COVID-19 Update
We are Open for Business
Welcome to the special COVID-19 edition of the City of Marion’s Open for Business newsletter. In this edition, we share with you the range of services now available as part of our Southern Business Mentoring program and changes to our Cove Business Hub and Co-working facilities.

We recognise that in this current climate, it is becoming increasingly difficult for our business community to operate. The Federal and State Governments are continually updating their range of support services. We encourage you to visit our City of Marion COVID-19 for Business portal which we will be updated daily .

In these tough times, it is important for businesses to stay connected and to reach out when you need assistance. If you need any further support, please do not hesitate to get in touch; you will find our contact details at the bottom of the newsletter.

Keep safe and well,
Donna, Kate, Lisa and Marissa
Economic Development Team
Southern Business Mentoring Program
Mentoring Program now FREE
Our regional Southern Business Mentoring Program is free. Our mentors are delivering additional consultation services.

The current $20 fee per session is waived until 30 June 2020.

All sessions will take place via skype, zoom or phone.
COVID-19 one-on-one support
Our General Business Advisors are available to help your business to develop a strategic response to COVID–19. Martin and Amanda can cover topics including assessing the threats and opportunities for your business, financial management and acessing government stimulus.

Our HR Advisor Evelyn can help your business to e stablish a workforce recovery strategy/plan, manage employee and leave entitlements, and monitor the mental wellbeing of your workplace. 

Now that a lot of us are working from home, our Digital Marketing advisor can help you setup a flexible work environment. Fiona is also offering individual and group webinars on how to use Zoom.
Cove Business Hub
Co-working at Cove Business Hub
In the interest of public safety we are suspending public access to the Co-working Space at the Cove Civic Centre. Council is closely monitoring the situation and this suspension will stay in place until we are told it is safe to re-open.

In the meantime we will continue where we can to offer services through our online channels.

In conjunction with the City of Onkaparinga, we are surveying businesses to gain a better understanding of what you need from council during this crisis. Please complete our survey to help inform our service delivery moving forward.
Wix or Wordpress - Free online seminar

Join Fiona Blinco, a Southern Business Mentoring Program advisor, as she helps you to choose the right platform to build your website.

Would you choose to start your collection with Lego or Meccano - and what's this got to do with building your website? Choosing the platform to build your website in is a decision that's going to stick with you for many years - best to choose the right one for you from the start. 
ATO Small Business Webinars and Workshops

Free small business webinar series on different session topics that cover both general and industry-specific areas of tax obligations. Each session runs for approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

These sessions are of interest if you:
  • are starting a new business or just thinking about starting one
  • want to update your knowledge
  • work in any of the industry-specific areas advertised.
Support for Business
City of Marion Response
The City of Marion is here to support your business and staff members during this uncertain time.

We encourage you to visit our City of Marion COVID-19 for Business home page which we will update daily with information and resources to assist your business to respond in the COVID-19 environment.
State Government Response
To help drive the economy, secure jobs and support industry, the South Australian Government’s stimulus package will inject $350 million into our economy. This state-wide response includes road and hospital upgrades, new tourism infrastructure and an expanded Economic and Business Growth Fund.
 
The Government's COVID-19 business page also provides assistance with:
  • the Economic Response Package
  • Managing your business through crisis
  • Supporting staff
  • Exports and imports
  • Practical advice and tips
Federal Economic Response
The Australian Government is supporting Australian businesses to manage cash flow challenges and retain employees. Assistance includes:

  • Boosting cash flow for employers
  • Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses
  • Increasing the instant asset write-off
  • Backing business investment
  • Supporting apprentices and trainees

The Federal Government are regularly updating their COVID-19 information and support pages so keep checking back for updated content.
Economic Recovery Hub
Economic Development Australia (EDA) has released their knowledge hub, an online portal that doubles as a resource for practitioners, businesses, the community and those people working with effected communities. EDA will update and add to this hub on an on-going basis.  
Business SA COVID-19 Resources
Business SA have mobilised a range of initiatives to help businsesses survive this event – and ultimately thrive.
 
Their Employer Resource Guide is a comprehensive document containing essential information about COVID-19, workplace relations and work health and safety (WHS) matters.
 
Download the guide , or for more information from Business SA about how you can survive the threat of COVID-19, visit their Business SA COVID-19 home page .
Business Associations
Business Association Support
In these uncertain times, it has never been more important to reach out to your fellow businesses for support. Peer to peer support continues to be available via our two business associations.

Southern Business Connections aims to foster and promote business activity through networking, shared knowledge, ideas and resources, and strategic precinct development.

Hallett Cove Business Association aims to connect businesses by providing opportunities to learn about each other. Their message continues to be - shop local wherever possible.
Events and Webinars
Navigating your Business through the COVID-19 Pandemic
Business SA has partnered with the South Australian Small Business Commissioner to help SMEs navigate the current COVID-19 pandemic, take practical actions and build strategies to become more resilient against current and future threats to their businesses and marketplace.

It will cover topics including employment obligations and options, how to access support programs and short-term tactics to preserve cash flow when sales are down.

Wednesday 25 March, 6:00 PM
City of Marion Services
Marion Libraries Click and Collect
In an effort to continue to service our community as best as possible, we have implemented a 'click and collect' service.
All other library services will be suspended, which includes our Toy Library, Programs, Public Access PC's and printing services. Rest assured, we are looking at new ways to deliver story time and other programs in the near future.
Follow the City of Marion Library Service on Facebook for updates as they arise. 
Contact Us
Manager City Activation
T: 08 7420 6525
Unit Manager Economic Development
T: 08 8375 6897
Economic Development Coordinator
T: 08 8375 6765
Economic Development   
Coordinator 
Economic Development   
Support Officer