All About Business - Issue 41, June 2019

Ignition Information Session - 4 June

Applications are now open for Ignition, a one week intensive entrepreneurial training program running from Sunday 25 to Friday 30 August. The City has sponsored a scholarship place for a local resident or business owner in this program.  If you are thinking of applying or are interested in knowing more about this fantastic opportunity, the City is hosting an Ignition Information Session in June. 

Time: 5.15 - 6pm
Date: 4 June
Location: City of Armadale Administration Building
Cost: free
RSVP: Essential (visit the Curtin University website).

This training program is open for anyone with a business idea, research project or early stage business venture that could become a high growth business.

The purpose of this evening is to provide information on the program and to answer any questions you may have on the application process.

Applications for scholarship places close Friday 5 July.

Metronet Update - Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal project continues forward

The demolition of five homes on Third Avenue and Railway Avenue in Kelmscott is underway. This is an exciting milestone for the Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal project as it makes way for the Public Transport Authority's temporary site works compound, and will later become the realigned Third Avenue. These homes follow the demolition of number 8 Third Avenue which occurred in early March.

There are no major impacts expected from the works. You may notice extra truck movements in the area but these will be limited to Railway Avenue and Third Avenue. A traffic controller may be used to manage truck movements during busy hours.

On-site activity will be minimal during this process. Updates are available on Metronet Denny Level Crossing Removal Facebook Group or sign up to Metronet Project Updates.

Alex Wood Drive, Forrestdale Business Park Streetscape Improvements

Essential improvements have been completed on the median island verges on Alex Wood Drive in Forrestdale Business Park. All median islands from Armadale to Ranford Rd have been landscaped. These drainage and irrigation improvements are in the maintenance phase by Contractors until handover to the City in late November.

The elements that have been upgraded include the following:

• Drainage design levels will be reinstated
• Existing storm erosion control removed
• Efficient irrigation systems installed
• Approximately 125 native tress and 14,000 shrubs planted
• And paving installed along with traffic control bollards.

The purpose of these upgrades is to enhance the streetscape appearance and install an effective drainage system.

What the 2019-20 Federal budget means for small business

The latest blog by the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) breaks down the Federal Budget and what it means for small businesses. Read the blog here which covers topics including:

• Tax relief
• $20,000 instant asset write-off tax extended
• Illegal phoenixing
• Streamlining transactions with Government
• Education and employment
• And changes to Business Activity Statements.

To keep up to date with information provided by SBDC, follow their Facebook or LinkedIn.

Lodge your tax return online and get more time

As a small business, you may be eligible for an extra two weeks to lodge and pay your activity statement by lodging online.

Depending on your business type, you have options for lodging online including:

• Standard Business Reporting (SBR) enabled software (cloud software) – often integrated with business software tailored to specific industries.
• Business Portal – a secure ATO website, used separately from other business software.
• myGov – if you’re a sole trader and don’t need any other software.

For more information, visit the ATO website. 

Business Training - Websites & Selling Online - E-commerce 101 (Beginner)

Attend this selling online workshop to be familiar with E-commerce terminologies and the digital world. Come away with a checklist to consider before launching a website and a practical step-by-step guide to market your new online store.

» Book online

Time: 9.30 - 11.30am
Date: 12 June
Location: City of Armadale Administration Building
Cost: $16.91 + GST

Business Training - The Visual Power of Instagram for Business (Beginner)

In a fast-paced digital world, images are a fast way to capture attention. If you have a visual aspect to your brand, Instagram could be a platform to use to grow your small business. This workshop will cover areas including how to optimise your profile, design your brand, use hashtags and create content that connects.

» Book Online

Time: 1 - 3.30pm
Date: 28 June
Location: City of Armadale Administration Building
Cost: $16.91 + GST

Minderoo Foundation initiative, In-School Parent Employment Service (IPES)

The In-School Parent Employment Service (IPES) pilot project is looking for businesses to get involved with their parent employment service. IPES uses a demand-led employment approach to support solid employment pathways for young parents 25 years and under living in the suburb of Armadale. This project is the initiative of Andrew and Nicola Forrest (Minderoo Foundation), and is fully funded through the Department of Social Service and a 100% voluntary service to parents.

IPES provides local businesses with cost free employment service including tailored recruitment, funding and employment industry advice and ongoing post placement support. If this pilot is a success, this type of employment service will be available through more schools across Australia.

IPES is proud to build partnerships with local businesses and helps promote the work of partner employers through the Minderoo Foundation’s social media channels and website.

To take part of this life changing pilot project as a partner employer, contact Program Manager, Bianca Corciulo bcorciulo@minderoo.com.au.

Stat attack

Tourism in the City of Armadale is an emerging and growing industry. In 2016/17, the total tourism and hospitality sales in City was $138.9m.

Winter is the perfect season to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the many hikes and walking trails the Perth Hills Armadale has to offer. You don’t need to be up at the crack of dawn to beat the heat and the cool, crisp air is great for clearing your mind and reducing stress. Head to Bungendore Park to explore walk trails, spot wildlife and wildflowers among 498 hectares of native bushland.

Bungendore Park stat attack:

• 357 plant species from 62 families, representing 44% of the species occurring in the Jarrah Forests of the South West of Western Australia
• 100 species of birds, including Wrens, Robins and Wattlebirds
• Eight species of bat, the smallest of which – the Southern Forest Bat weighs less than a $2 coin!
• 40 species of Orchids, some which can be spotted as early as July
• Five walking trails ranging from 1.7 to 7.7 kilometres

Pop into the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre at 40 Jull Street before hitting the trails to collect maps and flyers to help identify wildlife.