Council launches new online portal to support local businesses

‘Cardinia Business’ (www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/cardiniabusiness) is an interactive platform designed to connect local businesses with local customers. The portal gives businesses a quick and easy way to promote the services they’re currently offering, as well as for the Cardinia Shire community to give a shout out to businesses they love in their local area.  

The portal also has information and resources for businesses on support available from the state and federal governments and from Cardinia Shire Council, as well as grants, funding, employment and training opportunities, local business events, and health and wellbeing tips.  

‘Cardinia Business’ also makes it easier for businesses to stay across current COVID-19 business and industry restrictions and requirements, with links to important information in one central place.  

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jeff Springfield said the new initiative has been launched to provide promotional and practical support to Cardinia Shire businesses during a very tough time.  

“The pandemic has brought huge challenges for businesses and highlighted the need for us all to support our local business community whenever we can.  

“We hope ‘Cardinia Business’ is a useful “one-stop-shop” to help our businesses navigate this very difficult time, and a means for the local community to support their favourite local businesses and  discover what’s on offer from other businesses close to home.”    

The portal’s free ‘Buy Local’ mapping feature helps people find local businesses still operating during the pandemic, or getting ready to do so. It’s quick and easy for businesses to put themselves on the map, and as listings are linked to the business’ Facebook page, changes in details update automatically. Residents can also use the tool to post recommendations or photos to support businesses they love. 

‘Cardinia Business’ is being delivered by Council’s Economic Development team and will be continuously revised and updated with fresh features, support, information and opportunities from organisations including Cardinia Shire Council, Business Victoria, the Casey Cardinia Region, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Australian Government’s business.gov.au.  

“While we’ll continue to work with our regional business partners, the portal is designed to offer focused support to our local businesses,” Cr Springfield said.  

“I encourage Cardinia Shire businesses to go online and see what ‘Cardinia Business’ has to offer, and for people in Cardinia Shire to use to it to show their appreciation for our local businesses.  

“It will be a long road ahead for our business community, so let’s keep supporting them as much as possible,” Cr Springfield said.   

Visit the Cardinia Business portal at  www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/cardiniabusiness