Business Mount Alexander

BMA Special General Meeting
2019-08-23 17:00 - 17:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Taproom, 1-9 Walker Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Australia
Notice of Special Meeting
A request has been made and accepted to hold a Special General Meeting for the following purposes:

Election of new committee and executive roles

It has been identified that the membership of five of the committee members elected at the AGM (10 July) had not been fully processed. This process will be complete by 23 August and therefore, as per the Model Rules for the association, all five will be eligible for election to the committee. Consequently, we will re-elect the Committee and Executive for BMA at the Special General Meeting so that due process is upheld.

Membership fees

The committee has proposed that we implement a flat rate of $120 per annum, but only charge the fee for a maximum of 6 months (i.e $60) this financial year. We will vote on this at the SGM.
The meeting will be held at:
The Taproom on 23 August at 5:00pm
A minimum of ten members are required to form a quorum, so we ask that you please confirm your attendance at this meeting by emailing gen@businessmountalexander.org.au

Annual General Meeting - BMA
2019-07-10 18:30 - 20:00 | We Push Buttons Studio, Level 1, 12-18 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450
The Committee of Business Mount Alexander Inc recently met to discuss the future of the business association. The Executive have expressed their intention to step down from their roles at the next Annual General Meeting, set for 10 July. Expressions of Interest are sought for a new BMA Committee.
If you’d like to join or know of someone who might, please get in touch with gen@businessmountalexander.org.au for more information.
Nibbles and refreshments will be supplied and there will be an opportunity for informal networking.

BMA Breaky at Saffs
2018-11-23 07:45 - 09:15 | Saffs Cafe, 64 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450
Come along to Business Mt Alexander’s networking breakfast on Friday 23rd Nov at Saffs. Meet people from a variety of businesses in the shire and including the BMA committee!
Larry O’Toole from Graffiti Publications is our guest speaker who will share with us about the Hot Rod Centre at the old CSC campus on Etty Street and how this site is being transformed into a resource for business and community.
Time: 7.45am for an 8am start.
Cost: This event is order and pay your own way.
Please RSVP your attendance to gen@businessmountalexander.org.au

Already Online?: How to drive your digital marketing further
2018-09-03 09:30 - 13:30 | Council Chambers at the Civic Centre, Corner Lyttleton and Lloyd streets, Castlemaine
The online world is rapidly evolving.
If you’re already online and thinking ‘now, what…?’ or not sure where to direct your energy next, this workshop will prepare you to move onwards and upwards through the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Find out how to make your online choices work harder, deliver smarter business outcomes and get the most return from your digital dollar at this next-level workshop for anyone who’s already on top of the basics.
You will learn how to:

Decide on a digital strategy right for your business
Build your own action plan
Measure your website against best practice
Make the most of online marketing and learn how to measure its impact
Manage risk, privacy and cybersecurity
Access tools, templates, support and resources in future

The Already Online workshop follows on from August’s Advanced Marketing workshop which was a big success and sold out weeks before hand. To avoid disappointment book your ticket and reserve your place.
Small Business Victoria workshops hosted by Mount Alexander Shire Council in Castlemaine are fast paced, informative and interactive as well as being very affordable.
For enquiries about small business workshops or business mentoring, call Eva Parkin, Economic Development Officer on 5471 1805 or email.

After 5 Networking Drinks
2018-08-16 17:00 - 19:00 | The Taproom, 1-9 Walker Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Australia
It’s been awhile since the business community caught up for a social drink. Business Mount Alexander is running this event at The Taproom for people to come along and meet other people running or working in business in the Mt Alexander shire.
Also a chance to meet the BMA committee and share your ideas about succeeding in business.
Snacks provided. Drinks at bar prices. Queries to Genevieve via gen@businessmountalexander.org.au
All welcome!
Oh, and stay on for the MainFM Trivia from 7pm!

Advanced Marketing: How to make your strategy work smarter
2018-08-06 09:30 - 13:00 | Council Chambers at the Civic Centre, Corner Lyttleton and Lloyd streets, Castlemaine
The Mount Alexander Shire Council small business workshops are delivered in partnership with Small Business Victoria and are SO popular that they usually sell out days or even weeks before.
Their August workshop, Advanced Marketing is no exception. There’s only two tickets remaining. If you want to make your marketing strategy work harder, jump on the booking link and reserve the last two tickets to this fast paced and informative workshop.
Are you ready to position your business at the next level?
Find out how to boost your current marketing strategy and position your business for future growth at this hands-on workshop in August.
The Advanced Marketing workshop follows on from June’s Marketing workshop which was a big success and sold out days before hand. To avoid disappointment book your ticket and reserve your place.
Small Business Victoria workshops hosted by Mount Alexander Shire Council in Castlemaine are fast paced, informative and interactive as well as being very affordable.

Saturday Sessions at Cohoots
2018-07-14 08:00 - 2018-08-04 17:00 | CoHoots Workspace, 40 Forest Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450, Australia
Generally we hibernate indoors all winter waiting for it to get warm again. So while sitting around why not skill-up or prepare to action that change you have been thinking about.
Cohoots have put together a variety of workshops for people who want to develop their businesses, organisations, self or career.
The workshops, starting Sat 30 June, have been carefully selected to present approaches suited to our environment and work/life style.
To find out more or book in, click HERE.

Speed Networking & AGM
2018-05-22 18:00 - 21:00 | The Taproom, 1-9 Walker Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Australia
Come along and network like it’s a contact sport at The Taproom.
What is speed networking?
Speed networking is a structured process for facilitating introductions and conversation between business people. The two participants in each meeting introduce themselves, briefly summarising their business histories and goals. They often exchange business cards and possibly additional information for a follow-up meeting. Yes, it’s structured but to make it fast and fun we’ll have special guest performer and host, Scott Sanders to facilitate this business event with fervour!
Prior to all the fun and frivolity, Business Mount Alexander will hold their AGM and welcome any members to consider having an active role on the BMA committee.
Food provided. Drinks at bar prices.
RSVP: gen@businessmountalexander.org.au

Effective Business Practices Workshop
2018-03-05 09:30 - 13:00 | Council Chambers at the Civic Centre, Corner Lyttleton and Lloyd streets, Castlemaine
Small Business Workshop
When: 9.15am (for a 9.30am start) – 1.00pm, Monday 5 March (this is a new morning timeslot in response to the recent business workshop survey)
Where: Civic Centre, Council Chambers, Cnr Lyttleton and Lloyd Streets, Castlemaine
Cost: $30.00
Consistency keeps customers coming back. Make sure you’ve got the right systems and practices in place to ensure your business delivers consistent products and services first time, every time – from the get go.
Whether you are an existing business owner or about to start, this workshop will help you to not only run your business day to day, but ensure you’re ready to ramp up for tomorrow’s success.
YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO:

Stress test your current processes and systems
Deliver efficiencies across eight core areas
Get across risk management
Simplify financial management and record keeping
Steamline your customer experience
Get on top of key compliance issues
Build your own action plan of next steps
Access tools, templates, support and resources in future

YOUR PRESENTER: Bill Winter
Bill’s business experience is remarkable for its diversity; from CEO and advisory board member to highly renowned facilitator and business mentor. He specialises in helping small business implement the right structures to manage change. Bill’s area of expertise include family businesses, start-ups, executive coaching, mentoring and the Not-for-Profit sector.

Cafe Re-PUBLIC Networking Breakfast
2018-02-27 07:45 - 09:15 | Cafe re-PUBLIC, 26A Templeton Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450, Australia
Join us for breakfast at Cafe re-PUBLIC on Templeton St, Castlemaine to kick off the year of Business Mount Alexander events!
Not only will you get to meet and chat with like-minded business folk, there will be door prizes PLUS hear from David Perrin, owner of Public Inn, talk about things he’s learnt when running businesses in the shire.
It’s pay your own way for food and drinks – a set menu will be provided. There will also be a complimentary fruit platter.
RSVP to gen@businessmountalexander.org.au

Show Me The Money - Government funding demystified
2018-02-06 08:45 - 11:00 | Council Chambers at the Civic Centre, Corner Lyttleton and Lloyd streets, Castlemaine
Mount Alexander Shire Council is pleased to host a FREE information session for local businesses on how to tap into government funding.
Tuesday 6 February
8.45am to 11am
Castlemaine Civic Centre, Lloyd Street, Castlemaine
Show me the money – Government funding demystified is an informal expo style event where we will bring you the people who assess your funding applications.
Some of the programs to be discussed include the New Energy Jobs Fund, Micro Grid, Environmental Upgrade Agreements, Boost Your Business Vouchers Program, Food Source Victoria, Wine Growth Fund and the Federal Government’s Entrepreneurs Program.
This is a unique opportunity to talk directly with funding program managers about what grants are available, what they look for in a grant application and how to apply.

Business Planning Essentials Workshop
2018-02-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Council Chambers at the Civic Centre, Corner Lyttleton and Lloyd streets, Castlemaine
Is your business heading for long-term success?
Mount Alexander Shire Council is kicking off its 2018 Small Business Workshops with a two hour session to help business people develop a plan to achieve long-term success.
Presenter Bruce Hall will show participants how to build a business plan that will drive your business (or your business idea) forward.
Business Planning Essentials Workshop
6.00pm to 8.00pm on Monday 5 February
Council Chambers at the Civic Centre, corner Lyttleton and Lloyd streets, Castlemaine
Cost: $20.
To register visit the Business Resources section of Council’s website at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Business_resources.
The small business workshops are presented by Council in partnership with State Government – Small Business Victoria.

BMA End of Year Party
2017-12-07 18:30 - 21:30 | Buda House, 42 Hunter Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450
Get together and party with friends in the vibrant arts and business community of Castlemaine at the BMA Christmas Party on Thursday 7 Dec from 6.30pm. Join the Business Mount Alexander team to celebrate the year that was and we will launch Arts Open 2018
Held in the beautiful Garden Room at Buda Historic House. Live acoustic songs from the last 100 years by Scott Sanders.
Hear from special guest speakers Glyn Roberts, Director – Castlemaine State Festival and Jo Porter, Producer for Regional Centre for Culture 2018.
An assortment of finger food and complimentary drink on arrival.
Pricing: $30 for BMA Members and Concession | $40 Full Price (non-members)
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/332996
Queries: gen@businessmountalexander.org.au or 0409 070 930

Social Drinks at Margot Bar
2017-10-19 17:30 - 19:00 | Margot Wine Bar, 14 Hargreaves Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450, Australia
As the weather warms up, its timely to get together for another informal networking night for people in biz to come together after work for a social drink in the courtyard at Margot Bar.
Finger food provided. Drinks at bar prices.
Email your attendance to gen@businessmountalexander.org.au to assist with catering.

Mt Alexander Business Awards Celebration
2017-08-16 17:30 - 22:00 | Castlemaine Town Hall, 25 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450, Australia
Join us at the Mount Alexander Business Awards ceremony, which will kick off with drinks at 5.30pm on Wednesday 16 August at the Castlemaine Town Hall, Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine.
Australian broadcaster and journalist Tracee Hutchison will be your host for the evening. Guest speaker is Bendigo business woman Margo Spalding, renowned for establishing the successful Jimmy Possum Furniture.
“The evening will showcase many of our business leaders in Mount Alexander Shire,” said David Leathem, Manager Economy and Culture, Mount Alexander Shire Council.
“Guests will also get the chance to talk with Margot and to network with some of the best in the industry,” he said.
Finalists and winners are chosen by an independent judging panel, who have recently been visiting the shortlisted businesses in late July. The winners of each of the six categories will go in the running for the coveted Business of the Year award and $2,000 prize money.
The Mount Alexander Business Awards are run in partnership with Maldon & District Community Bank® and The Midland Express/Castlemaine Mail. The awards are supported by Business Mount Alexander, Maldon Inc., Regional Development Victoria and Workspace Australia as individual award sponsors.
The cost for tickets is $35 with drinks and canapes provided. To book visit www.stickytickets.com.au/55814

Build Your Resilience Workshop
2017-08-07 17:00 - 20:30 | Vic
The next workshop in the small business series offered by Mount Alexander Shire Council is Build Your Business Resilience. In this practical workshop you will be guided through a step-by-step approach to identify and assess risks, then plan and prepare how to manage them to build the resilience of your business.
5.00pm – 8.30pm, Monday 7 August 2017
Mount Alexander Shire Civic Centre
Cnr Loyd & Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine
$30 per person – Light refreshments provided
You will receive a 50% discount for a business mentoring session by attending this workshop. Sponsored by Robertson Hyetts Solicitors and Mount Alexander Shire Council.

Breakfast at Saffs
2017-07-25 07:45 - 09:00 | Saffs Cafe, 64 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450
Business Mount Alexander is holding our second breakfast for the year at Saffs Cafe. Join us for a coffee or scrambled eggs (or whatever takes your fancy), meet others in business and hear from guest speaker – Cass Ewing from Circleworks.
It’s pay your own way. Please rsvp to gen@businessmountalexander.org.au to help ensure a smooth morning!

Social Drinks at The Taproom
2017-06-15 17:30 - 19:00 | The Taproom, 1-9 Walker Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Australia
Join us for drinks and nibbles on Thursday 15 June at The Taproom from 5.30 pm to 7 pm. Meet other people in business in the shire and hear from guest speakers – Trent McGregor – Robertson Hyetts Solicitors (BMA’s major sponsor) and Pete Collings, Architect. Drinks at bar prices. Pizza/snacks provided.
Stay on for MainFM’s Trivia Night from 7.30pm
RSVP – gen@businessmountalexander.org.au

Retailers Forum
2017-05-04 17:45 - 19:00 | The Criterion Hotel, 165 Barker Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450, Australia
Our new shire CEO Darren Fuzzard is keen to get to know the business community better and has been meeting with different sectors. Now it’s the retailers’ turn!
Please join us for an informal chat after work to share your thoughts and ideas.
Buy your own drinks as you head upstairs. Finger food provided.
Enquiries: Kerry Anderson 0418 553 719 or Eva Parkin 5471 1700

BMA Brekky at Saffs
2017-04-24 07:45 - 09:00 | Saffs Cafe, 64 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450
Join us for breakfast on Monday 24 April from 7.45am to meet the Business Mount Alexander committee and other people in business. It’s pay your own way, so come for coffee and a muffin or a big brekky!
If you could RSVP to gen@businessmountalexander.org.au that would be great. See you there!

Women in Business Morning Tea
2017-03-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Vic
Business Mount Alexander invites women in business along to a morning tea at The Dove Cafe, Castlemaine. Meet other local business women over coffee and cake.
Early bird price – $12 when purchasing tickets before Thursday 9 March. Full price $16 from 10 March onwards. Price includes one hot drink, cake and sandwiches.
Contact Gen on 0409 070 930 or gen@businessmountalexander.org.au

RIKE design studio opening
2017-03-11 15:00 - 18:00 | The Mill, 1 Walker Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Australia
You’re invited to the opening of the RIKE design STUDIO on Saturday 11 March from 3pm to 6pm at The Mill!

End of Year Party!
2016-12-01 19:00 - 21:30 | Castlemaine Art Museum, 14 Lyttleton Street,, Castlemaine, Victoria, 3450, Australia
Get together and party with friends in the vibrant arts and business community of Castlemaine at the BMA Christmas Party on Thursday 1 Dec from 7pm. Hear from special guest speakers Kathryn Mackenzie, Executive Manager Tourism, City of Greater Bendigo and Darren Fuzzard, CEO, Mount Alexander Shire Council. Live jazz music, an assortment of finger food and complimentary drink on arrival.
Arts Open Artists, image by Maya Seppings provided by Business Mount Alexander

BMA AGM & Social Drinks
2016-10-27 18:00 - 19:30 | The Governor’s Cafe, 36-48 Bowden Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450
Join Business Mount Alexander for it’s Annual General Meeting, followed by drinks at The Governor’s Cafe, Old Castlemaine Gaol on Thursday 27 October. All positions on the committee will become vacant so if you are keen to be a part of BMA, come along to the AGM.
David Leathem, Manager Local Economy at Mount Alexander Shire Council is our guest speaker who will talk about the new tourism destination management plan for the region.
The AGM will be kept short, leaving time to meet and chat over drinks and nibbles.
For more information please feel free to call BMA Exec Officer, Genevieve Ward on 0409 070 930 or email gen@businessmountalexander.org.au

Castlemaine Community House Spring Ball 2016
2016-10-15 20:00 - 2016-10-16 01:00 | Town Hall, Room 1, Frederick Street, Castlemaine, 3450
2016 Spring Ball is Castlemaine Community House’s 21st Ball!
This years theme is the fabulous 80’s (will it ever go out of fashion?)
Performing is all star band Plumz – a fabulous combination of very talented musicians from across the shire and beyond (think Castlemaine Idylllllllll Baaaaaaand!!!) and they will also have a lineup of guest singers. There will be food, door prizes and guest DJ’s too.

Ticket will be on sale soon at the usual outlets – Green Goes, Maine Shoes and at CCH reception from September but you can go online to our try booking page.
https://www.trybooking.com/215847
In the meantime, get your priorities straight and focus all your attention on what you’re going to wear!
– get out the shoulder pads, pull out the leg warmers and tease up the hair people!

Women in Business Morning Tea
2016-10-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Goldfields Track Cafe, 92 Harmony Way, Harcourt, Vic, 3453, Australia
Business Mount Alexander invites women in business along to a morning tea at Goldfields Track Cafe. Meet other local business women over coffee and cake. No structured presentations, speakers or name tags – just organic networking. $10 for BMA members and $15 for non-members. Hot drink and selection of cakes, slices, scones, jam & cream included in price.
Book via: https://www.trybooking.com/NILP

Business Planning Essentials
2016-10-03 17:30 | Town Hall, Room 1, Frederick Street, Castlemaine, 3450
A clear business plan is an essential determiner of long-term business success – as the saying goes, ‘fail to plan and you plan to fail’.
Get the tools, templates and support you need to guide you through the key steps in the planning process and give your business the best chance of success.
Business planning helps you to think ahead to identify and avoid future issues and more importantly discover and explore new opportunities.
A good business plan creates a clear vision and roadmap for your business, which can be a vital tool when seeking finance, leasing premises, getting permits and engaging staff.
And it doesn’t have to be long or complex. The key question is “what has to change to get us from where we are now to where we want to be”. In just two hours, this seminar will help you navigate through the ‘now-where-how’ to answer that question and to create a clear one-page plan for your business.
This tried and tested seminar has been helping Victorian business get started for over 10 years and will introduce you to the business frameworks that will fast-track your success.

Social Drinks at The Taproom
2016-09-29 17:00 - 18:30 | The Taproom, 1-9 Walker Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Australia
Join us for ‘After 5’ drinks at The Taproom on Thursday 29 October from 5pm to 6.30pm.
A great way to meet other people in business for a social chat over a drink.
Drinks at bar prices, finger food provided. All Welcome!
Register your interest via our BMA Facebook page.

Your Value, Money & Stuff
2016-09-15 19:00 - 21:00 | CoHoots Workspace, 40 Forest Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450, Australia
MONEY is the theme for the next Women in Cohoots networking event. Topics up for discussion:
* how to generally manage the money in your business
* how to value your worth and charge accordingly
* the benefits and costs of discounting & freebies
There will be plenty of discussion and sharing of your ideas & resources to help you manage your future. Liz Mellor, the money coach (http://www.awakenintowealth.com/) will be on hand offering her insights.
Enjoy a cuppa or wine with nibbles and a chair-based yoga stretch with Jacqui (http://yogaharmony.com.au/) to maintain flexibility of your mind and body. And don’t forget the invaluable networking with like-minded women.
Get all this for $15
More information via Facebook Event Page.

Setting Your Financial Strategy
2016-09-05 17:30 - 20:00 | Town Hall, Room 1, Frederick Street, Castlemaine, 3450
Do you know the difference between a budget and a forecast? A good financial strategy is more than just income and expenses.
Profit and loss, budgets, forecasts and cash flow – it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by business financials, but they are fantastic tools once you know how to use them.
Even if you are not a ‘numbers person’ this short workshop will guide you through step-by-step to develop an effective budget and forecast that can help you monitor and evaluate the strategic and financial objectives of your business.
If you want your business to be the best it can and provide the financial rewards to go with it – you need a plan.
In a small group with other local business owners, and presented by an expert financial strategist, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive advice from someone who has first-hand small business experience.
You will leave the session equipped with information you can apply directly in your own business. Need more help to set your financial strategy? This workshop comes with one free one-hour consultation with an experienced small business mentor.
Learn how easy it is to take control and develop a financial strategy that improves how your business runs.
