Business Mount Alexander

Show Me The Money - Government funding demystified
2018-02-06 08:45 - 11:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | 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
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
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.

Central Vic Regional Networking at Holgate Brewhouse
2016-08-25 19:00 - 22:00 | Holgate Brewhouse, 79 High Street, Woodend, Vic, 3442, Australia
BREAK OUT and network with your neighbouring shire!
Businesses from Macedon Ranges, Mt Alexander, Hepburn & Daylesford, Sunbury and Bendigo together for networking and socialising at Holgate Brewhouse.
This unique night will be facilitated by leading personal and business coach Veronica Strachan who will help you find meaningful business connections as well as an insightful presentation by Holgate Brewhouse on how they went from small batch brewery to distributing their product nationally.
All this plus networking and fun!
$18 included finger food.
https://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=213564

Getting Collaboration Right
2016-08-09 19:00 - 21:00 | CoHoots Workspace, 40 Forest Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450, Australia
For micro and small businesses operating in regional areas, collaboration with others can stimulate new business possibilities and reduce the challenges of working in isolation. Collaboration designer and partnership broker, Rhonda Chapman, presents an engaging discussion on how collaboration can invigorate small businesses. Come along and learn the how and why of successful collaborations, without the buzzwords but with plenty of practical insights.
The workshop is on Tuesday 9th August 7pm – 9pm and costs $25. Participants will receive a resource tool that provides a framework to establish and maintain your future collaborations.
Bookings via Eventbrite:

Pricing for Maximum Profit
2016-08-01 17:30 - 20:30 | Town Hall, Room 1, Frederick Street, Castlemaine, 3450
How often do you worry about your pricing? There is a reason Pricing is one of the important P’s in the marketing mix.
Take the guess work out of your pricing strategy and in just two hours learn how to find the right approach to increase market share and profit.
Your pricing strategy will determine both revenue and buyer behaviour. Get it right and your business will thrive.
Business owners often struggle over pricing issues. Do you consider: gross margin, mark up, what your competitors are charging or even simply what you ‘need to survive’ or ‘want’ to price your product or service at?
Discover the many elements that make up an effective pricing strategy and the secret to finding the balance between profits and increasing market share.
Learn how to avoid the five most common mistakes of pricing and equip yourself with the right skills and tools to achieve your business objectives.
Then implement your new strategy with the support of a free one hour follow up mentoring session with an experienced small business mentor to help you directly apply your learnings in your business.
Bookings via Eventbrite.

Women in Business Morning Tea
2016-07-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Das Kaffeehaus, 1-9 Walker Street, Castlemaine
Join us for a Women in Business morning tea at Das Kaffeehaus on Tuesday 26 July from 10am to 11.30am. A good opportunity to meet new people, share ideas and enjoy a cuppa and a chat. All welcome!
For queries, contact gen@businessmountalexander.org.au or register your interest via Facebook

Your Business in a Digital World
2016-07-11 17:30 - 20:30 | Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre, Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine
Do you feel confused, overwhelmed or nervous about taking your business online? You have come to the right place.
Whether starting a new business or taking an existing business online, this short workshop will help you make informed decisions about the right online tools for your business.
Today’s online world has evolved to include much more than a website and the speed of change can be hard to keep up with. But if you’re not online you could be missing a lot of business.
Think of your website as the ‘anchor’ and everything else – blogs, social media, online advertising as serving to promote and direct people back to your website. This approach can bring digital thinking into all aspects of your business.
Take the guess work out of finding the right support with this introductory seminar led by a digital expert with real-life small business experience.
Share your experiences with other small business operators in your area while building your understanding of online advertising, search engines, websites and social media.
Through practical exercises and real-life examples make informed decision about the right tools for your business and learn how to bring them all together into an effective online strategy.
Please come and enjoy some friendly informal business networking from 5:30-6pm, refreshments will be served. The workshop session will formally begin at 6pm.
Bookings via Eventbrite.

Social Drinks Night
2016-06-23 17:00 - 18:30 | The Taproom, 1-9 Walker Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Australia
Join Business Mount Alexander for our monthly social drinks at The Taproom on Thursday 23 June from 5pm.
A good opportunity to meet other business folk for a casual drink and good conversation.
Nibbles provided. Drinks at bar prices.
Register your interest via Book via: Facebook or MeetUp
All welcome!

Big Give Information Session
2016-06-15 18:00 - 19:00 | The Goods Shed, Kennedy Street, Castlemaine, Victoria, 3450, Australia
Are you a local sports club, committee or group? Would you like to raise much needed funds for a project? Big Give is Australia’s first Community Giving Day supporting the locals to fundraise and top up their efforts with cash and prizes from our $30,000 prize pool. Come along to find out how Big Give works, if Big Give is right for you and get the chance to sign up on the night.
Find out more via www.biggive.com.au or book your attendance via Eventbrite.

Financial Health Check
2016-06-06 17:30 - 21:30 | Ray Bradfield Room, Frederick Street , Castlemaine, Victoria, 3450, Australia
Do you have a clear picture of how your business is performing financially? Knowing where to look and what to look for is simple when you know how.
Learn to track your business finances and use the information to improve performance and viability – and you don’t need to be an accountant!
Having the best product or service does not automatically translate to financial success. If you struggle to understand financial reporting, your business could be at risk.
Learning to interpret your financial reports can highlight strengths and weaknesses of your business and give you great insights on how to improve profit. Yes, it might sound daunting, especially if you’re not a ‘numbers person’, but it doesn’t have to be – and there is so much to gain.
Join a small number of local businesses in this 2-hour workshop that will step you through small business financials, in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
You will learn how to identify the warning signs and take a proactive approach to managing your business financials, particularly through difficult times.
Using real-life examples you will develop the skills and confidence to navigate your balance sheet and profit and loss statement to assess the financial health of your business.
When you get back to your business take advantage of a free on-on-one mentoring session with an experienced small business mentor who will help you put your learnings into practice.
Please come and enjoy some friendly and informal business networking from 5:30-6pm, refreshments will be served. The workshop session will formally begin at 6pm.

Social Drinks Night: Margot Wine Bar
2016-05-19 17:00 - 18:30 | Margot Wine Bar, 14 Hargreaves Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450, Australia
Each month BMA holds a social drinks night where members can catch up.
All Welcome!

Develop your Online Strategy
2016-05-17 17:30 - 21:00 | Ray Bradfield Room, Frederick Street , Castlemaine, Victoria, 3450, Australia
Learn how to develop a strategy to help grow your business through your online activities and make your products and services easy for potential customers to find.
This small, interactive workshop will demystify the digital world and help bring focus and clarity to your online marketing activities.
Most small-business owners know very well that they need a professional online presence if they want to be taken seriously. But amongst all the other urgent tasks, this important job is often left undone.
The online world is rapidly evolving and today’s customers expect much more than a static promotional website. Adoption of digital technology is fast becoming a fundamental to business success. Developing content, understanding social media and search engine optimisation are all considered complex tasks by many busy small business owners.
Led by a digital expert with real-life small business experience, this workshop will simplify the digital world and help you develop a framework to strategically grow your business online.
Gain relevant, useful advice that you can apply straight away – from setting online marketing goals to content development, social media, search engine optimisation and analytics.
Please come and enjoy some friendly and informal business networking from 5:30-6pm, refreshments will be served. The workshop will formally begin at 6pm.
