainees
Additional Identified Skills Shortage Payment
Eligible employers of Australian Apprentices will also receive $2,000 at the 12 month point from the commencement of the apprenticeship and an additional $2,000 at completion of the apprenticeship.
For more information, visit: Additional Identified Skills Shortage Payment
Support for Adult Australian Apprentices
An employer of an adult Australian Apprentice may be eligible to attract the SAAA payment where the Australian Apprentice is:
- undertaking a full-time or part-time Certificate III or IV qualification that leads to an occupation listed on the National Skills Needs List at the date of commencement or recommencement; and
- in receipt of an ‘actual wage’ paid by the employer at the date of commencement or recommencement which is equal to or greater than the National Minimum Wage
For more information, visit: Support for Adult Australian Apprentices
Assistance for Australian Apprentices with Disability
Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) is an incentive payable to an employer who employs an Australian Apprentice who satisfies the disability eligibility criteria. DAAWS is also available to employers who employ Australian Apprentices who become disabled during their apprenticeship.
For more information, visit: Assistance for Australian Apprentices with Disability
Australian Apprentice Wage Subsidy
The Australian Apprentice Wage Subsidy trial aims to support apprenticeships in skills need occupations in rural and regional areas and encourage participation in apprenticeships by employers who have not previously engaged apprentices, as well as re-engaging employers who may have disengaged from the system. Employers who employ a new worker Australian Apprentice undertaking a full-time Certificate III or IV qualification that leads to an occupation listed on the National Skills Needs List in a rural and regional workplace.
For more information, visit: Australian Apprentice Wage Subsidy
For more information on Employer Incentives, visit: Australian Apprenticeship Employer Incentives
Upcoming Events
Inside Advanced Manufacturing 2021
Thursday, 15 July 2021 | 8am and 12pm | Oreco group Bundaberg
Thursday, 15 July 2021 | 9am | Nestlé Gympie
Inside Advanced Manufacturing 2021 will be held statewide from 12 to 16 July 2021. During the week, a selection of Queensland’s top manufacturers will open their doors to showcase their innovative manufacturing techniques and technologies to other manufacturers.
(Bundaberg) Oreco Group, an agricultural and horticultural product manufacturer in the Bundaberg region, will showcase its state-of-the-art automated equipment including the nation’s largest industrial crop dryer and the largest range of baling and packaging equipment, during site tours at 8am and 12pm on Thursday 15 July 2021.
(Gympie) Nestlé, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, will host a tour at their Gympie manufacturing plant to showcase its advanced technology and intelligent reverse engineering processes at 9am on Thursday 15 July 2021.
For more information on the 36 scheduled Inside Advanced Manufacturing 2021 events, visit: Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water | Inside Advanced Manufacturing 2021
To register for the above events, visit: Inside Advanced Manufacturing 2021 Event Registration
Bundaberg Angels Meeting
Tuesday, 20 July 2021 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm | The Generator Bundaberg , Level 1 155A Bourbong Street
The Generator Bundaberg is pleased to partner with Angel Loop Ltd to present startups who will be pitching for investment at our upcoming Bundaberg Angels meeting.
Three pitches at this event:
- Intelligent brainstorming platform.
- Virtual reality software to assist psychologists.
- Auditory training application for the hearing impaired.
Investors who are interested in supporting Queensland based startups and incorporating angel investment within their portfolio are invited to attend.
About Angel Loop Ltd: Angel Loop is a special purpose public company formed to encourage more early-stage investment and connecting entrepreneurs to this much needed seed investment.
Bundaberg Angels meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every second month. Booking is essential and attendance is strictly limited to investors.
To purchase tickets for this event, visit: Bundaberg Angel Meeting Tickets
Breakeven point for your Business Webinar
Thursday, 8 July 2021 | 8:00pm | Online webinar
Join Business LEAP Entrepreneurship Facilitator Vicki Leeson and CEO of BIEDO, Prue Leng in this pre-recorded webinar where you will find out information about breakeven points, terminology used by accountants and keeping your business afloat.
In this webinar, ‘Breakeven point for your business’ you’ll learn valuable insights such as:
- what breakeven point means (hint: it’s one of the single most important things of selling a service or product)
- costs verses sell prices
- understanding what is eating away at the bottom line profits
To receive the link for this event, register your details at: Breakeven Point for your Business
