Pop-up Shops and Market in Warragul

What is a pop-up shop?

A pop-up shop is a pop-up retail space in a venue only temporary — the space could be a sample sale one day and office space the next day. The trend involves “popping-up” one day, then disappearing anywhere from one day to several weeks later. These shops, while small and temporary, can build up interest by consumer exposure. Pop-up retail allows a company to create a unique environment that engages their customers, as well as generates a feeling of relevance and interactivity. They are often used by marketers starting out in the retail business but do not have the finance to commit to an individual shop with a long term lease.

Why are we supporting this?

In Gippsland to buy locally made or grown produce you most likely need to visit a weekend market to purchase such items. These markets are usually only held during the finer months and on a monthly bases. So if you wanted to buy a local gift for a special occasion you would have to plan up to a month beforehand to make the purchase.

In Warragul there are limited places where you can buy locally made or grown produce, so Teresa Mitchell of the Business Support Centre thought the idea of offering space within the Business Support Centre for Gippsland products would not only support the local artisans and farmers but would also support the buy local campaign.

“I had read an article about pop-up shops being developed in old warehouses to support designers wanting to display their wares to the wholesale market and thought this could work for local market stallholders looking for space to sell their products during the week,” said Teresa.

“The Business Support Centre was set up with coworking office space but coworking retail would also fit within the Centre. There is indoor and undercover space available and also a large outdoor space in the private carpark.”

What we offer:
Pop-up shops will feature a diverse mix of exhibitors invited to display and sell their wares for one action-packed day per week. Space holders will be hand-picked to represent the best home-grown, handmade and home-baked products that Gippsland has to offer.
We will advertise and promote the Pop-up Market Days extensively throughout Gippsland and include the promotion of local artisans, innovators and business owners to the general public.

Space holders will require becoming a member of Coworx the coworking space in Business Support Centre Warragul. This will give them public liability coverage and use of the facilities.

Ring (03) 5623 3332 for further details or to make an appointment to visit us at 34 Mason Street Warragul.

Government Grant to support innovation & productivity

There is new Victorian Government grant available for small/medium business owners, designed to drive innovation & productivity. The Innovation Voucher Program grant is worth up to $25K and is designed to explore or test new ideas. Go to http://www.business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-assistance/innovation-voucher-program

Innovation Voucher program - Grants & Assistance - Business Victoria

The Innovation Voucher Program is a new initiative of the Victorian Government that supports businesses wanting to explore ways of improving their competitiveness and productivity. It provides responsive and nimble funding to help companies access the know-how needed to innovate. The program includes two vouchers: the Business Research and Development (R&D) Voucher and the Innovation Skills Voucher. 

Business Support Centre - 34 Mason Street Warragul 3820

The story of The ROQUE Model Talk by Joseph D'Souza to Warragul Business Group

The Business Support Centre sponsored and hosted Joseph D'Souza, a TEDxMelbourne 2011 participant at a Warragul Business Group networking night. 

"I heard Joseph speak at TEDxMelbourne 2011 and was so moved by his talk. I then meet up with him a couple months later at a TEDxMelbourne forum, and I asked him if he would come to Warragul to give his talk and he accepted." Teresa Mitchell, WBG Executive member. "This is what networking and recognising opportunities is all about".

Joseph asks, "Where are you going in your life? Who are you - really? What are you actually doing with your life - really? Where would you really like to be in your life? ..."

Go to http://youtu.be/u7x8fjc7bz0 to find out more.

The To-Do List

November 29, 2012

Keep Your To-Do List Fresh with the 3-Day Rule

A to-do list is only useful if you cross things off as often as you add tasks on. If something’s been on your list for more than three days, do one of the following:

• Do it immediately. It may take you less time than you think.
• Schedule it. Find a time slot on your calendar when you can get the task done. If it’s important enough to have on your list, then commit to doing it at a specific time and day.
• Let it die. If you’re not willing to do something immediately or schedule it for later, you won’t ever do it. Accept that it’s not really a priority and take it off your list.

Adapted from the HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done.

NEW BUSINESS CONCEPT TO BOOST SMALL BUSINESS IN GIPPSLAND

 Author: Karyn O'Brien

The first co-working business hub has been established in Gippsland to meet the growing number of mobile businesses and consultants who move between towns across the region and need short term office space.

 

Business Support Centre has opened in Warragul with moves to establish a network of business hubs across the region linking businesses in the Latrobe Valley, and South Gippsland.

Business Support Centre Director, Teresa Mitchell, said the business concept was innovative for Gippsland and was the first co-working business hub to be established in regional Victoria.

“Businesses and individuals become members of Coworx and are given options to use working space to suit their specific business needs. Membership is also open to not-for-profit organisations and government agencies. They may need a few hours a week, a few days, or establish themselves full-time in the Centre. The choice is theirs. Businesses have access to shared kitchen facilities, meeting or training rooms, printing, photocopying and scanning, Wi Fi Internet, a business resource library including government publications and car parking”

Mrs Mitchell said the plan was to set up similar hubs in the Latrobe Valley and South Gippsland giving businesses an opportunity to work more efficiently across towns and encourage collaboration between small businesses across the region.

“Technology has significantly changed the workplace in recent years with an increasing mobile workforce, one person businesses, and more people setting up home businesses.

“Often small business people work from home or in a one-person office, especially when they start-up.  Coworx gives them an opportunity to be around other small businesses, to share experiences and be part of a social business community where they can network and share information. It also had potential for businesses to reduce their costs.”

She said there were many travelling consultants and businesses that lease offices full-time in towns across Gippsland and yet may only need to use them a few days a week.

“With Coworx they can elect the number of days they need to utilise the office or meeting space and pay for that time."

Mrs Mitchell said a number of businesses were already operating from the Business Support Centre at Warragul offering business mentoring, job support, business information, financial planning, graphic design and web design.

 “The Centre will also host networking evenings and business and community workshops and presentations.”

She said the beauty of Coworx is that once a business becomes a member of Coworx they can also utilise similar co-working spaces in Melbourne. So if they travel to Melbourne and need to meet clients they can book in and use those facilities.

For more information on Coworx membership visit the Business Support Centre at 34 Mason Street, Warragul or phone Teresa Mitchell on (03) 56 233 332 or 0499 991 617 or visit: www.businesssupportcentre.com.au

Mental Health - Are you handling it?

Mental Health: A Big Issue for Small Business

by COSBOA Media

Mental health conditions affect one in five Australians in any given year. Almost half the population experiences a mental health condition at some point during their lifetime. With statistics like that, it’s fair to say that your small or medium business will at some point come into contact with people with a mental health condition, either as an employee, a colleague, a manager or a customer. Left unacknowledged and unattended, it might just become a big issue.  But handled well, mental health in the SME workplace is manageable. The following tips will help with a range of mental health issues in the workplace: Know it, understand it The first thing that must happen is an awareness of the issue… not just for you, but for any staff you may have. We all spend a significant part of our lives at work, so workplaces are in a good position to promote awareness and understanding of mental health conditions, as well as help to educate people. There is an Australian Government service called JobAccess that may be able to assist with funding training on mental health awareness in the workplace if one of your employees is eligible, or there are some wonderful free online training sessions available via beyondblue and other similar services. Workplaces that are open to meaningful discussions with staff regarding mental health also allow themselves to increase productivity by introducing solutions. What to do if you are worried about a colleague You might notice changes in the behaviour or attitude of someone at work. This may impact on their productivity or ability to meet targets – as well as on their wellbeing. Before you approach them, plan your discussion. Thinking about it ahead of time can guide you in what to say. A good starting point is to express your concern and be specific about the workplace behaviour that is concerning you. Remember to respond to what your colleague or employee says. There may be many reasons for a change in behaviour; for example, financial strain, relationship breakdown or physical illness. Addressing the behaviour of concern also allows you to put a plan into place. What to do if an employee or colleague discloses a mental health condition Step one… don’t panic! Mental health conditions are common and most are manageable. Ask how the condition affects your colleague. Don’t assume you know the impact their diagnosis might be having on their work or life – as mental health conditions can impact different people in different ways. Your colleague may be telling you in order to increase awareness or to put a plan in place. Offer to discuss the issues and be open to learning. If their symptoms are impacting on their ability to do their job, think about how the barriers could be overcome.  Some strategies to help include: Have clear role descriptions and key performance indicators available to everyone. Use these to identify and address issues that may arise. In some circumstances, an increase in the structure of the role may help. Employment Assistance Programs (EAPs) may assist in providing support to your worker, and in developing solutions. JobAccess is there is advise employers and may be able to help with ideas. Our website has accommodation ideas and psychologists available for a more tailored discussion. If more specialist assistance is required, JobAccess may be able to fund mental health support in the workplace for eligible workers. Workplace adjustments and accommodations: They may be cost neutral! Many small and medium businesses are run as very tight ships. There is not a lot of extra cash lying around. The good new is that employers are able to provide a range of workplace adjustments (for mental health conditions or disability) at little or no cost. Think laterally when developing strategies – just because something has always been done a certain way, doesn’t make it the best way. Circumstances and role requirements change. By reviewing periodically, you may just come up with better processes for everyone.  A few ideas to look at are: Flexible work hours Nominating a mentor Consulting your EAP if you have one Call JobAccess for advice about your particular circumstances Prevention better than cure Of course many mental health conditions will occur regardless of environment, but some are exacerbated by stress and an inability to cope with it. Good work practices and policies can support your employees more than you may know. It is always good practice to, ahead of time; identify workplace processes, actions or incidents, which may contribute to high stress levels for your employees. Take action to eliminate or minimise these risks and create a supportive environment and culture. For more information about managing mental health in the workplace, please call JobAccess on 1800 464 800 for expert advice, or visit www.jobaccess.gov.au. JobAccess is a one-stop-shop for all matters related to the employment of people with disability, including mental health, administered by WorkFocus Australia on behalf of the Australian Government.  JobAccess is a free service for people with disability, employers and service providers, delivering information and advice via phone and website, and coordinating adjustments in the workplace. ----------------------------------------------------- Don't miss our upcoming webinar, hosted by COSBOA and presented by JobAccess on Supporting Employees with Mental Health Conditions. Check our Events page for more information.