The WA Government has announced an expansion of the Small Business Hardship Grants Program, administered by the Small Business Development Corporation.

The program provides financial support to businesses that experienced a decrease in turnover for a consecutive two-week period between 1 January and 30 April 2022.

The expansion of the program sees the decrease in turnover requirement for the top tier of the grant reduced from 50 to 40 percent and will increase the payments to eligible sole traders and micro-businesses in this tier.

Previous program applicants do not need to reapply for the 40 percent tier. Applications will be reassessed in line with the new decrease in turnover criteria and applicants notified if their eligibility status has changed. Successful applicants who already received a payment for the program and are now eligible for a higher payment will automatically receive the additional funds to their nominated bank account.

The Small Business Development Corporation is hosting a webinar to help businesses understand the changes and the application process. The webinar will take place at 10 am on Thursday 12 July. For more information or to register for the webinar, please click the link below.

WA PLASTIC BAN
To reduce plastic pollution, the Western Australian Government is implementing a state-wide ban on the supply of certain plastic items, enforceable from 1 July 2022. 

The following items will be banned from 1 July:

• Any plastic shopping bag with handles
• Paper shopping bags with plastic laminate
• Disposable plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery and plates 
• Disposable plastic bowls and food containers without lids
• Expanded polystyrene food containers and trays

The ban on disposable plastic cups for cold drinks comes into effect in WA from 1 October, while plastic coffee cups and lids must not be used after 1 January 2023.  

The National Retail Association is offering free, monthly online information sessions for businesses. Registration is necessary via the link below.

FUTURE CHEF JOB READY PROGRAM

Need skilled workers?

The new Future Chef Job Ready training program pairs would-be chefs with prospective employers for four weeks, so each can see if they’re a good match before committing to a three-year apprenticeship. Trainees are equipped with basic job skills to ensure they are ready to enter a commercial kitchen.

This new program offers you an alternative recruitment pathway to access job-ready candidates who have completed the entry-level training, have some experience in a commercial kitchen, and are keen to gain employment in the hospitality industry. As an employer, you can be confident your new employee will have the critical skills required to enter the workforce.

Full details can be found on the information flyer below.

INVESTMENT ATTRACTION FUND OPENS
Looking to establish and grow your business in WA?

The Investment Attraction Fund (IAF) has been launched to promote investment and jobs in Western Australia. The fund seeks to encourage new investment that will create local jobs, increase demand for local goods and services, and secure trade in new sectors and markets.

The IAF will enable investment in a range of industries, facilitating a more targeted and coordinated approach to investment attraction. The IAF builds on WA's existing strengths and industry knowledge, prioritising projects and sectors that are identified in the State's economic development framework, Diversify WA.

Businesses seeking to establish and grow their operations in WA are encouraged to submit an expression of interest via the link below.

SUBI TO BLOOM THIS WEEKEND

Subi Blooms is back again this Mothers' Day weekend with even more to see and explore.

Some of Perth's top florists are transforming Subiaco into the ultimate floral wonderland, with 13 large-scale floral installations to explore. Download the full trail map below.

Treat Mum or that special someone to a weekend stroll and follow the immersive floral art trail through Subi's town centre. You can explore the trail from 12pm this Friday until Sunday night.
 

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Bar Amelie

Bar Amelie, Subiaco's newest hospitality venue is a collaboration between hospitality professional and former London bar owner, Kat Dehavilland and Regal Theatre Manager, Kim Knight.
Bar Amelie’s vision is simple - to bring joy, connection, and happiness with a relaxed feel, great wine, and simple tapas.
Check out this stunning space at 118 Rokeby Road, Subiaco.

WE WANT YOU TO HAVE YOUR SAY
The City of Subiaco will inform and consult our community on matters that affect them, because we understand that the best outcomes come from working together. Feedback will be used to inform and strengthen the City’s decision-making process.

Have your say Subiaco is an online space to share your thoughts on the City's projects that interest and affect you. You can have your say in many different ways depending on the project, perhaps by taking part in a survey, nominating for a reference group or commenting on a development application.